Typical Uses of Process and Media Valves
Process valves designed to regulate fluids and diverse media help optimise energy use across industrial operations and contribute to longer machine lifespans. At SMC Norge, we offer a comprehensive selection of process valves tailored to suit a variety of industrial applications:
Media Circulation
Process valves deliver significant benefits in industrial applications where media circulation is essential:
- Accurate chemical regulation: Ideal for use in applications like analytical instrumentation.
- Contact-free fluid control: Pinch valves enable fluid handling without direct contact with the medium.
- Enhanced compressed air efficiency: Universal media valves optimise performance by enabling precise circuit segmentation.
Mixing of Liquids
Process valves are widely used for mixing liquids with gas bubbles—a method commonly applied in food industry processes. Specialised valves with adjusted features are engineered to deliver optimal mixing efficiency.
Industrial Media Cooling
Electrically actuated water or media control valves are employed to manage fluid recirculation in industrial cooling systems. Main applications include:
- Cooling system segmentation: Electrically actuated valves for water and other media allow for the division of industrial cooling circuits with thermo chillers, making maintenance tasks easier and more efficient.
- Gripper cooling: Media valves control fluid flow to cool grippers, a common requirement in welding operations across the automotive sector.
- Tool cooling: Cooling lubricants help regulate tool temperatures, ensuring optimal performance in the machine tool industry.
Spraying and Blowing Applications
Electrically actuated valves offer accurate control across a variety of spraying and blowing applications:
- Irrigation: Achieve efficient water management through accurate and reliable flow regulation.
- Food cleaning: Effectively eliminate food residues to ensure a clean and high-quality end product.
- Machine tool cooling: Specialized valves control cooling lubricants, enabling precise delivery through spray nozzles directly at the tool–workpiece interface.
- Machine tool lubrication: Solenoid valves precisely dispense water or oil, enabling fine mist lubrication in spray applications.
How to Select the Correct Media Valve
Choosing the right process valve for your application is crucial. Keep the following key aspects in mind:
Types of Medium
Valve material selection is determined by the type of medium in use. Here’s a quick overview of material compatibility with different fluids:
- Oils (hydrocarbons): Typically do not cause metal corrosion. FKM seals are widely used, whereas nitrile rubber (NBR) is well-suited for hydraulic oils.
- Solvents (acetone, acetates, MEK, alcohols, etc.): Can break down many sealing materials. PTFE or FFKM is recommended. EPDM may be appropriate for certain solvents, such as ethyl alcohol.
- Organic acids (acetic acid or citric acid): Stainless steel is optimal. FKM or EPDM seals are suitable for diluted solutions.
- Strong inorganic acids (sulfuric, phosphoric, hydrochloric): Incompatible with metals and standard sealing materials. Use technical plastics based on fluoropolymers.
- Peroxide: Common in hygienic cleaning. Suitable materials include stainless steel and PTFE; FKM is also used for diluted solutions.
- Ozone: Used in disinfection. Stainless steel and PTFE are suitable materials.
Not sure about material compatibility? Speak with our fluid control specialists before making your final valve selection.
Fluid Viscosity
Viscosity refers to a fluid’s thickness or resistance to flow. For proper valve selection, consider the fluid’s viscosity and choose between pneumatic or electrically actuated valves accordingly.
Differential Pressure
Account for the maximum differential pressure—distinct from system pressure—as it directly impacts valve performance and reliability.
Backflow or Back Pressure
If backflow is possible, install a check valve (non-return valve) to prevent reverse flow and protect your equipment.
Valve Design
- Direct actuation: Solenoid opens even without fluid pressure in the system.
- Pilot actuation: Requires fluid pressure and may need a minimum differential pressure to function properly.
Standard Valves vs. Diaphragm Isolation Valves
Standard seat or piston valves are suitable for many industrial fluids. For highly corrosive media, diaphragm isolation valves offer better protection and durability.
Find the ideal process valves for your application using our comprehensive selection guide.
If you need additional support, get in touch with our fluid control experts for professional guidance.
