Pinch Valves are economical valves that function similar to a tap. The on/off mechanism in these valves is used to allow, control and shut off the flow of media passing through them. Most Pinch Valves comprise of three parts. These include body/housing, end connections and rubber sleeve.
Pinch Valve Working
A rubber sleeve is located inside the pinch valve and this is the part responsible for closing the valve. When the Pinch Valve is in open position, it has a true and full bore. When the valve is to be closed, air nipple located on the valve’s outer body is pressurized. The pressure travels into the valve’s internal part and pushes the rubber sleeve down closing it tightly. The sleeve closes like this every time.
In addition to air operated valves, mechanical Pinch Valves also exist. Mechanical versions can be controlled in two ways: pneumatically or with the help of hand wheel. By turning the hand wheel, a manual Pinch Valve can be opened or closed. In the pneumatically operated versions of a mechanical Pinch Valve, compressed bars pull open the sleeve or push together for keeping it closed. This valve stays in closed position normally and opens up when air enters the compressed bars. Mechanical pinch valves are also easy to partially close, which makes them ideal fits for “throttling” applications where reduced or controlled flow is desired.
Conventional Valves vs. Pinch Valves
Butterfly valves, slide gate valves, ball valves, etc. are examples of commonly used valves. Many people aren’t aware of Pinch Valves and their benefits because the technology is relatively new. However, Pinch Valves are cost effective, easier to use and extremely wear resistant and never leak. Pinch Valves don’t have additional parts and components that would need to be replaced often like seals, packing, rings, etc. This makes Pinch Valves more cost effective. Other benefits of this type of valve include:
- Low weight
- Easy and low maintenance
- No dead spots or clogging
- Robust, straight, compact and simple design
- Less consumption of air
- Permanent seal
- Easier to clean
- Fast closing and opening times
- Easier to control
- Inexpensive and uses fewer parts
- Minimal friction and turbulence
- No seals, packing, bearings required
Many engineers have begun to switch to Pinch Valves because of their better overall performance.
In many cases, pinch valves are used to replace other valves that constantly fail, so unfortunately pinch valves get the cleanup duty from other less capable valves, simply because they are less popular and remain widely unknown in the process valve world.
Pinch Valves are available for a variety of applications included but not limited to food, pharmaceutical, mineral, and chemical applications. A Pinch Valve’s lifetime depends on how it’s being operated and the application it is being used for.
If you want to purchase high quality air operated or mechanical Pinch Valves, check them out at our products section.
