Coperion to show new bulk handling systems at Powtech

At Powtech 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, Coperion will present two new developments at booth 7-779 in hall 7 that are designed to optimize the conveying of bulk materials and component cleaning. The patented AutoAccess automated extraction system for rotary valves is intended to simplify inspection, cleaning and maintenance handling, thereby reducing downtimes. The company will also introduce the WFV diverter valve, described as an economical and hygienic solution for gravimetric distribution of bulk materials. Alongside these two products, Coperion will show the Coperion K-Tron T35-QC feeder, equipped with a vacuum receiver for automatic refill.

Automated rotor extraction for rotary valves

With the AutoAccess rotary valve extraction system, Coperion is presenting a solution intended to accelerate inspection, cleaning and maintenance processes. Previously, the valve had to be opened manually by removing the screws on the side cover and pulling out the rotor. In the new system, this handling step is simplified through an automated process developed for rotary valves.

In under one minute, the new bayonet lock on the rotary valve side cover is mechanically unlatched without tools, after which the rotor is extracted linearly. The rotor and bayonet lock can then be moved to the side to provide improved accessibility. According to the company, this automation reduces effort and downtime during inspection, cleaning and maintenance work, and also removes the need for a skilled technician to open and close the rotary valve.

For clean-room applications, the system can reduce the number of personnel required. It also reduces the risk of damage to the rotor resulting from improper manual handling. For operators, the automated process also makes process standardization and reproducibility possible.

Coperion has also redesigned the rotor coupling and bearing required for rotor extraction. With the new coupling, the rotor can be moved into any angular position. The rotor no longer needs to be turned into a specific position in order to connect with the drive when it is inserted into the housing. This quicker and more straightforward closing process is intended to further streamline operation and increase machine availability.

The external bearing arrangement of the rotary valve, with its proven shaft seal, prevents conveyed material from entering the bearing assembly and helps avoid potential damage to the rotary valve. This is intended to result in a significantly longer service life and higher operational safety, especially when abrasive or dusty products are used. As part of the redesign, the bearing was modified and strengthened, leaving the rotor free to turn on the side cover in the extracted position and making it easier to clean the rotor blades and chambers.

WFV diverter valve for bulk solids

Another new product to be presented by Coperion at Powtech is the WFV bulk solid diverter valve, which can be used in various industries. The hygienic diverter valve provides a solution for gravimetric diverting of conveying material into gravity pipes. The WFV is designed to support product flow through the rounded shape of the rotating component.

The bulk solid diverter is available in various versions. The gap-tight version is particularly suitable for no-pressure discharge, while it can also be used in applications with low or moderate system pressure. For this purpose, Coperion has developed a version equipped with various seals.

The stainless-steel diverter valve is designed to ensure component quality through optimized wall strength and smooth surfaces. The bulk solid diverter also features an easy-to-disassemble design intended to provide good cleanability.

With the new WFV diverter valve, Coperion is introducing an economical solution for gravimetric bulk material distribution between containers and silos

Feeding and controlled material delivery

The Coperion K-Tron K2-ML-D5-T35 feeder in Quick Change design, which will also be displayed at booth 7-779, is equipped with an ActiFlow bulk solid activator. The system is suited for feeding applications requiring frequent material changes and good cleanability.

Coperion K-Tron Quick Change feeders are designed for applications requiring high flexibility in bulk material handling and product changes, as well as equipment that is easy to clean. The feeders allow rapid exchange of feeding modules, helping to minimize downtimes and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. Quick Change feeders can be configured as twin screw feeders for moderately flowing products or as single screw feeders for freely flowing products. They can also be exchanged to adapt the process to a new recipe.

The ActiFlow smart bulk solid activator is intended to prevent bridging of bulk materials that flow poorly in stainless steel hoppers. Unlike systems with agitators or other mechanical flow aids subject to wear, ActiFlow operates without contact with the product and without moving parts in the bulk material area. By applying vibrations to the hopper wall, ActiFlow gently activates the bulk material inside, using an optimal amplitude and frequency that are automatically adjusted by the control system according to material flow. The smart bulk solid activator was developed specifically for Coperion K-Tron loss-in-weight feeders.