Diaphragm valves use a flexible membrane to control flow and can be powered by air, solenoids, or hydraulics. They come in two types, weir and straight, and are used in various industries. They can be made from plastics or metals and are named for their uses.
A diaphragm valve is a control device that uses a flexible membrane to close or close an opening. Increasing or decreasing pressure on either side of the diaphragm causes the valve to move in its position. Often, these valves are used in industries such as food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, mining, and pollution control, among others. They can be made from a variety of plastics and metals, depending on the application they will be used for.
Operating power for a diaphragm valve can come from a variety of sources. A pneumatic diaphragm valve uses air pressure to open or close it. Sometimes a solenoid, a metal component wrapped in wire that can produce a magnetic field in the presence of electricity, is used to operate the valve. Other times, it can be operated manually. In addition, hydraulic pressure is also commonly used.
There are two basic types of diaphragm valves: weir, or saddle, and straight, or straight, which seal a seat. Weir valves typically have ports directly opposite each other on the valve. This type is often used in pipes, through which it is necessary to regulate the flow of gas, fluid or sewage. Straight valve ports are usually at 90° angles to each other. These can often be found at the bottom of tanks. When used in this way, they are referred to as tank valves and regulate outflow.
Some of these valves are used as diaphragm control valves. These are automated and used to limit the flow. Others are used as diaphragm check valves. They are normally in the closed position, but when pressure builds upstream of the valve, they open. Then they close automatically when the pressure drops.
Generally, a diaphragm valve uses an elastomeric, or elastic, rubber-like substance for its diaphragm. Some common materials used are natural rubber, silicone rubber, and nitrile, among others. The diaphragm valve body can be made of metal or plastic. If the body is metal, cast iron, ductile iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel are used. If it is made of plastic, many materials can be used, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene (PP).
In addition to being used in industrial and manufacturing processes, diaphragm valves of all types can be found in sprinkler and sprinkler systems, washing machines, and paintball guns. Many of these valves are often named for their uses. They include two-way shutoff valve, sterile access ports, and three-way deadleg valves.
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