Mechanical devices used to control the flow of a substance/media within a system as well as its pressure are referred to as ‘valves’. Valves also allow operators to regulate the total amount of media flowing through a system or a process and alter its direction. There are several different types of mechanical valves available nowadays. In this post, we’ll look at two specific valves – the diaphragm valve and pinch valve – and discuss their benefits.
Diaphragm Valves
Iron is usually used to make diaphragm valves. These valves comprise of a two piece body. The bottom half housing is lined with rubber to offer wear resistance while the upper half consists of closing mechanism and the diaphragm. Diaphragm valves are liner-motion valves used to start, stop and regulate the flow of substance. When the entire system needs to be isolated from the media flowing through the system, then the operators commonly use diaphragm valves.
Benefits of using diaphragm valves include:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Seal is leak proof
- Tight shut-off mechanism
- Repairs can be made without obstructing the system
Pinch Valves
Pinch valves are made with cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel or plastic housings. The valve housing incorporates a shut off mechanism and rubber sleeve. The flowing substance/media only comes into contact with the pinch valve’s rubber or elastic sleeves and protective flanges, thereby minimizing the likelihood of contamination in the system. Depending on the requirements of the system, rubber sleeves are custom designed. Different types of rubber and elastic compounds are used for the sleeves to ensure that they are suitable for the application.
Pinch valves are considered more advantageous and better suited than diaphragm valves for some applications because of their full-bore design and quick shut-off mechanism. They require minimal maintenance and changing the rubber sleeve of the pinch valve is easy.
Some of the benefits of pinch valves include:
- Low maintenance
- Minimal turbulence
- Excellent drainage
- Low weight
- Very clean
- Low contaminants
- Inexpensive
Pinch valves are usually preferred over other valves due to their easy maintenance, low cost and full-bore design that offers zero leakage and resistance to abrasive products. Pinch valves can be used for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, abrasive mineral and other applications.
In a nutshell, both diaphragm valves and pinch valves have unique benefits. The one that is best for you depends on your specific application. For applications where linear motion valves are required, diaphragm valves are suitable while pinch valves are ideal for other systems.
If you are looking for high-quality, economical valves, then check out our diverse range of pinch valves. At AKO Pinch Valves, you can find air actuated pinch valves, manual pinch valves, pressure relief valves, and knife gate valves. Our pinch valves are ideal for food, chemical, pharmaceutical and abrasive applications. For more information about pinch valves, give us a buzz at +1 614 873 8995 and fill out our inquiry form and our experts will get back to you.
