An Uncomplicated Valve With an Important Purpose

Pinch valve designs are characteristically straightforward, utilizing an elastomeric tube that is squeezed or compressed to halt the flow of media. This pinching mechanism can be achieved in a few different ways: compressed air or fluid can be directed into the valve's housing to induce the elastomeric tube to seal, or a mechanical clamp can be employed that is tightened via a manual handle or an actuator.

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Pinch valves serve in both on/off and throttling applications. They are employed in a wide range of sectors from clean or sanitary conditions like the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries to more rugged environments such as wastewater management, cement production, and systems with high concentrations of bulk solids. Pinch valves are chosen in sanitary services for their hygienic properties, and in industrial settings for their low friction and resistance to clogging. They excel in these fields over other common valve types like butterfly, ball, and globe valves due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness highlighted by these advantages.

Varieties of Pinch Valve Configurations

The assortment of pinch valves can be broadly classified into two types: those where the sleeve is built into the body, and those employing a separate clamp to seal a tube or hose.

Integral Sleeve Design

An integral sleeve pinch valve features a built-in sleeve within the valve body, actuated by compressed air or hydraulic pressure introduced between the body and sleeve. When this pressure fills the body cavity, it compresses the sleeve to restrict or halt the media flow. These valves may also incorporate a mechanism that closes through a manual operator or actuator integral to the valve. This variant is effective as a control valve when equipped with a closing mechanism.

Manual pinch valve with its safety cover lifted to reveal hose compression.

Source: IMI PBM

Pinch valves typically require very minimal maintenance. When maintenance is necessary, it usually pertains to the elastomeric tube or hose, which is the component being pinched to control flow. If the sleeve, tube, or hose becomes worn or damaged, it must be replaced. However, since the valve body components are isolated from the media, they generally need little maintenance.

Components of pinch valves can be constructed from various materials, dictated by the service severity and media passing through the valve. The sleeve, tube, and hose might be crafted from neoprene, natural rubbers, silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber—extremely durable with higher heat resistance than natural rubber), FKM (fluoroelastomer, known for superior heat and chemical resistance compared to nitrile or neoprene), and other elastomers. The valve body can be made from plastics, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals, based on the application needs.

Source: IMI PBM

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Actuated pinch valve with limit switch.

Integral sleeve-style pinch valves are favored when dealing with corrosive media or substances containing solids or abrasives. Since they induce minimal friction inside the sleeve, they resist clogging efficiently. These valves are also selected when minimal turbulence is desired or when excellent drainage is a necessity. Furthermore, they are suitable where media exposure to non-elastomeric materials poses a problem, particularly with corrosive substances.

Clamp Style Design

The clamp-style pinch valve functions by compressing a separate tube or hose closed using a manual actuator, pneumatic actuator, or solenoid actuator, which applies clamping force to effectively shut off the flow. This type of pinch valve is entirely separate from the tube or hose and can be installed or removed without dismantling the hose system or disrupting the line. This design is ideal for systems where breakages in process tubing or hoses are impractical. Typically, these valves are used as clamps for single-use tubing.

Manual pinch valve in an open position (showing no hose compression).

Source: IMI PBM

The design of clamp-style pinch valves isolates the valve itself from the tubing or hose, implying minimal maintenance for the valve. These valves are often built from metals like stainless steel or aluminum, with plastic handles to reduce weight. In certain cases, the entire valve might be constructed from plastic to cut costs and weight, though this compromises its durability and operational life.

Advantages of using AKO’s manual pinch valve include the unobstructed flow of products, minimal frictional resistance, and low maintenance and operational costs.

Another significant benefit is that the sleeve is the only part in contact with the media, reducing parts exposed to wear. The unique sleeve deformation when closing breaks away any incrustations, ensuring the manual pinch valve is practically a blockage-free valve solution. Moreover, it effectively seals even larger solid particles due to the sleeve’s exceptional resistance to abrasion and corrosion, ensuring a leak-free operation.

These manual pinch valves are predominantly utilized for controlling materials such as cement, pigments, granules, ceramics, and glass, as well as handling sewage water, mud, and more.