Industrial Process Valves

Maximise system durability and energy efficiency with process valves designed for water and industrial fluids

Key applications of process and media valves

Controlling liquids and gases through process valves allows industrial plants to operate with greater efficiency, lowering power consumption while limiting mechanical stress on equipment.

SMC provides a comprehensive range of process and media valves engineered to support numerous industrial scenarios across multiple sectors.

Media circulation

Where continuous circulation of process media is required, properly selected valves deliver clear operational benefits:

• Precise chemical management: Essential for analytical systems and processes requiring exact dosing and regulation.
• Contact-free fluid control: Pinch valves regulate flow without the media touching internal valve components.
• Improved compressed air performance: Universal media valves help optimise air usage by separating and managing individual system sections.

Liquid mixing

Process valves are widely used to introduce gas into fluids for controlled mixing, particularly in food and beverage manufacturing. Consistent and efficient mixing is achieved through valves designed with specialised flow characteristics and reliable actuation.

Industrial media cooling

Industrial cooling circuits rely on dependable valves for water and other cooling fluids, frequently operated by electric actuators.

Common use cases include:

• Cooling system isolation: Electrically actuated valves allow individual thermo chillers to be separated for maintenance without stopping the entire production line.
• Robotic gripper cooling: Media valves regulate coolant supply to grippers used in automotive welding and assembly processes.
• High-precision tool cooling: Controlled delivery of cooling lubricants ensures thermal stability and machining accuracy.
  

Spraying and air-blowing applications

Electrically actuated valves enable accurate control across a wide range of spraying and blowing processes, including:

• Irrigation systems: Precise regulation of water flow to improve irrigation efficiency.
• Food industry cleaning: Air-blowing solutions used to remove residues during production and cleaning phases.
• Machine tool cooling: Flow control valves direct cooling media through nozzles to the cutting interface.
• Machine tool lubrication: Solenoid valves manage accurate dosing of oil or water for fine mist lubrication.

How to select the right process valve?

Selecting the appropriate process valve is essential to ensure safe, efficient, and long-lasting operation. Several technical parameters must be evaluated during the decision-making process.

Type of medium

The chemical characteristics of the medium determine which valve materials are suitable. The following overview provides general guidance: • Oils (hydrocarbons): FKM seals are commonly used for media compatible with metal components. For hydraulic oil systems, NBR is typically the preferred sealing material.

• Solvents (acetone, acetates, MEK, alcohols, etc.): Due to their aggressive nature, PTFE or FFKM seals are recommended. In certain cases, such as ethyl alcohol, EPDM may also be suitable.
• Organic acids (e.g. acetic or citric acid): Stainless steel is generally recommended; FKM or EPDM can be used for diluted solutions.
• Strong inorganic acids (sulfuric, phosphoric, hydrochloric acid, etc.): These media require fluoropolymer-based technical plastics, as standard metals and common elastomers (NBR, FKM, EPDM) are not resistant.
• Peroxides: Commonly used in hygienic cleaning processes, peroxides are compatible with stainless steel and PTFE. FKM may be suitable for diluted concentrations.
• Ozone: Frequently used for disinfection, ozone applications require stainless steel and PTFE to ensure material durability.

To prevent material compatibility issues, consultation with a fluid control specialist is recommended before final valve selection.

Fluid viscosity

Viscosity describes a fluid’s resistance to flow and should not be confused with density. The viscosity of the medium—whether water, oil, or another fluid—directly influences valve design and actuation choice, helping determine whether a pneumatic or electrically actuated valve is most appropriate.

Differential pressure

The maximum differential pressure across the valve is a critical selection parameter. This value is distinct from system pressure and must be carefully assessed to ensure reliable and safe valve operation.

Backflow and back pressure

If reverse flow or back pressure conditions are possible, integrating a check valve (non-return valve) should be considered to protect equipment and maintain process stability.

Valve actuation design

Process valves are commonly classified according to their actuation principle:

• Direct-acting valves: The solenoid directly opens the valve without requiring media pressure.
• Pilot-operated valves: Valve operation relies on the pressure of the medium, meaning a minimum differential pressure is required.

Standard valves vs. diaphragm isolation valves

Seat and piston valves are suitable for many industrial applications. However, when handling aggressive, corrosive, or sensitive media, diaphragm isolation valves provide enhanced protection and extended service life by isolating the actuator from the process fluid.

Use our selection guide to identify the most suitable process valve for your application.

For further assistance, our fluid control specialists are available to support you throughout the selection process.