What Is A Diaphragm Valve?

To convey material, the solenoid valve (top centre) makes a connection through the hose to the carrier vacuum. This sucks the diaphragm and opens the valve cover (coloured green).   

The vacuum can now reach the material loader (blue arrow) and suck the material. If the container is full, the solenoid valve receives another impulse that closes the diaphragm valve.

In order to convey material, a solenoid valve (above centre) creates a connection via a hose to the conveying vacuum. This sucks in the diaphragm and opens the valve closure (in green). The vacuum can now reach the material loader (blue arrows) and sucks up the material. If the container is full, the solenoid valve receives another impulse which closes the diaphragm valve. (Image: motan)

The benefits and the mode of operation of diaphragm valves.

When producing medical products, parts with delicate surfaces or electrical components, a truly clean production environment is a basic prerequisite. A little excess pressure compared to the environment in a cleanroom is not without reason, because it helps prevent particles from entering the production area so that it helps prevent contaminated products.

Cleanliness requirements for systems and materials are also high. Therefore, pneumatic systems, namely systems that use compressed air, must be avoided, if not completely prohibited.

For material supply, this means that the transportation system must be equipped with a diaphragm valve. This valve is operated through a vacuum channel and not with compressed air like a pneumatic valve.

 This results in preventing the possibility of contaminated air or particles entering the production area. Diaphragm valves are also useful when the pressurized air supply is not available.

The diaphragm valve operates as a semi-closed system. If the material is needed, a vacuum starts. Then the control sends impulses to the small electric solenoid valve which in turn opens the lid.

 Materials can now be conveyed via vacuum lines. After the required amount is reached, additional impulses by the control close the solenoid valve. When idle, the spring located on the inside pulls the cover closed.