Pinch valves are a type of valve that is used for controlling liquid or slurry flow. These types of valves can be used in a variety of industries. They are especially popular for applications that require media to be isolated from the environment. They are also useful for sewage treatment and corrosion problems. They are particularly well suited for handling granular materials.
A pinch valve consists of three main components. These components include the housing, the sleeve, and the tubing. Each of these elements should be chosen to withstand the environmental and operating conditions of the application. The sleeve, for instance, should be made from a material that can withstand the temperature and pressure of the application. The body of the valve, on the other hand, should be lightweight and be resistant to wear.
The pinch valve should be designed to open and close in a fluid-tight fashion. This is achieved by forming a seal that is equivalent to the permeability of the tubing. Normally, the sleeve is the only part that comes in contact with the media. This prevents clogging and allows deposits to slake off the valve. The sleeve’s material is usually natural rubber or nitrile. It is molded into the valve’s housing from inlet to outlet.
The pinch valve’s inner tube is typically made of an elastomeric material. This is designed to absorb impact and deflect the media back into the abrasive. However, elastomeric materials have a limited degree of temperature and pressure resistance. Therefore, an abrasion-resistant liner should be used in conjunction with the sleeve. This prevents scratches and damage to the wall of the pinch valve.
The sleeve of the pinch valve is usually made of reinforced rubber. It can also be lined with polyurethane to increase its abrasion resistance. The sleeve is then pinched by steel bars on the pinch valves centerline of the valve. When the pinch element closes, it traps the particles around the sleeve. The rubber sleeve is usually reinforced with fiber to increase its strength and durability. It is able to stretch and close tightly, which is why it is often referred to as an “elastic sleeve.”
A pinch valve is not a good choice for pulsing flow. This is because the interruption of the stream increases pressure drop. If the pressure differential is high enough, the pinch sleeve may not open, or it may collapse. In addition, the sharp particles that clog the sleeve can tear grooves in the liner and interrupt the flow.
Pinch valves are usually operated by a power operator or a hand wheel. They are not suited for vacuum applications. The force required to close the pinch tube will depend on the dimensions of the tubing. Typical pneumatic models operate by moving the compressor down the stem. If you are looking for a reliable, simple, and dependable valve, pinch valves are the way to go.
Pinch valves are widely used in a wide range of applications, from sewage treatment to laboratory equipment. They are easy to install and remove, and provide effective control of abrasive media.