Valve for the selective diversion of a granular product or a powder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve for the selective diversion of a granular or powdered product, comprising: - a stator comprising a cylindrical chamber having a circular inlet orifice, a first circular outlet orifice and a second circular outlet orifice, - a rotor, comprising a symmetrical transfer cavity and an ejection cavity separated from each other by a separating wall, the rotor being movable by pivoting to switch the valve between a transfer position in which the transfer cavity connects the inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice, and an ejection position in which the ejection cavity connects the inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice,in which the separating wall is shaped so that each cavity has a semi-circular cross-sectional portion with a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet orifice and equal to or less than the diameter of each outlet orifice. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 6,

Description

Title of the invention: Valve for the selective diversion of a granular product or a powder. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for the selective diversion of a granular or powdered product, as well as a device comprising a metal detector and such a valve, so as to selectively eject a contaminated fraction of the product. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the pharmaceutical or food industry, manufacturing or packaging lines are typically made of metal, for example, stainless steel. To ensure consumer safety and to meet the required hygiene standards, it is necessary to prevent contamination of materials intended for the manufacture of pharmaceutical or food products with metallic particles from the line components, for example, through abrasion. During manufacturing or packaging, it may therefore be necessary to remove fractions of material contaminated by metallic particles introduced during the manufacturing process.

[0003] In the case of material in the form of a powder or granular product, a metal detector is typically used to detect the presence of metallic particles in a material stream. An ejection valve downstream of such a detector allows the contaminated portion of the material, which is deemed non-compliant, to be ejected, and then the flow of the uncontaminated material to be restored.

[0004] Valves for ejecting contaminated products must allow for precise and rapid separation of the contaminated material fraction, without ejecting excessive quantities of uncontaminated material. Furthermore, these valves must prevent any risk of contamination of the compliant material stream by residues of contaminated material in the ejection valve.

[0005] Furthermore, these industries very often use a wide variety of raw materials in their manufacturing processes. Production batches can be relatively small, which increases the frequency of cleaning the machines involved in the manufacturing phases. Inspection and disinfection procedures are very strict, requiring frequent dismantling of the machines. It is therefore necessary that the dismantling, cleaning, and assembly of the ejection device, particularly the valve, be quick and easy to perform. Description of the invention

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a bypass valve that allows for the precise separation of a fraction of contaminated material, without risk of contaminating the flow of uncontaminated material and while optimizing the flow of the material. Furthermore, the bypass valve must allow for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a bypass valve for the selective diversion of a granular or powdered product, comprising:

[0008] - a stator comprising a cylindrical chamber having a circular orifice of inlet, a first circular outlet orifice and a second circular outlet orifice of said product, the inlet orifice having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the first and second outlet orifices,

[0009] - a rotor housed in the stator chamber, comprising a transfer cavity and a symmetrical ejection cavities separated from each other by a separating wall,

[0010] the rotor being selectively movable by pivoting relative to the stator to switch the valve between a product flow transfer position in which the transfer cavity connects the inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice, and a product flow ejection position in which the ejection cavity connects the inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice,

[0011] in which the separating wall is shaped so that each transfer and ejection cavity has a semi-circular cross-section portion with a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet orifice and equal to or less than the diameter of each outlet orifice.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the semi-circular portion is equal to the diameter of the inlet orifice and the first and second outlet orifices, so as to ensure, in each position of the rotor, a continuity of surface between the inlet orifice and the respective outlet orifice.

[0013] Advantageously, the rotor is in one piece.

[0014] Advantageously, the first output and the second output are angularly offset relative to the pivot axis of the rotor by an angle between 25° and 125°, preferably between 45° and 65°, and more preferably between 50° and 60°.

[0015] Preferably, the rotor and / or stator is made of stainless steel or plastic.

[0016] Preferably, the valve further comprises an actuator including a shaft of output coupled in a removable manner to a rotor shaft to rotate the rotor between the first position and the second position.

[0017] Advantageously, the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or a motor.

[0018] Advantageously, the valve further comprises a cover fixed in a removable manner to an external face of the stator.

