Understanding Jacob’s Turn Head Distributors

At Jacob, we pride ourselves on providing the perfect pipework systems for many areas of application. Jacob’s multi-way distributors offer you a compact solution to convey bulk goods to many different machines or silos, with a number of different diameters and types to fit any kind of production need. If you’re wondering what a multi-way or turn head distributor is and how it works, this blog is here to guide you.

What are multi-way or turn head distributors?

Attached to a production line, multi-way or turn head distributors allow you to send bulk products like grain to different locations, containers or machines by making use of gravity. A hollow, conical apparatus with a movable turn pipe inside it, a turn head distributor is designed to fit seamlessly with Jacob’s Pipework Systems by means of pneumatic pressing-on to outlet-sleeves to allow product to flow through without spillage. The movable turn pipe is able to be rotated and attached to different pipes depending upon where you want to send the product. The outlets that are not currently in use are pneumatically blocked off to prevent loss of product. Jacob’s multi-way distributors are available in a range of configurations with up to 2 x 20 outlets.

What versions are Jacob’s turn head distributors available in?

We have several versions of our turn head distributors available for many different uses. These are:

• Turn head distributors 45° and 60°:

This type of turn head distributor uses one rotating turn pipe to connect to the various outlets inside the pipework system. This distributor is supported by means of four lugs fixed to the lower funnel circumference and is electrically operated with a gear motor of 380-400 volts, 3-phase, 50Hz. This type of turn head distributor is perfect for applications where no internal dust-tightness is required, such as the distribution of granular bulk goods. Also available in Jacob Food-Grade, blue silicone and metal-detectable ranges on request.

• Double turn head distributors 45° and 60°:

Similar to the single turn head distributor 45° and 60°, the double turn head distributors are also suitable for applications where no internal dust-tightness is required. However, instead of a single rotating turn pipe, a double turn head distributor has two counter-rotating turn pipes distributing product to two locations at the same time. This distributor is also supported by means of four lugs fixed to the lower funnel circumference and the gear motor used to operate it also has the same configurations. Also available in Jacob Food-Grade, blue silicone and metal-detectable ranges on request.

• Turn head distributors 45° and 60°, dust-tight versions:

This type of turn head distributor is used for applications where there is a need for internal dust-tightness, such as for the distribution of powdered bulk-goods (powdered milk, flour, spices etc). Unlike the normal version, where the rotary pipe seal is pressed on with two pressure springs, the dust-tight version seals the turn-pipe outlet using pneumatic pressing to prevent leakages and wastage.

The necessary operating pressure for this type of distributor is a minimum of 6 bar, and the apparatus is electrically operated with a gear motor of 380-400 volt, 3-phase, 50Hz. Also available in Jacob Food-Grade, blue silicone and metal-detectable ranges on request.

• Swivel pipe switches

The final type of turn head distributor available at Jacob allows you to pneumatically seal off outlets not in use. The swivel pipe outlet is sealed using pneumatic pressing-on of the telescopic pipe onto the outlet sleeve, preventing any loss of product. Similar to the rest of the types, this one is also supported by means of four lugs fixed to the lower funnel circumference and is operated electronically with a gear motor of 380-400 volts, 3-phase, 50Hz. Also available in the Jacob Food-Grade range on request.

All of our turn head distributors are available with 4-20 outlets. Get in touch with the Jacob team to explore your options and select the right number of outlets, type of distributor, the best material and the right diameters for your application.

For more information on our multi-way and turn head distributors, download the PDF version of our product catalogue or order your printed copy today!