Hygienic, practical, cost-effective fluid management at a pinch

Diaphragm, ball, butterfly and needle valves are the traditional options. But when there's an equally hygienic solution, that's even simpler to install and use, and more cost-effective, why wouldn't you try it? Especially when there are three variants to meet different requirements, all conveniently available from one supplier.

A straight answer

In food and drink processing, keeping the media separated from the valve is essential to prevent contamination. In some industries the opposite is true: it's the valve which needs protection from media such as solvents, glues or aggressive chemicals.

But in both cases, the pinch valve is a practical and simple solution, with several advantages over more complex technologies. Not least of which is the straight-through flow it offers, with very little pressure drop over the valve, and minimal volume loss when transitioning between batches.

The pinch valve's simplicity also eliminates dead volume, where fluid can be trapped and become a potential contamination source. And of course, its simple design reduces downtime for fitting, tubing changes and valve replacement.

While all types of pinch valves share a set of underlying common principles, manufacturers focusing on one types alone limit end-user's options. That's why IMI Norgren offer a choice of three: Solenoid, pneumatic and proportional, each bringing specific benefits.

Quick - close the valve!

The IMI Norgren Versagrip^TM Solenoid Pinch Valve is a patented solenoid-actuated valve, designed for fast operation, easy tube loading and unloading, and a secure hold on the tube during valve actuation.

In many processes, speed of valve closure is crucial. So, a pinch valve with an average actuation speed of 80 milliseconds or less with an unloaded tube could be the quick answer.

By specifying the tube you are using, IMI Norgren will be able to recommend the pinch valve that meets your requirements. For optimum performance add-ons such as a solenoid controller option, manual overrides and digital feedback sensors are also available.

Panel mount-ready and with seals that make cleaning and sterilisation easier by preventing liquid ingress during wash-down, the Versagrip^TM is a flexible, affordable valve.

The Acro M600 Series offers three models for lower volume flows at media pressures typically up to 60psi. The pinch gap is adjustable for use with optimised tube sizes, and options include valve state detection sensors and 3 or 4-way controllers for pressure venting between states.

For still higher pressures, the M900 Series Pneumatic Pinch Valves can handle media up to 75psi and work with harder or larger diameter tubing which requires a stronger pinch force. 

Flexible and adjustable, the PE900 completes the IMI Norgren Pinch Valve line-up, and proves that whatever critical fluid you ahve that needs hygienic handling, you only need to talk to one manufacturer.

Sounds like a dream? Pinch yourself