[0019] The invention also relates to a device for diverting a flow of a granular or powdered product, comprising:

[0020] o a metal detector adapted to be arranged opposite a product supply line, configured to detect metallic contamination in the product,

[0021] o a valve as described above arranged downstream of the detector, the inlet of the valve being adapted to be connected to the product supply line, the first outlet of the valve being adapted to be connected to a main circuit and the second outlet of the valve being adapted to be connected to a branch circuit, and

[0022] o a control system configured to receive from the detector a product contamination status and to control the switching of the valve according to the contamination status so as to transfer the uncontaminated product to the main circuit or eject the contaminated product to the bypass circuit.

[0023] Preferably, the stator and rotor are arranged vertically, with the inlet opening upwards relative to the center of gravity.

[0024] Advantageously, the entire rotor and stator assembly is removable from the actuator.

[0025] Advantageously, the stator is electrically connected to ground to discharge an electrostatic charge.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for diverting a stream of a granular or powdered product by means of a device as described above, comprising:

[0027] o the inspection of the flow of said product by the metal detector, so as to detect any metallic contamination in the product,

[0028] o as long as no metallic contamination is detected, the transfer of the product flow through the valve to the main circuit,

[0029] o when metallic contamination is detected, switching the valve to the ejection position, so as to transfer the product flow to the bypass circuit.

[0030] Preferably, the switching time between the first position and the second position is between 10 and 50 ms. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the stator for a valve according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates the angle between the first and second outputs of the stator.

[0033] Figure [Fig. 3] illustrates a rotor for a valve according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a second view of the rotor of Fig. 2.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a top view of the rotor of Fig. 2.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a valve comprising a rotor and a stator.

[0037] Fig. 7 illustrates a valve assembled with seals and pipe connections.

[0038] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the valve in Fig. 6.

[0039] Fig. 9 shows an ejection device with a valve according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. 10 illustrates the ejection device of Fig. 9 after dismantling the valve.

[0041] Fig. 11 A illustrates a valve in the transfer position.

[0042] Fig. 1 IB illustrates the valve in the ejection position.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the valve during switching.

[0044] Fig. 13 illustrates the arrangement of the rotor inside the stator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The valve according to the invention is intended to allow the temporary diversion of a flow of a granular or powdered product when said product contains metallic contamination.

[0046] The valve therefore has three ways: an inlet way, a first outlet way allowing the continuation of the circulation of the uncontaminated product (considered as compliant) in a main circuit, and a second outlet way allowing the ejection of the contaminated product (considered as non-compliant) into a bypass circuit, in order to avoid contamination of the final product.

[0047] Said valve is intended to be arranged downstream of a metal detector configured to detect possible metal contamination in the product.

[0048] The valve is controlled by a control system so as to connect the inlet and the first outlet as long as the product is not contaminated (first position, called transfer position), or to connect the inlet and the second outlet when the product is contaminated (second position, called ejection position).

[0049] The fraction of product ejected (and therefore the duration for which the valve remains in the second position) is advantageously minimized in order to minimize product loss. The control system is therefore configured to switch the valve from the second position to the first position as soon as the detector ceases to detect metallic contamination in the product.

[0050] The two positions of the valve are mutually exclusive, the product can only pass simultaneously through the two outlet paths during a switchover, which is as fast as possible.

[0051] The valve is of the rotary valve type and includes a stator and a rotor that pivots within the stator, allowing the inlet channel to be selectively connected with one of the outlet channels.

[0052] With reference to [Fig. 1], the stator 200 forms a predominantly cylindrical chamber 20 intended to house the rotor. The axis of the cylinder coincides with the X axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0053] An inlet 21 for conveying a granular or powdered product is rigidly attached to a circumferential face of the stator 200. The inlet 21 has a circular cross-section and opens into the stator chamber 20 through a circular inlet orifice 201. The diameter of the inlet orifice may depend on the nature of the granular or powdered product and is typically between 50 and 250 mm.

[0054] The stator 200 further includes two output channels 22, 23 opening into the chamber 20 through two output ports 202, 203 arranged on the circumferential face of the stator.

[0055] A first outlet 22 is intended for a main flow of compliant product, i.e., without metallic contamination. The first outlet 22 opens through a first circular orifice 202 into the stator chamber.

[0056] The second outlet 23 is intended for the product stream to be ejected, typically carrying contamination by metallic particles. The second outlet 23 opens into a second circular orifice 203 in the stator chamber 20.

