A pinch valve controls the flow of media through flexible tubing. As the name implies, pinch valves operate on the principle that pinching opposite walls of tubing together creates a blockage past which that media cannot flow. Since there is no contact between the media and components of the valve, pinch valves are ideal for applications where sterility or purity is essential, or where the media is difficult to handle.

Pinching functionality is achieved by integrating an actuator and a pinching mechanism into a single unit. The pinching mechanism captures the tubing and provides a fixed pinching surface; the actuator generates forces that act on a sliding plunger to pinch the tubing. A spring typically supplies the force in one direction, while the actuator produces an opposing force.

Pinch Valve Types & Classifications

Acro Associates manufactures both solenoid and pneumatically actuated pinch valves. Compressed air powers the pneumatic valves and generates a force that acts on the piston/plunger. Solenoid valves use a current passing through a solenoid to induce a magnetic field, which then supplies force to a magnetic plunger.

Pinch valves are further classified as either normally closed (N/C) or normally open (N/O), depending on the flow and tubing position when the valve is in a de-energized state. An alternate way of making this distinction is that a normally closed valve fails closed, while a normally open valve fails open.

• Normally closed : valve blocks flow and the tubing is pinched when the valve is in a de-energized state.
  
  
• Normally open : valve permits flow and the tubing is not pinched when the valve is in a de-energized state.

Custom Valves & Systems

Acro will modify its standard designs to tailor a product for your specific application. Where a custom design is required, we will partner with your engineering staff to produce a proprietary valve or fluid control system. Our 25+ years of design experience allows us to customize valve to meet your exact needs.

Features

Incorporated into our pinch valves as either standard or optional equipment are features that we have found valuable to our customers over our 25+ years in business. Please find below a partial list of unique features for Acro's line of pinch valves.

• Snap-In Tube Loading with Manual Override for quick change of disposable tube sets allowing for easy replacement of entire fluid path with each procedure.
  
  
• Splash Seals include an internal plunger seal and external mounting seal. They guard against spills and debris, prevents contaminants from entering the valve, and allow for cleaning without disassembly.
  
  
• Panel Mounting allows for mounting in any position and provides for flexibility in meeting your system design requirements.
  
  
• Strong pinching forces capable of handling a variety of flexible tubing materials.

Testing and Calibration
One of the features that makes Acro Associates' pinch valve unique is that all valve are tested, calibrated and certified specifically for your application. Acro's testing and calibration process allows us to optimize our valve's performance for your specification application requirements.