Pinch valves are a simple and effective solution for isolating and controlling abrasive, corrosive and fibrous products such as granulates, powder, pellets, dust and liquids containing solids. They can be used in applications ranging from dirty abrasive industrial slurries and powders to sanitary-grade food and pharmaceuticals.
A pinch valve consists of a rubber sleeve that is pinched closed either mechanically or by fluid pressure. The sleeve can be made of various synthetic polymers depending on the flow media.
These sleeve materials provide excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and other physical stress. This makes pinch valves ideal for isolating and controlling abrasive, harsh and fibrous substances from a mechanically operated valve in the processing of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, foodstuffs, waste water, ceramic/glass/plastic or solids handling.
They can be actuated pneumatically or electrically, but non-mechanical actuation methods are available as well. They can be controlled via a hand wheel and are easily partial closed in the event of an emergency or to reduce product flow.
Advantages of Pinch Valves
In addition to their excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance, air operated pinch valves offer many benefits for regulating/metering abrasive and corrosive granulates, dust, powders, pellets or liquids containing solids, such as:
Less wear on elastic rubber hose because the kinetic energy of flowing media is absorbed by the high elasticity of the rubber that also helps in resisting abrasion and erosion. In addition, pinch valves offer a long service life because the sleeves can be replaced with new ones without requiring the whole valve to be replaced.
Due to the lipped fold pattern of the sleeve, the air operated pinch valves are able to seal even large solids from the flow of product through the valve. This guarantees a 100% leak free operation and enables the air operated pinch valves to operate at a lower net weight.
The sleeve material is selected among suitable synthetic polymers, based on the abrasiveness and corrosiveness of the flowing media. This is particularly important to ensure that the rubber sleeve can withstand the operating temperature of the flowing media.
A high quality sleeve will have an excellent service life and offer excellent sealing performance. Its rebound elasticity is specially manufactured to guarantee that the sleeve can close tightly and form a lipped fold pattern, which is guaranteed to make sure that the sleeve will not open during use of the valve.
Moreover, the flattened and elliptical casing design of all flanged types ensures minimum compressed air consumption, resulting in reduced costs for operating and maintaining the air operated pinch valves.
Pinch valves are primarily used for isolating and regulating/metering abrasive, harsh and fibrous granulates, powders, pellets or liquids. They are widely used in the chemical, cement, plastic, waste water, food and beverage, and medical industries. They are a cost-effective and reliable option to replace ball valves, piston valves, gate valves, globe valves, and diaphragm valves, saving costs while increasing service life.