in search of the very best
BOMECH & RIS: AN OUT-OF-THE-BOX SOLUTION
Animal slurry flows from a slurry tank to the Alrena precision macerator, which distributes the slurry across multiple hose outlets. From there, the slurry travels through the hoses to the rubber nozzles on the ground. To control the flow in individual hoses, pinch valves are mounted on the machine. After testing all of the standard solutions available on the market, Bomech found that none met their quality standards. Together with RIS, they took on the challenge of developing the best pinch valve.
successful testing phase
FROM SIMULATION TO PINCH VALVE
The development began with jointly defining the key parameters, such as available installation space, minimum lifespan, control type and the conditions under which the pinch valves would need to operate. RIS then created designs and developed multiple options, which were evaluated using our FEM software. These simulations provided valuable insights into the product’s performance without requiring a physical prototype. This approach allows us to develop products quickly and cost-effectively before producing the physical moulds needed for manufacturing.
After Bomech and RIS agreed on the chosen design, prototype moulds were created and an initial series of pinch valves was produced for internal testing. The testing phase produced successful results, allowing us to move on to the next phase: field testing. During practical use, the pinch valves performed as expected, confirming the simulations conducted with FEM software. However, the team saw an opportunity to reduce the length of the valves, thereby saving material and reducing the required installation space. These adjustments were incorporated into the production moulds, readying the design for market introduction. To date, RIS has manufactured thousands of pinch valves that have been installed in Bomech’s trailing shoe slurry applicators. These machines operate in fields across Northwestern Europe.
