RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG

The shock wave of an explosion presses the valve poppet on the gasket. In this position the valve is closed and the propagation of the flames and the shock waves is denied. There is no need of a system control to activate the valve. The position of the valve poppet can be transmitted via a switch to the control unit

Functional principle ESI-E/-D/-C

The above described function of the VENTEX® valve is also called passive explosion protection. The VENTEX® valve does not need external energy to close unlike the explosion isolation valves REDEX® Slide and RSV. VENTEX® reacts to its environment and closes as soon as an explosion occurs. It’s applications are everywhere, where dry processes with oxygen and a potential ignition source exist. Depending on the needs of our customers we developed for every application the right valve. Many years of research, development and finest engineering resulted in the versions ESI-E, ESI-D and ESI-C.

Field of application

The explosion isolation valve VENTEX® is installed within plants, where explosive metal dust, gas or hybrid mixtures occur:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical- / petrochemical industry
• Silos, mills, dryers, separators
• Air filtering systems
• etc.

In case of an explosion not only the plants could be destroyed, also people and their environment are in danger. Flames, heat, shock waves and flying building parts can result in massive damage and costs.

RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG designed for such cases the efficient explosion isolation valve RICO slide valve (RSV), which stops explosions in pipes by using additional external energy. Furthermore the RSV is unbeaten on the market regarding fast closing times and short installation distances.
Thanks to its slim design the RSV fits especially for already existing installations and everywhere, where the space is rare. In comparison to the lighter version REDEX® Slide, the RSV is used in areas with higher pressure and is delivered completely in stainless steel. The isolation valve is for example installed in pipes, where the product floats and where pressure drops and obstacles are not allowed.

Functional principle

The application is equipped with sensors for pressure and flames. Those sensors register an explosion and send a signal to the isolation valve. Depending on the size of the isolation valve the signal activates one or more gas generators, which close the isolation valve.

In the closed position the propagation of the flames and the shock waves are effective denied. Fast closing times allow additionally short installation distances. The isolation valve can usually be open and closed pneumatically.

Field of application

The explosion isolation valve RSV is installed within plants, where explosive metal dust, gas or hybrid mixtures occur:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical- / petrochemical industry
• Silos, mills, dryers, separators
• Air filtering systems
• etc.

In case of an explosion not only the plants could be destroyed, also people and their environment are in danger. The resulting flames and shock waves should lead people to high caution, because the possible damage is not only of monetary nature.

RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG has the mission to prevent such desasters and therefore designed the REDEX® Slide. In comparison to our other explosion isolation valve RICO slide valve (RSV), the REDEX® Slide is made for lower pressure areas. Regarding the function both isolation valves are installed in pipes, where the product floats and where pressure drops and obstacles are not allowed. Furthermore there is a difference between the isolation valves in the housings. The housing of REDEX® Slide is made of aluminium and the RSV is produced completely of stainless steel.

Functional principle

The application is equipped with sensors for pressure and flames. Those sensors register an explosion and send a signal to the isolation valve. Depending on the size of the isolation valve the signal activates one or more gas generators, which close the isolation valve.

In the closed position the propagation of the flames and the shock waves are effectively denied. Fast closing times allow additionally short installation distances. The isolation valve can usually be open and closed pneumatically.

Field of application


The explosion isolation valve REDEX® Slide is installed within plants, where explosive and organic dust occur:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Food- and petfood-industry
• Chemical- / petrochemical industry
• Silos, mills, dryers, separators
• Air filtering systems
• etc.

The innovative butterfly valves from RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG allow any decrease of airstreams and are able to close 100% gas tight. We offer you two versions with the highest safety standards: The round RAPIDO and the rectangle QUADRO. The versions are available in STANDARD (the gasket surface is smooth) or in PERFEKT (with a control groove in the gasket surface). They are designed to be very compact and light. Since many years both products have been installed within various airconditioning plants wolrdwide. Furthermore this year the new generation of our RAPIDO valve will join RICO’s product range. The new RAPIDO will set new standards in the butterfly valve market and has a slimer appearance paired with optimized technology for maximum safety.

Functional principle

The butterfly valve regulates the airstream within a ventilation system. In a fully open position the air floats the most through the valve, but if it is fully closed, then the valve is 100% gas tight. The plate of RAPIDO and QUADRO can be moved by hand or with a pneumatical or an electrical drive to the aimed position. The version PERFEKT allows to control the gas tightness anytime with a hand pump and a manometer. This is also possible when the valve is already installed. A control pressure will be built up within the control groove in the housing and the gasket from the plate makes sure that no pressure will be lost.

Field of application

The butterfly valves RAPIDO and QUADRO are installed where harmful substances are ubiquitous:

• Pharmaceutical industry (for example isolators)
• Nuclear plants
• Military and civil applications
• Chemical / petrochemical industry
• Research laboratories
• Hospitals
• Etc.

Key figures

Sizes DN65 to DN1000 (as special edition until DN2000)
Sizes 140 x 125 mm to 1000 x 1000 mm (as special edition until 1000 x 1500 mm)
Housing ring and plate are made of light metal AISi13Mg, steel or stainless steel
Drive manual, pneumatical or electrical
Gasket materials depend on application

100% gas tight in following pressure range (DIN EN 12266-1 leakage rate A):
 

• DN125-DN400 ≤ 0,8 barg
• DN450-DN700 ≤ 0,5 barg
• DN800-DN1000 ≤ 0,3 barg
• Plate surface <12,5dm² ≤ 0,8 barg
• Plate surface 12,5 –40dm² ≤ 0,5 barg
• Plate surface 40 – 80dm² ≤ 0,3 barg
• Plate surface >80dm² ≤ 0,2 barg

An explosion occurs if a flamable gas/dust-air mixture gets in touch with oxygen and ignition source. RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG developes and designes since years efficient solutions to protect plants, employees and the environment from explosion damage. Those explosion decoupling actions have proven to be successful worldwide.

Functional principle VENTEX® ESI-P

The plant is equipped with sensors for pressure and flames. The system control sends a signal to activate the gas generator. The generated pressure moves the valve poppet in milliseconds to the gasket. The closed position of the poppet denies efficiently the propagation of flames and shock waves. The medium inside the pipes usually flows around the poppet in open position. When the poppet is in open position, it can be open and closed pneumatically.

Field of application

The explosion isolation valve VENTEX® ESI-P is installed within applications, where explosive metal dust, gas or hybrid mixtures occur:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical- / petrochemical industry
• Silos, mills, driers, separators
• Air filtering systems
• etc.