More and more users of conventional valve types such as ball valves, butterfly valves and knife gate valves are changing to air flow valves with a soft rubber pinching sleeve because of their high quality performance and longer service life.
Air flow valves exist in many different forms, sizes and specifications. Depending on the type of application, an air flow valve with a rubber hose will more than likely be the best solution with their many benefits and advantages.
Air flow valves with a rubber squeezing sleeve are generally used in applications where the operating temperature does not exceed 120″C, although the temperature rating can be improved to 130″C with a silicon rubber sleeve.
The types of sleeve material for an air flow valve vary, depending on the details of the application. In particular, the media that is passing through the valve, it”s pressure and it”s temperature are the key factors which determine the best suitable sleeve material. The following are important performance specifications that should be taken into account for choosing air flow valves:
- Pinch Closing Pressure: This is the amount of air pressure exerted on the tubing/sleeve when the air flow valve is in the closed state. It is essential that the pressure is strong enough to obstruct the flow of the medium. See pinch valve control pressure for more information.
- Line Pressure: Air flow valves with a pinch closing sleeve can usually handle a maximum line pressure of 6 BAR because of their elastomer rubber sleeves. If a higher line pressure is required, a high-performance air flow valve is available on request.
- Flow Rate: For an air flow pinch valve, the opening of the valve is related to the flow rate. Two relationships are available that determine flow rate. The flow rate is said to be linear if it is directly proportional to the amount the rubber sleeve opens/closes. The other relationship is equal percentage in which the flow rate is linked with the percentage of the valve opening that is changed gradually. An air flow valve can be fitted with a controller to allow a percentage of air inside to partially close the sleeve. This controller is called a proportional pressure regulator.
Areas of Industry for Air Flow Valves
Abrasive powders, water, lime, flour, sugar, sand, foundry sand, steel shot, swarf, animal feed, grit, coal, sludges/slurries, raw sewage, ash, PFA, paper pulp, cement, flour, PVC granules, minerals, lime, air, gases, chlorine, sulphuric acid are just some of the applications that an air flow valve can handle with ease.
For more information including how they work, and what makes them a better choice over other types of valves, please visit air flow valves.
