Pinch Valves

How pinch valves work

Pinch valves are simple devices used to control the floe of fluids and gases in a wide range of industrial applications. Unlike traditional valves that use a variety of mechanical components, pinch valves work by pinching a flexible tube or sleeve to restrict or completely shut off the flow.

When the valve is in the open position, the flexible tube or sleeve is not compressed, and the fluid can pass through. To close the valve, a mechanism squeezes the tube or sleeve, creating a pinching effect that stops the flow. This pinch mechanism can be manual pneumatic, or electric depending on the valves design.

Advantages of pinch valves

Pinch valves have risen in popularity because they offer something different then traditional valves. This can also be seen in the several advantages of using pinch valves which includes:

Simple design: Pinch valves have a straightforward design that makes them easy to operate and maintain. They do not have complex internal components that can get clogged or damaged, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

Versatility: Pinch valves can handle a wide range of fluids, including abrasive, corrosive, and viscous liquids. This makes them ideal for use in industries such as mining, chemical processing, wastewater treatment and food and beverage.

No dead spaces: Pinch valves have a straight through design that eliminates dead spaces and reduces the risk of contamination.

Cost-effective: Pinch valves are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of valves, making them an excellent choice for applications that require multiple valves.

Reliable: Pinch valves have a high level of reliability and can handle frequent opening and closing cycles without the risk of failure. They are also resistant to wear and tear, making them a durable choice for long term use.

Minimal maintenance: Pinch valves have simple design with few moving parts, making them easy to maintain and service.

Self-cleaning: The flexible tube or sleeve of pinch valves can expand and contract during operation, which helps to prevent clogging and self-cleans the valve.

Industries and applications that uses pinch valves

The advantages mentioned above have made the pinch valve a popular piece of equipment in a wide range of industries. Some common industries and applications that uses pinch valves include:

Water and wastewater treatment: Pinch valves are used in water and wastewater treatment applications for controlling the flow of sludge, chemicals, and other fluids. They are often used in chemical dosing systems, sludge transfer and pH control.

Pharmaceutical and biotech: Pinch valves are used in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry for handling fluids that require sterile conditions, such as vaccines and medications. They are also used for regulating the flow of corrosive and abrasive fluids commonly found in bioprocessing applications.

Food and beverage: Pinch valves a used in the food and beverage industry for controlling the flow of viscous and abrasive fluids, such as fruit pulp, sauces, and syrups. They are also used for handling products that require sanitary conditions, such as dairy products and beverages.

Chemical processing: Pinch valves are commonly used in chemical processing applications, where they can handle corrosive and high-pressure fluids. They are often used for regulating the flow of acids, alkalis, solvents, and other chemicals.

Mining and minerals processing: Pinch valves are ideal for handling abrasive slurries and corrosive chemicals commonly found in the mining and mineral processing industry. They are often used for controlling the flow of tailings, slurry transfer and water treatment processes.

Important considerations when selecting pinch valves

When selecting pinch valves for industrial applications, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These factors can affect the valve’s performance, reliability, and suitability for the intended application. Some of the critical considerations include:

Material compatibility: It is crucial to select a pinch valve that is compatible with the fluid being transported. The valve’s material should be resistant to the chemical properties of the fluid, including pH, temperature, and viscosity.

Flow rate and pressure: The valves size and design should be selected based on the required flow rate and pressure of the application. Pinch valves come in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size to ensure optimal flow control and prevent damage to the valve.

Operating conditions: The operating conditions of the applications should be considered when selecting pinch valve. This includes factors such as the temperature, pressure and environment in which the valve will be used. For example, pinch valves used in high temperature applications require materials that can withstand high temperatures without degradation.

Manual or automated: Pinch valves can be both manually or automatically operated, and the choice depends on the applications requirements. Automated pinch valves are more suitable for applications that require precise flow control or those that operate continuously, while manual pinch valves are ideal for applications that require infrequent operations.

Why buy pinch valves from AxFlow

AxFlow offers pinch valves for the widest range of industries and applications. Only at AxFlow do you receive individual advice from industry-experienced process engineers and the manufacturer-independent selection of the world's leading process technology. Do you need support in selecting the right valve for your needs? Do not hesitate to get in touch. AxFlows experts and engineers can provide guidance for selecting, specifying, installing, and maintaining your fluid handling equipment.