Rotary air lock is used to control flow of bulk solids discharging from silos, mixers etc.

It consists of vanes (blades) integral to the shaft covered in housing and attached to the motor.

Rotary means the vanes are rotating and airlock means the air is prevented (or locked) to flow
inwards.

For example let’s say we have 20 psi pressure at the outlet of rotary feeder valve. So, when bulk
material discharges at the outlet, due to high pressure, air will try to get accumulated in the
pockets between vanes. This air will then trapped and move along with vane to get discharged
at the inlet side of valve. Because of which, the material flow in the pockets reduce due to
restriction of air to the bulk flow. This causes reduced bulk handling capacity of the feeder. Thus,
very important to lock or restrict the flow of air during operation.