J&H Diverters and Splitters share a lot of the same design criteria and features, even the same actuators. In fact, a two-way splitter may be identical in design to a diverter, although splitters often have multiple discharges. What distinguishes a Splitter from a Diverter is the application. In a splitter, each divider blade is controlled to at least three fixed positions, with the middle position selected to provide the required split of the material flow. Often actuators with modulating or positioning controls are used to allow the exact angle of the middle split position to be determined and easily adjusted to changing operating conditions. The other two outside positions are designed to shut off flow to one of the discharge legs while evenly splitting the material flow into the remaining legs. The purpose of the splitter is to provide reliable and instantaneous equal division of the material flow into the downstream process legs. On the other hand, a Diverter usually only has two discharges, and the divider blade only has controls for two positions, to either send all of the product material into one process stream or into the other, without the middle split position. These diverters often have the same actuators as the more complex splitters, for consistency of control and inter-connectivity to the rest of the plant, or can have simpler controls.
The latest control valves are not just boxes with a divider blade inside for directing material flow. Material Control valves have become increasingly sophisticated as more and more plant operations are being handled automatically by the DCS system or remotely from the Control Room. J&H has kept up with the times, using the latest in electro-mechanical or electro-pneumatic actuators, limit switches, and sensors for control and feedback. Even then, J&H has not lost sight of the basics. All of the latest J&H Valves have easy to open full width access doors on at least one side. This grants complete access to the interior sides and to the diverter blade(s). Maintenance has never been easier. Every part of the valve has been carefully looked at, from the bearings to the shaft seals, to the feed inlet. Everything is designed for the most efficient operation of the valve, the reduction or elimination of common valve problems, and ease of maintenance.
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