More Than a Standard Grit Valve: How the Elcometer AGV Works

As the Elcometer AGV Automatic General Valve works pneumatically, it is necessary to provide air to the valve and control it via the deadman's handle. Air is supplied via the yellow return hose of the deadman's handle which is connected to the frame of the Blast Machine.

The connector has a 'T' piece attached which allows returned air to enter the remote control valve and Automatic General Valve.

This means that when the deadman's handle is closed and blasting is ongoing, air will be fed into the AGV. When the blaster releases the handle, air escapes and is no longer fed to the valve.

When blasting is not in operation, the AGV will adopt a naturally closed position which ensures that grit doesn't feed into the mixer 'T'. This is achieved using a spring to ensure that a 'chisel' tool squeezes the abrasive liner shut.

Closing the deadman's handle allows air back into the valve which pushes against the spring to a predtermined position as set by the orange control indicator. Subsequently, grit begins to flow into the mixer 'T' at the rate required for the job in hand.