Newlcast Pty Ltd in Dunedin approached P&W with regard to improving their sand delivery processes. Issues with their process included slow sand flow rates and controllability of the sand flow i.e. stopping the flow. Previously sand pipes had been gravity feed, which restricted operating vertically and horizontally as the pipes needed to be at a predetermined angle. Issues also arose with stopping the sand flow once the operation had finished.

Our solution came in the form of a "suspended" sand auger. Sand is still gravity feed into the auger, but because of the flutes on the auger and the 3m horizontal distance the sand is restricted from flowing, providing a clean efficient shut off for the sand

With the change of direction in the horizontal, came a change in the vertical and a requirement for larger sand hoppers, which were retrofit able to the existing equipment.

A second solution to the sand shut off issue came in the form of a specially designed sand valve that has worked very efficiently giving immediate response and results.

The valve is operated, in this case with a simple pneumatic actuator, giving ease of use.