Finding a Use for Fly Ash

Many industries rely heavily on one another for certain raw materials and by-products. Kevin Peterson explains how this is apparent in West Virginia’s coal-fired energy, cement and oil/gas industries.

Valves for Handling Cement

When designing valves used to handle cement, engineers need to take into account several factors, including type of material handled, conveying method, conveying line pressures, temperature...

Vortex Global: Providing Coal Handling Solutions for Over 40 Years

For more than 40 years, Vortex Global has provided quality slide gates, diverters, iris valves and loading spouts designed specifically for handling dry bulk solids.

No Grain, No Gain

With a growing global population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by the year 2050, our highly populated planet will need to be fed.

How to Plan for Plant Maintenance Shut-Down

Some factories temporarily shut down each year for scheduled plant maintenance shut-down. Within that period of time, equipment is inspected, processes are improved, and/or production lines are added.

Directing Pneumatic Conveying Traffic

By working with a valve manufacturer, a Texas chemical company automated their pneumatic conveying system so the operator can direct powder to several destinations — simply by sitting at a computer.

April 8, 2019

Fly Ash Feasibility

Fly ash is a fine powder composed mostly of silica. It is a byproduct created when ground coal is burned by coal-fired energy plants.

History: Bringing Bulk Handling Into Bakery Mills

The bulk handling of flour as we know it today did not just happen. A few pioneers made it happen. There was a lot of hard work involved; some successes and a large number of failures.

Every Breath You Take

Aerated bin bottoms are used to move lighter weight dry bulk material that is capable of being fluidised. Fluidisation is the process in which air is passed through static, dry material.

To Barge or Not to Barge?

Barge freight is extremely energy efficient, considering the number of kilometers 1 t of material can be carried per liter of fuel.

What is a Multi-Port Diverter?

The Vortex Multi-Port Diverter is an integrated and automated solution for diverting and/or converging dry solid materials.

How Does the Clear Action Gate Minimize Material Build-Up?

Shawn Opat, Regional Sales Director, Vortex, addresses this recent question from a customer. How does the Vortex Clear Action Gate minimize material build-up?

Wye Line Diverter vs. Flex Tube Diverter: What's the Difference?

The Wye Line Diverter and the Flex Tube Diverter are among Vortex’s most popular diverter valves for pneumatic conveying applications.

How to Address Wear & Abrasion in Cement & Mineral Processes

Many of Vortex’s innovations and new product developments have been conceived from long-standing and close working relationships with the cement, minerals and mining industries.

Twist & Spout

Currently, there are 104 cement plants located in 34 US states. These plants manufacture and ship cement, typically by rail car, to 362 US cement terminals.

Standing Column vs. Flowing Column: What's the Difference?

This white paper will address the difference between a standing column of material versus a flowing column of material.

304, 316 & L-Grade Stainless Steels: What are the Differences?

This Q&A with Paul Deegan, Engineering Manager – Special Projects, Vortex, explains why various materials of construction are necessary when designing equipment for dry bulk solids material handling.

What is an Air-Gravity Conveyor?

Air-gravity conveyance is among the most efficient and cost-effective methods for moving a variety of light-weight, fluidizable dry bulk powders.

Techniques for Dust Management During Loadout

In dry bulk solid material handling operations, workers can be exposed to a plethora of hazards if proper precautionary measures are not taken to create a safe, dust-free environment.

Things to Consider when Diverting or Converging in Dilute Phase

This article will address just a few of the many considerations that must be made before selecting valves to divert or converge dry materials in dilute phase.

Pivoting Chute Diverter Lets You "Shift on the Fly"

When the need arises to divert dry bulk material during gravity flow situations, one normally considers a typical flapper style diverter for the application.