The new air operated pinch valves of the VMC series are based upon a four-part composition, including the pinch valve housing, a pinch valve elastomeric sleeve and two connecting covers. The pinch valve elastomeric sleeve is centered in the housing and clamped at both ends with the connecting covers.

With a differential pressure of only 2-2.5bar into the housing, the special elastomer Pinch Valve sleeve is folded into a lip-shape and seals/shuts off the valve passage. The multi-functional modular design allows a flexible exchange of the two available housing in aluminum or stainless steel, and in addition a variety of different end connection types.

The different connection options are:

• • Flange connection according to DIN EN 1092-1 PN 10/16 or ANSI B 16.5/150lbs
• • Internal thread connection according to DIN EN ISO 228 (G) or ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 (NPT)
• • Tri-clamp connection according to DIN 32676 
• • Weld-on ends according to DIN 11850 series 2
• • Threaded spigot (RJT connection) according to DIN 11851

This variety of different end connection options and a choice of 12 different qualities of the elastomer Pinch Valve sleeve provides a very broad and almost unlimited field of applications of the air operated Pinch Valves Series VMC.

The air operated Pinch Valves Series VMC are provisionally available in sizes DN010-DN050, and will be completed up to diameter DN150 at the end of 2012.

The manufacturer of the new air operated VMC Pinch Valves were given specifications and priorities based on an extremely compact and lightweight design. Due to efficient construction, a weight reduction could be achieved by up to 50%, compared to previous series. In addition to the extremely compact and lightweight design of the air operated Pinch Valves, there is the further advantage of a consumer-friendly and very easy assembly and disassembly procedure. The easy assembly and disassembly allows any customer on-site to re-sleeve the air operated VMC Pinch Valve within minutes, without using any special tools.

Another very important feature of the VMC air operated Pinch Valve is the straight-through bore with no dead-spots or crevices between the rubber sleeve and the end covers. The changeover from the elastomer sleeve to the end cover could be optimized by using ideal geometries of the individual components to each other, compared to previous pinch valves it could be reduced so greatly and optimized that an optimum sterilization and cleanability can be guaranteed.

Respondents to the new implemented features of the air operated Pinch Valve
VMC series, in combination with extremely economical pricing, will enable many new applications in various industries and sectors. In particular for the automation of systems in the food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the new VMC AKO Pinch Valve will be a very reliable and lucrative valve solution.

By well-known advantages of the AKO Pinch Valves such as a completely free flow of the working medium, the usual constrictions and dead spaces are avoided in comparison to using membrane and bufferfly valves.
An absolute tight seal of the product flow with non-clogging is guaranteed with the AKO Pinch Valves, even with solids.

Pinch Valves vs. Diaphragm, Butterfly or Ball Valves:

In comparison to using Diaphragm, Butterfly or Ball Valves, then the Pinch Valve has the advantage in various processes of a low cost position monitoring and failure controlling Pressure Switch. This allows easy monitoring and effective locating of the failed Pinch Valve sleeve using a programmable logic control. Thus, the monitoring system enables the operator to avoid expensive wastage of entire batch productions, due to the delay in detecting a defective Diaphragm Valve seal where the product has flowed behind the broken seal; this can cause germs and contaminated products and become a costly failure.

Furthermore, the duration time for the defective Pinch Valve sleeve has been reduced enormously, compared to membranes or seat seals. In addition, the air operated Pinch Valve of the new VMC Series is a very cost effective shut-off valve solution, compared to ball valves, butterfly valves and diaphragm valves. Due to its simple function and the very simple operation, additional and expensive actuators are not needed.

The new air operated VMC Pinch Valves have all been implemented with an elliptical shape housing control room. The elliptical control room reduces the consumption of air volume with each closing process by up to 40% compared to conventional circular control rooms and thus reduces the energy consumption enormously. At the same time the elliptically shaped control room provides a reduction of the Pinch Valve opening time by up to 50%. Faster opening times have a positive effect on the wear of the Pinch Valve sleeve, especially for applications with abrasive and corrosive media.

Air operated Pinch Valves for Areas at Risk of Explosions (EX):
The VMC Pinch Valves can be used in specific and verified conductive atmospheres in hazardous EX Zones 1, 21 and 2, 22.

The new VMC air operated Pinch Valves meet all requirements and standards of the European Directives specifications eg PED 97/23/EC.

The new VMC Pinch Valves could be also used in vacuum conveying systems, however care must be taken by plant operators on a vacuum compensation.

For particularly critical applications where a saftey closed position is required, the new air operated VMC Pinch Valves can be controlled with the AKO safety arrangement, and if required an extra air reservoir tank.

For more information about the new VMC series and the vacuum compensation please do not hesitate and contact the manufacturer AKO Armaturen & Separations GmbH.


WEB: www.pinch-valve.com 
EMAIL: ako(@)ako-armaturen.de
TEL : 0049-6147-9159-0
FAX : 0049-6147-9159-59