A pinch valve is a type of control valve. These valves use the pinching effect to obstruct fluid flow. There are two types of pinch valves: non-wetted pinch valves and enclosed-body pinch valves. In general, these valves use a mechanical actuator to control flow.
Enclosed-body pinch valves
Pinch valves are available in various sizes and materials. These types of valves have molded bodies made from synthetic or rubber. The body contains the pinching mechanism, while the rest of the operating components are external to the valve. The body is reinforced with fabric to prevent leakage. The liner is made from material that is able to resist turbulence and line vibration. In addition, the liner is designed with smooth walls, minimizing wear and allowing for bubble-tight shutoff. The enclosed body design eliminates the need for packing.
The enclosed body design of FPV pinch valves increases the valve’s reliability and efficiency. In addition to being durable, this type of valve also features a self-cleaning feature. When the valve is operated, solids that build up on the sleeve wall will be broken off, which increases process efficiency. Additionally, the rubber sleeve is more flexible than conventional valves. This makes it a superior choice for demanding processes.
Non-wetted pinch valves
Non-wetted pinch valves are ideal for a wide variety of processes and applications. They feature an open-frame design for low weight and cost. They also protect the frame and operating mechanism from contamination. They also feature a heavy-duty pinch mechanism for precise flow control. They also have no seats or packing to wear out. This makes them an excellent choice for handling corrosive fluids, powders, and slurries.
Choosing the right pinch valve material can be critical for achieving the desired performance. There pinch valve are many types of tubing for external pinch valves. Each has different characteristics, so it’s important to choose the right one based on the specific application. An external pinch valve is a good option for in-vivo medical applications, such as dialysis machines, while an internal pinch valve is a good choice for in-vitro diagnostics.
Besides being effective for solid, liquid, and slurry applications, pinch valves are also effective for controlling flow in corrosive and abrasive media. Their liner and body are designed to be corrosion resistant, which makes them a great choice for harsh or corrosive media.
Electric motor actuators
The most common type of electric motor actuator for pinch valve is one that features springs. These spring-loaded actuators return to the normal position when power is removed. They are available in a variety of sizes and are available in IP67 and IP68 enclosures. While spring-loaded actuators have many advantages, they are not ideal for every application.
Electric motor actuators are a versatile tool that can perform a variety of functions. They can be manually or semi-automatically operated. Many of them have high-speed reversible motors, which enable them to perform open and close functions with minimal effort. These motors also have a duty cycle, which is determined by the ratio of the motor’s ON time to its OFF time. The electric motor actuators work by measuring the position of the valve and applying a torque to it. Some types even have limit switches to automatically stop the motor when it reaches a closed or fully-opened position.
Electric motor actuators are also available in linear forms. These are used in applications where a high tolerance is needed. They typically utilize an acme screw assembly or motor-driven ball screw. The screw is connected to a load. There are many considerations when choosing a linear actuator, including the number of turns the motor has to turn, the actuating force, and the length of the valve stem’s stroke.