[0057] The diameter of the inlet orifice is less than or equal to the diameter of each outlet orifice. Typically, the two outlet orifices have identical diameters. Preferably, the respective diameters of the first outlet orifice 202 and the second outlet orifice 203 are identical to the diameter of the inlet orifice 201.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 2], the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 23 of the stator and the respective ports 202, 203 are angularly offset by a switching angle α with respect to the pivot axis X. The switching angle can be between 25° and 125°. Preferably, the switching angle is between 45° and 65°, and more preferably between 50° and 60°. A small angle with respect to the pivot axis implies a limited amplitude of stator pivoting and allows for faster valve switching during operation. However, a minimal angular offset is necessary to ensure sufficient space for the product to exit through the outlet ports. Preferably, the outlet ports 22 and 23 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the inlet port 21.

[0059] The ends of the inlet 21 and outlet 22, 23 are adapted to be connected to product supply and outlet lines in a manufacturing or packaging line using the product. This line comprises a main circuit for the conforming product and a branch circuit for the non-conforming product. For example, each end of an inlet and / or outlet line may have a respective ferrule 25 allowing connection by means of a clamp, such as than a pipe connection clamp. Such connection clamps are marketed, for example, under the name "Tri-clamp". Connecting the valve ports to the pipes with clamps allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the valve, facilitating cleaning operations. In particular, assembling and disassembling the valve from the rest of the production or packaging line can be advantageously done without tools.

[0060] The stator may further include ferrules 27 on the outer periphery of the cavity 20 to allow a cover to be attached to the open faces of the cavity. The stator may also include handling elements such as handles 28 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the valve in a product purity control installation. Elements 29 for attaching and / or supporting other elements in such a device may also be present.

[0061] The rotor is housed within the cylindrical chamber of the stator. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the rotor 300 comprises two circular outer faces 38, 39 whose diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the stator chamber. Between the circular faces 38, 39, the rotor includes a transfer cavity 301 and an ejection cavity 302. The cavities 301, 302 are separated from each other by a partition wall 33 and are symmetrical with respect to said wall 33. The cavities 301, 302 are open in a radial direction. Advantageously, the cavities 301, 302 do not have any structural supports or any other raised or recessed elements that could promote product accumulation. When the rotor is arranged in the stator in the transfer or ejection position, the partition wall prevents the product from passing from one cavity to the other.

[0062] The separating wall 33 has opposing concave and smooth surfaces 31, 32 (i.e., without asperities or hollows) to form, on each side of the wall, a respective channel. The concave shape of the separating wall 33 and the smooth structure facilitate the flow of the product into each cavity.

[0063] With reference to [Fig.5], the concave geometry of the separating wall is chosen so that each cavity 301, 302 has a semi-circular section 31, 32 in a portion 36 in which the respective cavity 301, 302 is delimited by the separating wall 33.

[0064] The inner diameter of each semi-circular section 31, 32 of the rotor is equal to or greater than the diameter of the inlet orifice 201 and equal to or less than the diameter of each outlet orifice 202, 203. The diameter of the product passage within the valve can therefore increase in the direction of product flow or remain constant. A decrease in the passage diameter in the direction of flow is avoided to prevent any snagging or blockage of the product.

[0065] Preferably, the diameter D of the semi-circular section is equal to the diameter of the inlet port 201 and the outlet ports 202, 203 of the stator. Thus, surface continuity is ensured between the inlet channel, the groove formed by the rotor partition wall, and each outlet channel, thereby preventing any accumulation of product at the interfaces between the rotor and the stator.

[0066] In an outer portion 37, each cavity is delimited by a face parallel to the outer faces 38, 39. In the outer portion 37, the cavity cross-section is straight. The transition between the semi-circular cross-section and the straight cross-section is continuous and smooth to optimize product flow.

[0067] The rotor includes, on its central axis X, a shaft 35 which may include a coupling structure 305 for coupling the shaft 35 of the rotor to an output shaft of an actuator which will be described later.

[0068] The rotor is typically made of a metal such as stainless steel to meet the cleanliness standards of the pharmaceutical and food industries. In some embodiments, the rotor may be made of a plastic that meets the hygiene requirements of the pharmaceutical or food industry. Preferably, the rotor is a single piece, manufactured as a monobloc structure by machining or injection molding. The rotor therefore requires no joining of parts, for example by internal welding, thus avoiding structures that could promote product adhesion and disrupt the flow inside the valve.

