The RIECO Dual Tunnel Diverter Valve is a high-precision rotary diverter engineered for dilute and dense-phase
pneumatic conveying of powders and granules. Unlike flap or butterfly-style diverters—which introduce high wear,
leakage paths, and material degradation—the valve uses a dual parallel tunnel plug that rotates to align the
conveying path with the selected outlet, ensuring a fully unobstructed bore and minimal pressure drop.
The pressure-tight housing, stainless steel product-contact surfaces, and rapid rotary actuation make this valve
suitable for continuous-duty conveying, high switching frequencies, abrasive materials, and industries with
stringent hygiene or contamination control requirements.
Technical Model Matrix
| Model | Pipe Size (NB) | Switching Angle | Max. Op Pressure | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTDV 80NB | 80 mm | 36.6° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 100NB | 100 mm | 35° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 125NB | 125 mm | 35.5° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 150NB | 150 mm | 35° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 200NB | 200 mm | 34.8° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
Design and Operating Principle
The valve operates on a rotary plug mechanism fitted with two independent, full-bore tunnels. The design eliminates constrictions in the conveying path, ensuring uniform air-solids flow velocity.
Operating Sequence:
-
Position A (Outlet–1 Aligned)
- Tunnel-1 is aligned with the inlet and Outlet A.
- Tunnel-2 remains isolated and sealed via static/dynamic elastomeric seals.
-
Transition
- A pneumatic actuator rotates the plug by approx. 35°.
- Rotation is completed in <1 second under standard pressure.
-
Position B (Outlet–2 Aligned)
- Tunnel-2 aligns with the inlet and Outlet B.
- Tunnel-1 is fully sealed off.
Dimension Chart
Major Components & Engineering Construction
| Component | Engineering Description | Material | Design Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve Housing | Machined internal bore with precision SS insert for wear protection. | Aluminium casting with SS liner | High strength-to-weight ratio; pressure-tight up to 3.5 bar(g). |
| Pipe Assembly (Rotor) | Dual-path plug with two independent conveying channels; precision-ground sealing surfaces. | Stainless Steel 304 | Ideal for abrasive, hygienic, and high-frequency switching applications. |
| Pneumatic Actuator | Direct coupled to plug shaft; high torque for rapid switching. | Pneumatic cylinder with linkage | Ensures positive positioning and repeatable switching accuracy. |
| Sealing System | Static and dynamic seals optimized for pressure containment and minimal leakage. | Silicone / VITON | Suitable for food, pharma, chemicals; low wear under cyclic duty. |
| Control & Feedback Package | Solenoid valves, position sensors (proximity switch), junction box. | Industrial-grade sensors | PLC-ready, reduces control panel integration time. |
Performance Features
| Engineering Constraint | DTD-P Feature | Resulting Technical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding shear & attrition in fragile products | Full-bore straight tunnels | No turbulence zones; velocity profile remains uniform. |
| Preventing leakage under pressure | Precision plug + elastomeric sealing | Airtight sealing of non-active outlet; prevents reverse flow. |
| Reducing field maintenance | Enclosed mechanism | Minimal exposure of moving parts; extended MTBF. |
| Ensuring mechanical integrity under cyclic loads | SS plug + reinforced housing | Stable geometry and long operational life. |
Applications
Food & Beverage
- Material: Sugar, coffee beans, spices, flour blends
- Use Case: Line selection from silo to multiple packing stations
- Engineering Requirement: Hygienic surface finish, low shear
- Compatibility: Meets cGMP design expectations
Pharmaceutical
- Material: APIs, excipients, granules
- Use Case: Post-blending routing to compression or coating lines
- Key Requirement: No cross-contamination between batches
- Compatibility: SS contact parts; seal options for cleanroom use
Plastics & Polymers
- Material: PVC / PE / PP granules
- Use Case: Routing to multiple extruders or day bins
- Engineering Requirement: No pellet chipping; withstands cyclic switching
Chemical & Mineral Processing
- Material: Cement, ash, alumina, pigments
- Use Case: Diverting to alternate reactors or storage bins
- Key Requirement: Abrasion resistance; pressure integrity
Technical Model Matrix
| Model | Pipe Size (NB) | Switching Angle | Max. Op Pressure | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTDV 80NB | 80 mm | 36.6° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 100NB | 100 mm | 35° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 125NB | 125 mm | 35.5° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 150NB | 150 mm | 35° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
| DTDV 200NB | 200 mm | 34.8° | 3.5 bar(g) | SS 304 |
Technical Performance Data
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Conveying Modes | Dilute & Dense Phase |
| Maximum Pressure | 3.5 bar(g) Op. (6 bar Design.) |
| Operating Temperature | (-)20 to (+) 80°C |
| Product Contact Material | SS304 |
| Housing Material | Aluminium Casting + SS Insert |
| Leakage Class | Air-tight |
| Area Rating | Safe area Std |
| Switching Cycle Time | 2-3 second |
| Max Hardness of Powder | 2 MHO |