Selecting the best pinch valve for your medical application
30 November 2022
There are two primary types of pinch valves used in the medical and scientific industries: external and internal. Each has benefits and drawbacks, depending upon their end use.
The core functionality of a pinch valve is a flexible flow path element that is compressed by an external plunger or pinch block. Most pinch valves employed in these industries are actuated using a solenoid, although some manual hand-actuated pinch valves exist, and they operate like a clamp.
External pinch valves are characterised by tubing that can be easily replaced; internal pinch valves are sealed and maintenance free. The choice of valve for a scientific or medical instrument application is dependent upon several factors. Consideration should be given to the internal volume, carryover volume, maintenance, cycle life, and materials. These factors are discussed in greater detail below.
Read the full article in DPA's December issue
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