[0069] Fig. 6 illustrates the rotor housed in the stator chamber.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates the assembled valve. In order to keep the rotor inside A cover is arranged on each circular face of the rotor and held, for example, by a connecting clamp 55. Seals 51 and retaining discs 52 can be inserted between the rotor and the cover to ensure hygiene and sealing of the valve. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a valve comprising a stator 200, a rotor 300, two retaining discs 52 arranged on either side of the rotor 30, two seals 51, and two covers 50 and 53. The cover 53, arranged on a face in which the rotor is coupled to an output shaft of an actuator, may have an opening 54 for the passage of the actuator's output shaft or the rotor shaft 35. The retaining discs are arranged on the circular faces of the rotor. The seals 51 are arranged near the edge of each cover 50, 53. The covers are fixed to the stator by the clips 55, holding the seals 51 and the discs 52 inside the valve.The discs and covers can be made of metal or plastic. Plastic is advantageous for minimizing the valve's mass, making it easier for an operator to handle. If metal is used, its electrical conductivity allows the valve to be connected to the [system / system]. mass to dissipate electrostatic charge and prevent the agglomeration of product particles by electrostatic effect.

[0071] Figure 7 also illustrates the connection of the input channel 21 to a product supply line 41 by means of a clamp 45. Similarly, the first output channel 22 is connected to a line of the main circuit 42, and the second output channel 23 is connected to a line of the branch circuit 43 by means of other clamps 45.

[0072] Figure 9 illustrates a device for diverting a flow of granular or powdered product. The device comprises a frame 65 carrying a metal detector 60, such as an inductive detector. The use of an inductive detector allows the detection of very small quantities of metallic particles to ensure increased product purity. The detector 60 is arranged opposite a conduit 61 through which the product flows. Advantageously, said conduit 61 is vertical, the product being driven by gravity. The detector 60 is arranged upstream of the divert valve 100, preferably above the valve 100, the conduit 61 being connected to the inlet 21 of the stator. The inlet orifice of the valve 100 is preferably oriented upwards relative to the direction of gravity to facilitate the flow of the product.

[0073] The valve 100 includes an actuator arranged in an actuation housing 70 fixed relative to the stator. The actuator is coupled to the rotor via an output shaft coupled to the rotor shaft to drive the rotor in pivoting about the pivot axis X. The actuator is, for example, an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a motor.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the bypass device after the valve has been disassembled. The actuator output shaft 75 protrudes from the actuator housing to facilitate coupling with the rotor shaft. The output shaft 75 and the rotor shaft typically have complementary shapes that allow for rotational drive, for example, a cross shape or teeth. Preferably, this structure also allows for easy positioning and removal of the rotor and actuator shaft to facilitate tool-free valve assembly and disassembly, for example, by simply sliding them along the X-axis.

[0075] The bypass device further includes a control system 80, for example a computer, configured to receive signals from the detector 60 and determine a contamination state of the product upon detection of a quantity of metal in the product passing through the detector 60. The control system drives the switching of the valve according to the contamination state.

[0076] The control system can be programmed by an operator to adjust the valve switching parameters. For example, according to the nature of the product and its flow rate, the operator can define the delay between the detection of a metallic contamination and the start of switching the valve and / or the duration of holding the valve in the ejection position (these parameters are not limiting).

[0077] The bypass device and the valve are typically electrically grounded to dissipate any electrostatic charge. Such an electrical connection 66 prevents the product from adhering to the valve walls and obstructing the conduits and chamber, and reduces the risk of explosion due to excessive electrostatic charge. The use of an electrically conductive metal such as stainless steel for the rotor and stator facilitates the dissipation of electrostatic charges.

[0078] We will now describe the operation of the valve in a bypass device.

[0079] The valve is mounted in the bypass device and arranged in a position for transferring the product flow to the main circuit. In this position, with reference to [Fig. 1 IA], the rotor transfer cavity connects the inlet port 201 of the stator 20 to the first outlet port 202. In this position, the first face 31 of the separating wall 33 is in contact with the inlet port 201 and the first outlet port 202. When the diameter of the inlet and outlet ports is identical to the inner diameter of the semi-circular portion of the separating wall, the concave and semi-circular geometry of the first face 31 ensures surface continuity across the entire width of the separating wall 33, the inlet port 201, and the first outlet port 202.

