2-Way Gravity Diverter for Analcime Wet Cake

General Description

A major automotive manufacturer required a rugged and robust solution to handle analcime sand wet cake discharged from a filter press. The bulk material is dense, abrasive, and slightly sticky, demanding corrosion-resistant construction and smooth interior surfaces to ensure reliable flow.

Analcime sand is a sodium aluminosilicate mineral that commonly forms as a byproduct during lithium refining and battery materials production. It is generated when lithium-bearing clays or brines are processed, and the aluminosilicate fraction is separated as a filter cake. Although not a final product, this material must be handled carefully to maintain plant cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination with high-purity lithium streams. The wet, heavy nature of analcime sand makes it especially challenging to convey and divert efficiently.

To address these challenges, KWS designed and manufactured a 2-way gravity diverter—K-style with a 30-degree offset—to direct wet cake to two downstream process lines. The diverter body was fabricated from 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance, while the interior was lined with UHMW to minimize buildup and reduce wear. An SMC pneumatic cylinder and accessories provide precise, dependable actuation to shift flow between outlets as needed.

Diverter Directs Wet Cake to Two Downstream Processes

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Analcime Sand Wet Cake
2. Material Density: 62 to 94 lbs. per cubic foot
3. Instantaneous Inlet Capacity Up To: 35,565 cubic feet per hour
4. Duty: Intermittent/Batch

KWS Advantages

The customer partnered with KWS to ensure the diverter would integrate seamlessly into a tight process layout beneath an existing filter press. Our engineers worked directly with the plant’s mechanical and controls teams to design a diverter that fit the available space while maintaining full access for maintenance and cleaning.

The diverter was fabricated, welded, assembled, and inspected in our ISO 9001:2015–certified facility in Burleson, Texas. Along with the customer’s process, manufacturing, and project engineers, our quality assurance team performed dimensional verification, pneumatic cycle testing, and full quality checks before shipment to guarantee fit, performance, and long-term durability. This in-house control over design and manufacturing ensures that every KWS product meets the highest standards of reliability and craftsmanship.

KWS Special Features

The diverter’s K-style body provides a smooth, efficient path for bulk material flow while minimizing dead zones and bridging. The 30-degree offset angle optimizes discharge trajectories, ensuring that dense, cohesive wet cake transitions cleanly between outlets without buildup or plugging.

All contact and structural components were fabricated from 316 stainless steel to withstand the corrosive Gulf Coast atmosphere and continuous washdown cycles. This premium alloy offers superior resistance to chlorides and moisture, extending service life while maintaining a clean, sanitary surface finish ideal for lithium-related processing environments.

The internal surfaces were lined with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) to reduce friction and eliminate material hang-up. The liner’s non-stick characteristics help maintain consistent bulk material flow, minimize cleaning frequency, and protect stainless steel surfaces from abrasion caused by the coarse, sandy wet cake.

The diverter gate was actuated by a robust SMC pneumatic cylinder, chosen for its proven reliability in industrial environments. It provides fast, repeatable switching between discharge legs and integrates easily with the customer’s plant air and control systems for automated operation and minimal maintenance requirements.

Diverter Body is Fabricated from 316 Stainless Steel for Corrosion Resistance

Interior is Lined with UHMW to Minimize Buildup and Reduce Wear

Pneumatic Cylinder Provides Dependable Actuation Between Outlets

Diverter Provides Fast, Repeatable Switching Between Discharge Legs