New valve delivers quicker filling and dispensing

The valve’s round thread design enables the valve to be used in any orientation which is said to improve the filling and dispensing process.

Designed for the company’s range of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) from 200 to 1100 litres, the value is suitable for a variety of liquid food and non food products including liquid egg, milk and creams as well as detergents and chemicals.

Convenient to use​

In addition to enhanced performance, the valve is said to be more convenient to use and is simpler in construction that existing models. “For maximum convenience, the valve can be used in any orientation, which improves the filling process​,” according to a company statement. “The round shape also simplifies the screwing and unscrewing of the cap for ease of operation by the end user. In addition, the cap holds the valve flap in position, which avoids accidental opening during transit​,” it added.

The DN50 valve can be specified with a special C clip and spanner which locates the valve into a variety of box designs. This enhances the flexibility of the system, while the unique spanner design has been specifically created to fit Rapak valves, said the company.

The DN50 valve complements the recently launched 2” version.

All parts of the valve are manufactured from materials which have food contact approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration and from the European Union. And they are able to withstand irradiation up to 25KGy.

Compared with previous designs, the latest valve is manufactured from a reduced number of parts and all valves are leak tested during assembly.

Corrugated box business​

Meanwhile Rapak’s parent firm, DS Smith Group, has reported that significantly lower profits in the UK paper business have been partially mitigated by its strategy of growing box converting operations, becoming a net buyer of paper and the performance of its UK and Continental European corrugated box businesses.

In a statement issued in September to accompany its first quarter financial results for 2009/10, the company said: “We have had a better than anticipated start to the year, but in looking forward we remain concerned about the level of demand across the majority of our market sectors and we are experiencing increases in input costs above our original expectations. As a result, it is too early to be certain that this better first quarter performance will be sustained for the full year​.”