[0080] The product is conveyed into the device adjacent to the metal detector. As long as no metallic contamination is detected, the valve remains in the transfer position. The product flows through the inlet port, the transfer cavity, and the first outlet port to be conveyed into the main circuit. Because the inner surface is free of raised or recessed structures such as support structures or welds, a rapid and homogeneous flow of the product is achieved. When the diameter of the inlet and outlet ports is identical to the inner diameter of the semicircular portion of the separating wall, the valve exhibits a continuous surface that promotes flow. The walls of the transfer cavity 31 are in contact only with uncontaminated product.

[0081] If metallic contamination is present in the product passing over the detector, the detector emits a signal that is transmitted to the control system. For example, when one or more metallic particles pass through an inductive detector, an electromagnetic field is generated and an induced current flows through the inductive detector. The presence of such a current is transmitted to the control system. As soon as a metallic impurity is detected, or a certain quantity If the level of metallic impurities is considered too high for the intended purity of the product, the control system triggers the switching of the valve to the ejection position.

[0082] Typically, the control system triggers the rotation of the actuator's output shaft through an angle corresponding to the valve's switching angle. For example, with reference to Figures 11A and 11B, the actuator causes the rotor to rotate counterclockwise through a switching angle of approximately 55°. Preferably, the switching time between the first and second positions is between 10 and 50 ms.

[0083] The valve thus adopts an ejection position in which the ejection cavity 302 of the rotor connects the inlet port 201 of the stator to the second outlet port 203. In this position, with reference to [Fig. 1 IB], the second face 32 of the separating wall 33 is in contact with the inlet port 201 and the second outlet port 203. When the inlet and outlet ports have identical diameters, the concave and semi-circular geometry of the second face 32 of the separating wall ensures surface continuity across the entire width of the separating wall 33, from the inlet port 201 to the second outlet port 203. The product flows homogeneously and rapidly into the bypass circuit and is removed from the main circuit.

[0084] The product flows continuously past the detector. As soon as no more metallic impurities are detected, the control system triggers a switch of the valve to the flow transfer position. Preferably, the switching time between the second position and the first position is between 10 and 50 ms.

[0085] In the example illustrated in Figures 11A and 11B, this switching corresponds to a pivoting of the rotor through a switching angle in the clockwise direction. The valve thus returns to the flow transfer position.

[0086] Figure 12 shows the valve in an intermediate position during switching. It should be noted that any product residue in areas 311 and 321 near the bottom of the discharge cavity 31 and the transfer cavity 32 may remain in the respective cavity during switching and during the passage of the product through the opposite cavity. The residual product in the transfer cavity 31 during the switching of the valve to the bypass position remains in the transfer cavity for the entire duration that the valve is in the discharge position and will be routed into the main circuit via the first outlet port when the valve switches to the transfer position, without coming into contact with the bypass cavity or the contaminated product. The residual product in area 321 of the bypass cavity remains in said bypass cavity for the duration that the valve is in the transfer position.The residual contaminated product. The contaminated product will be routed into the ejection circuit via the second outlet port during the next switchover to the ejection position, without coming into contact with the transfer cavity or the clean product. This allows for the efficient ejection of the contaminated product, preventing contamination of the product in the main circuit and without disposing of uncontaminated product.

[0087] The bi-concave profile of the separating wall results in a thin wall in its central portion. This allows for a continuous product flow during switching, as opening the valve at the inlet port allows the product to pass through at an unchanged flow rate. The increasing diameter of the flow path, or, where applicable, the continuity of the surfaces in the transfer and discharge positions, also eliminates the need for seals at the inlet and outlet ports, further promoting rapid flow and continuous operation during switching.

[0088] Figure 13 illustrates the alignment of the rotor with the first outlet orifice in the transfer position when the diameters are identical. The situation is equivalent for the second outlet orifice in the discharge position. In both positions, the diameter D2 of the orifice corresponds to the diameter D of the semi-circular portion of the separating wall, ensuring continuity of surfaces without the use of gaskets or other sealing devices. This geometry also prevents product accumulation at the outlet orifice 31, which is aligned with the separating wall 33, thus preventing blockage of the outlet orifice or valve malfunction during switching.

[0089] To clean the valve, it is first removed from the ejection device. This removal can be carried out manually by an operator, preferably without tools. Referring to [Fig. 9], the inlet port 21 of the detector 60 is detached, for example by removing a connecting clip. The stator output ports are also detached from the main flow line and the ejection line. The rotor shaft is then removed from the actuator output shaft, and the electrical connection to ground is disconnected, if applicable.

