Air isolator
Abrasive and air enter the abrasive inlet port together. The abrasive builds up on top of the isolator and
falls through the hole in the center, which separates most of the air from the abrasive. The air is vented
out of the top of the metering valve, and the abrasive that falls through the isolator builds up in the lower
half of the valve. The remaining entrained air collects in a pocket under the air isolator and is vented
from the side of the valve body.
Abrasive on/off valve
An air-actuated on/off valve controls abrasive flow to the metering disk. This double-acting air cylinder
requires air pressure at the bottom to open, and at the top to close. In the ON position, the rubber
stopper is raised above the seating surface, and abrasive flows through the metering orifice. In the OFF
position, the rubber stopper is pushed against the seating surface, which stops the flow of abrasive.
NOTICE
The metering system regulator requires air pressure of 20–30 psi to close. Failure to
operate the valve at the correct pressure will cause the rubber stopper to fail prematurely.
Abrasive metering disk
The metering disk controls abrasive flow to the cutting head. Each disk is marked with the opening
diameter, which correlates to flow rate. Flow rate is affected by abrasive type and size, and operates on
the principal that a fixed amount of material will flow through a fixed orifice at a constant rate.
For a given waterjet operating pressure, each mixing tube/orifice combination has an optimum abrasive
flow rate (using a larger or smaller disk may increase the cost per inch). We recommend that
you experiment and adjust the abrasive flow for the material being cut. This will help find the optimum
abrasive flow to produce the desired quality of cut with the minimum amount of abrasive while meeting
required cycle times.
Diverter
The diverter performs three main functions:
• Holds the metering disk
• Provides a connection to the abrasive feed line
• Redirects water sent up the abrasive feed line away from the metering valve in the case nozzle
gets plugged, which keeps the abrasive dry
© 2021 Flow International Corp.
Retrieved from Flow KB on April 15, 2021 PST
Abrasive metering valve maintenance
Summary of Contents for MACH 300
Page 1: ...MACH 300 SYSTEM MANUAL Includes Ancillary Options M 810 REV C en APRIL 2021...
Page 28: ...View 2 2021 Flow International Corp Retrieved from Flow KB on April 12 2021 PST Safety...
Page 29: ...View 3 2021 Flow International Corp Retrieved from Flow KB on April 12 2021 PST Safety...
Page 107: ...ANCILLARY OPTIONS For Mach 300...