Common uses for process and media valves
By regulating different media with process valves, your industrial operations can achieve lower energy costs and reduced equipment wear.
SMC’s versatile portfolio includes multiple process valve types suitable for a broad array of uses:
Media circulation
Industrial operations that rely on media circulation gain substantial advantages through the use of process valves:
- Accurate chemical regulation: Perfectly suited for fields such as analytical technology.
- Non-contact fluid handling: Pinch valves facilitate flow control without contacting the internal media.
- Improved compressed air efficiency: The use of universal media valves enhances efficiency by dividing system segments.
Mixing of liquids
Integrating gas bubbles to mix fluids is a standard procedure for process valves, particularly within food production. High-efficiency mixing is guaranteed in these scenarios by using valves engineered with distinct functional traits.
Industrial cooling of media
Managing fluid recirculation within industrial cooling systems requires the use of valves for water or other media, often driven by electrical actuators.
Primary use cases include:
- Cooling system partitioning: Using electrically actuated valves to segment fluid thermos chillers, which enables isolated maintenance without disrupting the entire industrial process.
- Cooling of grippers: Employing media valves to regulate coolant flow for grippers, a critical function for welding operations within the automotive sector.
- Precision tool cooling: Managing the distribution of cooling lubricants.
Spraying and blowing applications
Our electrically-actuated valves deliver a meticulous control for diverse industrial spraying and air-blowing requirements such as:
- Irrigation: Optimizing irrigation efficiency through the accurate regulation of water flow.
- Food Cleaning: Using air-blowing techniques to clear away food remnants.
- Machine Tool Cooling: Specialized flow control valves ensure that cooling lubricants are accurately directed by nozzles onto the tool-workpiece contact zone.
- Machine Tool Lubrication: Accurate dispensing of water or oil is managed by solenoid valves to facilitate high-precision mist lubrication.
How to select the correct media valve
Choosing the most suitable process valve for your specific needs is a critical decision. Consider these fundamental elements during your selection:
Type of medium
The nature of the medium in use governs the construction materials of the valve. Use the following brief overview to help identify the correct options:
- Oils (hydrocarbons): FKM seals are commonly selected for media that do not react with metals. For systems using hydraulic oil, nitrile rubber (NBR) serves as the appropriate sealing solution.
- Solvents (acetone, acetates, MEK, alcohols, etc.): Because these media are highly corrosive to seals, the use of PTFE or FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) is recommended. In certain cases, such as with ethyl alcohol, EPDM may serve as a viable alternative.
- Organic acids (acetic acid or citric acid): Stainless steel serves as the optimal choice in this context. Additionally, FKM or EPDM may be used when dealing with diluted solutions.
- Strong inorganic acids (sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.): Standard metals and common seals—including NBR, FKM, and EPDM—cannot withstand this medium. Consequently, fluoropolymer-based technical plastics must be utilized for its conveyance.
- Peroxide: Stainless steel and PTFE are the compatible materials for this medium, which is frequently employed in hygienic cleaning. Additionally, FKM is a common choice when working with diluted solutions.
- Ozone: Commonly employed for disinfection, this medium requires the use of stainless steel and PTFE to ensure material compatibility.
Avoid compatibility issues by consulting our fluid control team during the final stages of your valve procurement process.
Fluid viscosity
Viscosity describes how easily a fluid flows and should not be confused with density, which refers to mass per unit volume. The viscosity of the medium (such as water, oil, or other fluids) plays a key role in valve selection. Depending on this characteristic, it is important to determine whether a pneumatic valve or an electrically actuated valve is more suitable for the application.
Differential pressure
Another critical factor in choosing a process valve is the maximum differential pressure. This value differs from the maximum system pressure and must be evaluated carefully to ensure correct valve performance and reliability.
Backflow and back pressure
In applications where reverse flow or back pressure may occur, the use of a check valve (also known as a non-return valve) should be taken into account to prevent unwanted flow reversal.
Valve actuation design
Process valves can be classified based on their actuation method:
- Direct-acting valves: These valves operate without requiring fluid pressure to open, as the solenoid directly actuates the valve.
- Pilot-operated valves: In this configuration, the valve operation depends on the pressure of the fluid itself, which means a minimum differential pressure is often necessary.
Standard valves vs. diaphragm isolation valves
Conventional seat or piston valves are generally appropriate for a wide range of industrial fluids. However, when handling highly aggressive or corrosive media, diaphragm isolation valves are recommended to provide better protection and longer service life.
Use our selection guide to identify the most suitable process valve for your specific application.
If you need support during the selection process, our fluid control specialists are available to assist you.
