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Pinch Valve Applications
Conventional on-off valves often require the fluid to be regulated
to move through a convoluted / complex flow path, even when
fully open. This can be an issue for biological materials (proteins,
DNA, etc) which can be easily “sheared”when forced through
complicated paths.
Pinch Valves offer “line-of-sight” flow
paths where the open tube, even if
slightly pinched does not significantly
block the flow path. Because of the slight
venturi effect produced by the pinch,
flow through the tubing can actually be
enhanced rather than restricted.
X
X
Cross-section
at X-X, open.
Handling of non-liquid effluents
Pinch Valves are often used on the waste side of instrumentation, “dumping” solutions to a collection device or simply out of the instrument.
The waste stream can have many components; liquid, particulates, precipitates and coagulations inadvertently formed from mixtures of
chemicals. These accumulated non-liquids can lead to coating on the inner surface of a conventional valve. The coating process is uneven
and can eventually lead to the valve becoming clogged.
Pinch Valves offer a three-fold solution to this problem:
1. The tubing can be pre-treated to prevent the build-up of films. Bio-Chem Valve™ silicone tubing is Platinum cured which significantly
reduces the possibility of film build-up.
2. The tubing is subjected to a very hard squeeze when the valve is closed. This squeeze is particularly effective in removing any film
build-up
3. If the tubing does become blocked – it can quickly and easily be replaced without having to remove the valve from service.
Prevention of shear in sensitive materials
Pinch Valves are typically used in “on-off” applications; applications that don’t require flow control or modulation – you just want to start and
stop the flow.
Customized Solutions
We understand that many applications require customized solutions. Our design and prototyping expertise enables us to offer
simple modifications of standard products as well as completely customized designs. Many of the pinch valves we sell are
customized to one extent or another. Customizable options include (but are not limited to):
•
Materials of construction
•
Operating voltage (115/220 VAC)
•
Customer supplied tubing
•
Mounting options
•
Tagging / labeling
•
Length and/or style of connecting leads
•
Electrical connections
We look forward to working with you to meet your design engineering objectives!
Complex flow path through
conventional valve
“Line-of-sight” flow path
through pinch valve