SMARTFLOW® SWAP® Valve
The SMARTFLOW® SWAP® Valve is a simple, manually selectable device that supplies cooling water
to the mold during processing or air to purge the water from the mold,
cooling lines, Supply and Return manifolds prior to tool
change.
The 3-position shear valve is
a proven design. Ball detents, with approximately 15 pounds breakaway
force, retain the valve selector handle in the selected position (WATER, PURGE or VENT).
An included check valve
should be installed in the return line downstream from the Return manifold
to prevent backflow to the mold.
Tubing may be connected to
the manual vent-drain port so any residual water after the purge cycle can
be drained into a suitable container or floor
drain.
An optional spring-loaded,
locking mechanism on the valve selector assembly is available for molders
who require additional protection from accidental valve
movement.
Application:
The Mold SWAP Valve is
well-suited for cooling water Supply lines up to 2-inch NPT on frequently
changed tools that are hung on small to medium tonnage injection molding
machines. It is permissible to adapt 3/4, 1 1/4, 1 1/2 and
2-inch line sizes providing adequate cooling water flow can be achieved.
Typical mounting is on the press frame or the safety door frame. Mounting
on any suitable surface, such as a platen, mold or manifold stand is
acceptable.
Molder Benefits
- Timesaving: Saves 15-20 minutes of
unproductive tool change time by eliminating the tasks of draining multiple Supply and Return hoses plus cleaning-up water
spills.
- Tool Condition: Protects tools from corrosion build-up during
downtime and storage by evacuating water.
- Supply Line Permits fast identification of Supply lines by
noting which manifold is connected to the Mold SWAP Valve.
- Water Shut-Off: Mold SWAP Valve shuts-off Supply water conveniently near
the machine control, rather than with conventional ball valves on the water drops/risers or Supply manifold, typically located at the opposite side of the press.
- Full Port Design: Permits maximum cooling water flow at minimum pressure drop.
- Safety-Housekeeping: Eliminates root cause
of accidents around the press by keeping personnel and floors
dry.
- Optional Positive Lock: Eliminates
accidental movement of valve selector handle.
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