Air Operated Pinch Valves
by: AKOUK
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The service a valve provides can seem highly technical and complicated but in fact, the primary appeal of this component it its simplicity. There is a minimum of parts of which the air operated pinch valve is constructed from, with the sleeve being the only component that is suspectible to wear. However, even this hard working and critical part possesses a low cost and fast maintenance factor. Therefore, downtime is reduced to a minimum period.
A solenoid valve is an operating method of the air operated pinch valve. During the material processing cycle, there is a requirement for a 2.5bar difference in pressure, between the pressure of the processed material and the pressure demanded to close the valve. On the pressure being applied, the reinforced sleeve closes, providing a 100% sealing capacity.
Every valve manufacturer endeavors to produce the highest of quality products in order to provide a user with a component that will be ideally suited for a particular application. Continuous research is compiled, regarding innovative improvements to the valve casings and operational factors. The saving in time and effectiveness on even the smallest of details can provide a valve user with an edge over their competitors.
The sleeve of the air operated pinch valve works in conjunction with the casing, the shape of which provides the means for the sleeve to fold in the same place on closing. This is important to the processing operation as it can reduce air consumption by up to 40%. The overall calculated benefit to a user of this feature will not only result in a longer valve life, but will also give an increased saving in power and accordingly, decreased costs in production.
A concern for manufacturers and users of air operated pinch valves stems to problems created by a 'failed-open' occurence, which in some respects has limited the use of the valve within specific applications. There are now systems available which counteract this issue and will entail the valve being in a fail-closed position. This unique feature will still enable all of the inherent benefits of air operated pinch valves to be maintained when utilised with abrasive material processing applications.
In the event of a processing system losing the supply of air when the air operated pinch valve is in a closed position, it will remain so until the cause is rectified by an engineer. On the opening again, the loss of air is detected by means of a pressure switch, whereupon the valve closes. In this instance, the air is performing a function as a fail-safe mechanism.
With regards to this type of valve operating in applications involving a silo, this system will be of particular benefit. An air operated pinch valve is mounted in a permanent position in a silo input line. As the product load of a tanker is discharged, utilizing its integral pump, a sensor located at the top of the silo determines the increasing level of the contents. On a maximum capacity level being reached, a micro-switch is activated and a signal is given to the solenoid located on the valve. The reaction is immediate, with the air pressure closing the sleeve within the air operated pinch valve, thereby activating a simultaneous audio alarm to the driver of the tanker, warning him to stop the pump action.
About the Author
AKO UK Ltd is a pinch valve distribution company, holding a large stock of air operated pinch valves in the UK. Pinch Valves are used to control the flow of bulk materials and liquids. Other products available include knife gate valves, pressure relief valves, butterfly valves and more.
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