The pinch valve is also known as a clamp valve. It is a linear motion valve. Used to start, regulate, and stop fluid flow. It uses a rubber tube, also known as a pinch tube, and a pinch mechanism to control the fluid. This valve is the simplest in any valve design.
Pinch tubes are manufactured of natural or synthetic rubbers and sometimes plastics which have good abrasion resistance properties. Most pinch valves are open style in which the pinch tube is exposed. However, another style fully encloses the pinch tube within a metallic body. You can see both designs in the image.
Image – Red Valve
Pinch Valve – Application
It is ideally suited for handling slurries, liquids with large amounts of suspended solids, and systems that convey solid material pneumatically.
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Pinch Valve – Advantages
- It can be used for applications where corrosion or metal contamination of the fluid might be a problem. The flow from the valve is straight without any obstruction.
- There are no internal moving parts in contact with the fluid hence, low maintenance cost.
- Inexpensive due to simple construction
Pinch Valve – Disadvantages
- It cannot be used in high-temperature-pressure applications and gas media.
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