[0090] With reference to figures 7 and 8, the clips 55 are removed to dismantle the covers 50, 53, the retaining discs 52 and the sealing gaskets 51. The rotor 300 can then be extracted from the stator 200 and cleaned.

[0091] For valve assembly, the rotor is inserted into the stator chamber. Advantageously, a stator outlet port is aligned with the partition wall so that the rotor position corresponds to a position recorded by the control system, for example, the transfer position. The retaining discs, seals, and covers are mounted before engaging the rotor shaft with the actuator output shaft. The inlet port can then be reconnected to the outlet. of the detector. The respective channels can be reconnected to the main flow and ejection lines.

[0092] Such a valve can be used for the ejection of metallic contaminants in many products. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, granular or powdered products are used, which can then be processed into tablets, pills, or caplets, or diluted in a solution. In the food industry, many products in such a form, for example flour, sugar, or cocoa, are commonly used either for the manufacture of processed products or for direct packaging for sale.

Claims

Demands

1. A valve for the selective diversion of a granular or powdered product, comprising: - a stator (200) having a cylindrical chamber (20) having a circular inlet orifice (201), a first circular outlet orifice (202) and a second circular outlet orifice (203) of said product, the inlet orifice (201) having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the first and second outlet orifices, - a rotor (300) housed in the chamber (20) of the stator (200), comprising a symmetrical transfer cavity (301) and an ejection cavity (302) separated from each other by a separating wall (33), the rotor (300) being selectively movable by pivoting relative to the stator (200) to switch the valve between a product flow transfer position in which the transfer cavity (301) connects the inlet orifice (201) and the first outlet port (202),and a product flow ejection position in which the ejection cavity (302) connects the inlet orifice (201) and the second outlet orifice (203), in which the separating wall (33) is shaped such that each transfer and ejection cavity (301, 302) has a semi-circular cross-sectional portion (36) with a diameter (D) greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet orifice and equal to or less than the diameter of each outlet orifice (301, 302).

2. Valve according to claim 1, wherein the diameter (D) of the portion (36) of semi-circular cross-section is equal to the diameter of the inlet orifice (201) and of the first and second outlet orifices (202, 203), so as to ensure, in each position of the rotor, a continuity of surface between the inlet orifice (201) and the respective outlet orifice (202, 203).

3. Valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rotor (200) is in one piece.

4. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet (202, 203) are angularly offset with respect to the pivot axis of the rotor by a switching angle (a) between 25° and 125°, preferably between 45° and 65°, and more preferably between 50° and 60°.

5. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor (300) and / or the stator (200) is made of stainless steel or plastic.

6. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator comprising an output shaft (75) detachably coupled to a shaft (35) of the rotor (300) to rotate the rotor (300) between the first position and the second position.

7. Valve according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or a motor.

8. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one cover (50, 53) detachably fixed on an external face of the stator (200).

9. A device for diverting a flow of a granular or powdered product, comprising: • a metal detector (60) adapted to be arranged opposite a product supply line (21), configured to detect metal contamination in the product, • a valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 arranged downstream of the detector (60), the inlet of the valve (100) being adapted to be connected to the product supply line (21), the first outlet (22) of the valve being adapted to be connected to a main circuit and the second outlet (23) of the valve being adapted to be connected to a bypass circuit,and • a control system (80) configured to receive a product contamination status from the detector (60) and to control the switching of the valve (100) according to the contamination status so as to transfer the uncontaminated product to the main circuit or eject the contaminated product to the bypass circuit.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the stator (200) and rotor (300) are arranged vertically, the inlet orifice (201) opening upwards relative to the center of gravity.

11. Device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the rotor (300) and stator (200) assembly is removable from the actuator.

12. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the stator (200) is electrically connected to ground to discharge an electrostatic charge.

13. A method for diverting a stream of a granular or powdered product by means of a device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising: • inspecting the stream of said product by the metal detector (60), so as to detect any metal contamination in the product, • as long as no metal contamination is detected, transferring the stream of product through the valve (100) to the main circuit, • when metal contamination is detected, switching the valve (100) to the ejection position, so as to transfer the stream of product to the bypass circuit.

14. A bypass method according to claim 13, wherein the switching time between the first position and the second position is between 10 and 50 ms.

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