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Mold Purge Valve Simplifies Tool Changes

The Smartflow Mold Purge 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 three-position shear valve has a ball detent with approximately 15 lb of breakaway force. It retains the valve selector handle in the desired 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 can be connected to the manual vent-drain port so any residual water after the purge cycle can be drained.

An optional spring-loaded locking mechanism on the valve selector assembly is available for molders who require additional protection from accidental valve movement.

The unit is well-suited for cooling water supply lines up to 1 in. 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-in. line sizes providing adequate cooling water flow can be achieved.

The valve can be mounted on the press frame or safety door frame; mounting on platens, molds or manifold stands is also acceptable.

In operation, the valve works like this:

* For normal processing, select 'water.' Cooling water becomes available to the supply manifold and purge air is blocked.

* To evacuate cooling water, select 'purge.' Purge air becomes available to the supply manifold and cooling water is blocked.

* To introduce rust inhibitor, select 'purge' and press 'momentary valve' for four to five seconds. Purge air becomes available to the supply manifold and cooling water is blocked.

* To bleed off trapped pressure and drain residual water, select 'vent' and press the manual vent-drain valve. Purge air and cooling water are blocked.

The manufacturer cites the following benefits:

* A savings of 15 to 20 min of unproductive tool change time by eliminating the tasks of draining multiple supply and return hoses, plus cleaning up water spills.

* Protects tools from corrosion build-up during downtime and storage by evacuating water and introducing rust inhibitor

* Permits fast identification of supply lines by noting which manifold is connected to the Mold Purge Valve

* Convenient shut-off of water near the machine control, rather than with ball valves on the water drops/risers or supply manifold, typically located at the opposite side of the press.

* A full port design permits maximum cooling water flow at minimum pressure drop.

The Mold Purge Valve is available for $425.

Burger Engineering, Inc.
Olathe, KS