I am working with a cardboard manufacturing plant that uses exhaust fans to remove small trim scrap and particles from the cutting machines. Typically, a mechanical conveyor carries scrap from the machine to the opening of a round 10 to 16 inch duct where it is drawn into the duct and conveyed to a cyclone. Typically there are two machines connected to each duct so a fan must operate if either of the machines is being used. Frequently only one or the other of the machines is in use. I would like to shut off the intake of the duct if a machine is inactive (either manually or preferably automatically). This will require reducing the airflow (fan speed) to the second machine so that the "suction" at its intake is not too great. My questions are:
1. Can you recommend a high pressure automatic "valve" or damper that can be used to shut off and isolate the inactive machine. A "blast gate" would do, but I was hoping for something more elegant. I envision either manual control or automatic control tied into the machine controls.
2. I will need to control the fan speed using velocity or static pressure in the exhaust duct. What kind of sensor can i use that will withstand the scrap and dust moving in the duct?
1. Can you recommend a high pressure automatic "valve" or damper that can be used to shut off and isolate the inactive machine. A "blast gate" would do, but I was hoping for something more elegant. I envision either manual control or automatic control tied into the machine controls.
2. I will need to control the fan speed using velocity or static pressure in the exhaust duct. What kind of sensor can i use that will withstand the scrap and dust moving in the duct?
