When considering a pinch valve, it is important to choose the right one for your specific needs. There are many options available, including wetted rubber, natural rubber, and mechanically operated. Learn more about these types of valves and how to determine which one is best for your application. This article will provide some information on all the different types of pinch valves and how to choose the right one for your situation.
Natural rubber
Natural rubber pinch valves have many advantages over synthetic or polymeric versions. They are durable, abrasion-resistant, and flexible, making them perfect for handling a wide variety of bulk materials. These valves are ideal for food and waste water applications. They also feature a positive inline isolation. Despite these advantages, pinch valves require periodic replacement of the sleeves.
Natural rubber pinch valves are available in a variety of qualities and can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made of natural rubber, butyl, and EPDM. Other materials include butyl, silicone, and aluminum.
Wetted rubber
Wetted rubber pinch valves are a versatile valve option that offers a variety of benefits over conventional metal valves. They are designed to keep most of the valve’s components out of the flow of liquid. A typical pinch valve has a rubber sleeve that is connected to the pipeline by a threaded axel. The sleeve is then compressed by a metal frame, which is then attached to a handle. Unlike a conventional ball valve, a pinch valve does not block material flow when it is open.
This type of valve is commonly used in industries that need to isolate media from the mechanical valve. These types are also used in laboratory equipment, solids handling, food and beverage equipment, and waste water treatment. These types of valves are especially useful in applications that have large suspended solids.
Mechanically operated
Pinch valves are a great solution to a variety of applications. Often used for fibrous and abrasive products, they offer good performance, long service life, and low wear and tear. Whether used in a chemical plant or a laboratory, these valves are a great option for proportional control.
The basic design of a mechanical pinch valve includes a molded rubber or synthetic sleeve. This read sleeve contains the pinching mechanism, while the rest of the operating parts are external. The rubber sleeve is reinforced with fabric to keep it in place during operation. This type of valve also features smooth walls to minimize turbulence and line vibration. In addition to being reliable, a mechanical pinch valve does not require packing.
Enclosed body
The main purpose of a pinch valve is to close a fluid flow. In an open state, the valve is true and full bore. A pressure nipple on the valve body is used to push the rubber sleeve down and close the valve. This action occurs repeatedly and consistently, and keeps the valve closed at all times.
Pinch valves are not suitable for vacuum applications because the pressure inside can collapse the sleeve. To ensure long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, the sleeve of a pinch valve must be made of a material that can withstand the media in which it is used. Because the sleeve is the only part of a pinch valve that comes into contact with the media, it should be corrosion-resistant.