A pinch valve is a type of valve that limits the flow of fluids in a closed system. They consist of steel bars and a rubber tube. When the valve is opened, the steel bars push the rubber sleeve against the centerline of the valve. As the sleeve stretches, material that is built up will begin to flake and fall out of the valve. The higher the fluid velocity, the faster the flaked material will be blasted out of the pipe.
Limitations
Pinch valves are a common type of valve and are useful for a variety of applications. They have numerous benefits, but also have some limitations. In some cases, pinch valves require more power or air pressure than other valves. Some pinch valves are also prone to clogging, and they are not suitable for high-pressure media. However, their advantages can outweigh these disadvantages and can make pinch valves a good choice in certain applications.
The main limitation of pinch valves is their limited lifetime. Their operational lifespan is often limited by the life span of the pneumatic actuator or electrical solenoid. In most cases, the lifetime of the actuator is measured in hundreds of millions of cycles. The lifetime of the pinch tube also depends on the material used to make the valve. For example, neoprene tubing will break down after a few hundred thousand cycles, whereas silicone-based tubing is durable and can last several million cycles.
Construction
Pinch valves are typically fabricated with a molded rubber or synthetic sleeve that houses the pinching mechanism. The rest of the operating parts are located externally, away from contact with media. The click here to find out more sleeve is reinforced with fabric to reduce friction and to minimize line vibration. The valve’s smooth walls make it ideal for applications where bubble-tight shutoff is desired. These valves can be made to accept various types of media.
A pinch valve’s construction is relatively simple. The simplest type of valve is an elastomeric sleeve. The sleeve is generally cylindrical and has a central passage 40 and opposed flanges 42 and 44. In a pinch valve, the sleeve is squeezed closed either mechanically in the body or by fluid pressure. The resulting seal seals together and closes the flow path.
Operating pressure
The operating pressure of pinch valves is the amount of pressure that is needed to open and close them. The operating pressure is usually between three and forty bars and is dependent on the nominal size. If there is a difference between the operating pressure and the control pressure, the valve may not close properly. In addition, the operating pressure of the pinch valve depends on the material used. The material must be able to withstand the maximum and minimum temperatures in the application.
The sleeve material of pinch valves should be chosen carefully. It should not be too heavy. The sleeve is the part that comes in contact with the moving fluid and should be made of material that will not be corroded or destroyed by chemicals. Common materials include silicone, EPDM, and NBR. In addition, natural rubber, butyl, and PTFE are also acceptable.
Temperature range
Pinch valves are designed to close a line or tube. However, there are limitations to their operating temperature and pressure. These limits are primarily 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 300 psi. As a result, you should consider the minimum and maximum temperatures of your application when selecting a pinch valve.
The sleeve material of a pinch valve must be compatible with the flow media. Various materials are available. The most common is rubber. Its high elasticity helps it resist abrasion and corrosion. Rubber sleeve materials can include natural rubber, EPDM, butyl, plastics, and aluminum. Depending on your application, you can select a pinch valve that best suits your needs.
Applications
Pinch valves are a versatile valve that can be used in applications with a variety of fluids. They have a relatively low cost of ownership and are easy to install and maintain. Their flexible design makes them an excellent choice for corrosive or abrasive media. They also feature a streamlined flow path that reduces turbulence and don’t require packing, bearings, or seals. In addition, pinch valves are easy to clean, consuming much less energy than other types of valves.
Pinch valves are designed to last for long periods of time, making them a good choice for high-wear applications. These valves can handle corrosive media, such as acids and bases. Pinch valves are also ideal for shut-off and control applications involving corrosive materials.