Use of Electric Diaphram Valves

A control system is a process which consists of control valves, actuators, controllers, and sensors. The goal of the control system is to provide maximum regulation to the plant operator or plant personnel. Electric diaphragm valves provide an essential means of controlling the variables inherent in regulating a control system.

Electric Diaphragm Valves utilize flexible membranes to control the flow through the system. Pressure fluctuations change the positioning of the membrane. Many industries find these valves appropriate for their application, such as food processing, pollution control, mining, or pharmaceutical manufacturing. These valves tend to utilize solenoids to actuate the valve but these can be operated pneumatically, hydraulically, or manually as well.

Weir, or saddle-type diaphragm valves typically are useful in pipes for regulation of slurries, gas, or fluids. Straight-way valves often are utilized as tank valves to regulate outflow. Both types are useful as either control or check valves as appropriate to the industry. Generally, Electric Diaphragm Valves use elastomeric membranes including natural rubber, silicone rubber, and nitrile. The material used for the body of the valve varies as needed for the particular use but can be metal (brass, carbon or stainless steel, cast or ductile iron) or an appropriate form of plastic. In many industrial settings a lining is necessary to provide chemical, pressure, or temperature resistance.

Electric Diaphragm Valves, and weir type valves, eliminate the possibility of trapped fluids in the valve. These valves are excellent for use with slurries, suspended solids, and viscous materials, providing accurate shut-off and throttling for water treatment, industrial, and chemical processing applications. Full bore or straight-way valves seal over a seat and can reduce blocking issues. Diaphragm valves generally are in two-port form, but can also come in a T-valve or three port designation for use as a block valve. More than three ports will require either more than one membrane seat or specially formatted dual actuators.

While the two-way shut off diaphragm valve is the most common, diaphragm valves also can be three way zero dead leg valves, sterile access ports, block and bleed valves, and tank bottom valves.

The regulation of flow must be maintained at a sufficiently linear pace to stay within the specified operating parameters of a process control system. Electric diaphragm valves are integral to regulating the control loop, and they directly influences profitability with their performance. Improperly selected valves will prove to be detrimental to the performance of the control loop and safety system.