Pinch valves are a type of control valve. They are full bore or fully ported valves that use the pinching effect to stop the flow of fluid. They are designed to restrict flow, preventing excessive pressure buildup or leaks. These valves are widely used in the water and gas industries.
Mechanical
Mechanical pinch valves are a useful type of valve for isolating pumps. They have a rubber sleeve with two mechanical pinch bars that open and close. The sleeve is usually reinforced with fabric and is designed to resist wear from abrasive slurries and media. These valves are easy to maintain and require minimal maintenance. They are ideal for pump isolation because their operating torques remain constant even after years of operation.
Mechanical pinch valves are available in a wide variety of styles. Some are manually operated with a hand wheel, while others are automatic and actuated by a pneumatic cylinder. The sleeve material and design of mechanical pinch valves depends on the properties of the flow media they are intended for.
Pneumatic
Pneumatic pinch valves are pneumatic devices that squeeze a tube. The body of the valve consists of a molded sleeve of synthetic or rubber material. The pinching mechanism is located in the center, and the remaining parts are located on the outside of the valve. The body of the valve is reinforced with pinch valves a fabric liner to prevent leakage. The liner has smooth walls that reduce line vibration and turbulence. A patented design provides optimal durability and performance.
Pneumatic pinch valves can be used to intercept a wide range of products. Their design is such that they can be installed without removing the existing tubing. They are comprised of two identical half-bodies that are bonded to each other. The external half is made of aluminum, while the internal half is made of steel.
Diaphragm
Pinch valves use diaphragms to control the flow of fluids. The diaphragm is an elastic polymeric disc that lifts and lowers as the valve is opened and closed. Typically, the diaphragm limits the flow of fluid by limiting its temperature and pressure. The diaphragm must be replaced periodically to keep it functioning properly.
Pinch valves come with a number of features. They can have adjustable opening and closing, positioners for accurate flow control, and electric feedback switches for valve position indication.
Throttle
Throttle pinch valves can be used for a variety of applications. They are a good choice when harsh media need to be controlled. The sleeve of the valve should be able to tolerate the expected temperature of the application. Because of their streamline flow pattern, they also have low wear on the sleeve.
These valves have a simple construction and can operate with a variable air pressure. They can be operated manually or automatically. The motors that power these valves are usually high speed reversible ones. The duty cycle is the percentage of time the valve is opened or closed. This type of valve can be operated by adjusting the torque of the motor and the position of the valve. Some models also have limit switches to automatically shut down the motor when it reaches a certain level of opening or closing.