The Definitive Rotary Valve RFQ Checklist: 12 Questions You Must Answer

Requesting a quote for a rotary valve seems simple—until you realize how many variables affect the price, lead time, and performance. Sending a vague inquiry like "Send me a price for a 6-inch rotary valve" often results in a quote that doesn't fit your application, leading to costly returns or premature failures. At Doebritz-Tec, we want to help you get exactly what you need the first time. Use this comprehensive RFQ (Request for Quotation) checklist to gather the necessary data. Providing these details upfront ensures you receive an accurate quote and helps us engineer the perfect powder handling system for your plant.

Section 1: Material Characteristics (The Most Critical Data)

The valve doesn't handle "powder"; it handles a specific material with unique properties. Guessing here is the #1 cause of failure.

1. What is the exact material name?

(e.g., "Milk Powder" is not enough; is it "Skimmed Milk Powder" or "Whey Powder"? Different fat contents affect flowability.)

2. What is the bulk density?

(Measured in kg/m³ or lbs/ft³). This determines the rotor size needed to achieve your desired throughput. Light, fluffy materials require larger valves.

3. What is the particle size distribution?

(D50 and D90 values). Fine powders (sub-100 microns) require tighter radial clearances and special seals to prevent blowback.

4. Is the material abrasive, corrosive, or toxic?

(e.g., Silica Sand is abrasive; Acids are corrosive; APIs are toxic). This dictates the housing material (SUS304 vs SUS316L), rotor coating (Tungsten Carbide), and sealing requirements.

5. What is the temperature of the material?

(Ambient, 80°C, or 250°C?). High temperatures affect seal selection (NBR vs Viton) and require compensation for thermal expansion.

Section 2: Process Conditions (How the Valve Operates)

Understanding the environment helps us select the right drive and safety features.

6. What is the system pressure?

(Positive pressure in bar/gauge, or Vacuum?). A valve for +0.5 bar requires different sealing than one for -0.2 bar.

7. What is the required throughput (Capacity)?

(Tons per hour or Liters per hour). This, combined with bulk density, allows us to calculate the required RPM and rotor volume.

8. What is the installation orientation?

(Drop-through, Blow-through, or Side Entry?). This determines the valve design. Drop-through is standard for gravity; blow-through is for injecting into pneumatic lines.

9. Are there explosion risks (ATEX/IECEx)?

(Is the dust combustible? Is there solvent vapor?). If yes, we need to know the Zone classification (21/22) and the ST (Explosion Index) value to size the pressure-shock resistance.

Section 3: Mechanical & Utility Specifications

Ensuring compatibility with your existing infrastructure prevents installation headaches.

10. What are the flange standards?

(DIN PN10/16, ANSI 150#, JIS B2220?). Sending a drawing of your existing flange is the best way to avoid mismatches.

11. What are the utility requirements?

(Voltage/Frequency: 380V/50Hz or 460V/60Hz? Do you require an air purge for the shaft seals?). Supplying the wrong motor voltage leads to delays and extra costs.

12. What are the cleaning requirements?

(Manual Washdown, CIP, or COP?). If you need quick changeovers, specify a "Quick Release" or "Cantilevered Rotor" design.

Downloadable RFQ Template (Copy & Paste)

To make it even easier, copy the template below into your email or RFQ document:

**ROTARY VALVE RFQ TEMPLATE**

**1. MATERIAL DATA**
- Product Name: 
- Bulk Density (kg/m³): 
- Particle Size (D50/D90, microns): 
- Abrasiveness (Scale 1-5): 
- Temperature (°C): 
- Moisture Content (%): 

**2. PROCESS DATA**
- System Pressure (barg): 
- Required Capacity (m³/h or T/hr): 
- Type: [ ] Drop-Through [ ] Blow-Through
- Upstream Equipment: [e.g., Silo, Cone Mill]
- Downstream Equipment: [e.g., Mixer, Sifter]

**3. MECHANICAL SPECS**
- Inlet/Outlet Flange Size: 
- Flange Standard: [ ] DIN [ ] ANSI [ ] JIS [ ] Other:_____
- Housing Material: [ ] Cast Iron [ ] SUS304 [ ] SUS316L
- Rotor Type: [ ] Closed [ ] Open [ ] Deep Pockets
- Coating Required: [ ] None [ ] Tungsten Carbide [ ] PTFE

**4. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE**
- Hazardous Area: [ ] No [ ] Yes (Zone __ / Dust Group __)
- ATEX Required: [ ] Yes [ ] No
- Washdown Rating: [ ] IP55 [ ] IP65 [ ] Washdown (CIP)

**5. DRIVE & UTILITIES**
- Motor Power (kW): 
- Voltage/Frequency: 
- Gearbox: [ ] Helical [ ] Worm
- Air Purge: [ ] Required [ ] Not Required

**6. QUANTITY & DELIVERY**
- Quantity: 
- Target Delivery Date: 
- Destination Port: 

Why a Detailed RFQ Matters

When you provide a detailed RFQ, you benefit in three ways:

• Accurate Pricing: No hidden costs for "modifications" later.
• Faster Lead Times: We don't need to go back and forth asking questions.
• Guaranteed Performance: The valve is engineered specifically for your job, not a "close enough" guess.

At Doebritz-Tec, we treat every inquiry as a custom engineering challenge. Whether you need a standard rotary valve or a complex battery powder handling system, starting with the right data ensures success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I don't know all the answers?

That's okay! Send us what you know, and our engineers will help you fill in the blanks. We can advise on bulk density testing or suggest typical values for common materials.

Do you offer standardized valves if I don't need customization?

Yes. For common applications (e.g., flour, sugar, plastic pellets), we stock standard rotary airlock feeders that can ship within 7-10 days.

Can you help with the entire system, not just the valve?

Absolutely. We manufacture lump breakers, cone mills, and vertical mixers. We can provide a complete, integrated solution based on your RFQ.

Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for Success

A few minutes spent gathering data saves weeks of downtime and thousands of dollars in replacement costs. Use this checklist to prepare your next inquiry. When you're ready, send your completed RFQ to our engineering team, and let Doebritz-Tec provide you with a solution that fits like a glove.

Email Your RFQ Now