A pinch valve is a unique and effective tool to control the mass flow of a variety of media. These valves work by trapping large particles around a rubber sleeve. The sleeve is then collapsed and closed tightly. It’s an easy and reliable way to regulate the flow of a variety of abrasives and granular products. They can be used to control the flow of sewage, slurry, liquid, and more.
Typical applications for pinch valves include sewage treatment, medical instruments, and clinical analyzers. They have also been applied to a wide range of laboratory equipment. They have no bearings or mechanical parts, making them easy to install and operate. They are also effective at controlling the flow of abrasives and slurries.
A pinch valve consists of three main components: a body, a sleeve, and a liner. The body is typically made of silicone, natural rubber, or food grade rubber. The sleeve is either made of rubber or reinforced with fiber. Usually, rubber sleeves are reinforced to improve the strength and abrasion resistance.
Pinch valves are available in two main actuating styles. They can be operated by air pressure or hydraulic pressure. The force required to close the tube will vary depending on the tubing material and dimensions. They are often used in harsh environments. It’s important to select a pinch valve that can handle the operating temperature, the media it is used to control, and the environmental conditions.
These valves can be easily installed and do not require packing. They can be designed to shut off or throttle a certain percentage of the fluid. They are not suitable for vacuum applications. They are also suited for handling abrasive and harsh fluids, and are used in a variety of industries. Compared to other valve types, they are the most reliable and economical. They are also a great choice for On/Off services and throttling services.
The pinch valve is the most cost-effective valve on the market. It provides a complete solution for almost any media. A pinch valve is an excellent choice for slurries and slurry applications, which are commonly found in the chemical, mining, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries.
Unlike piston and gate valves, the pinch valve does not have metal or external parts. In order to be able to operate the pinch valve properly, it is necessary to choose a durable, lightweight, and abrasion resistant body material. Besides being lightweight, the pinch valve should have smooth walls for a bubble-tight shutoff. This pinch valves will reduce line vibration and turbulence.
The pinch valve sleeve is made from natural or synthetic rubber. It is usually reinforced with fiber or other materials to increase abrasion resistance. The sleeve wears at a slower rate than a metal surface, which helps it to last longer. The sleeve can be designed to be corrosion-resistant or food-grade. The sleeve material is selected based on the corrosiveness of the media being regulated.
For best performance, pinch valves should be designed with a minimum wall thickness of 0.2 inches. If the pinch area is more than 0.3 inches, special pinch valves are needed.