Finland-based pinch valve specialist Flowrox, has introduced a new, robust pinch valve, the PVG pinch valve, which features a strong metal body, simple bullet closing mechanism and opening tags in the inside.

Pinch valves are commonly used in slurry pipelines for a range of applications, including mining.

“The PVG valve is a result of long-term development work, 35 years of experience in valves technology development and the demanding process conditions that valves are used in. This new product has been developed at the request of some of our customers from various industries,” says Flowrox valve division VP Simo Manninen, who mentions that the PVG pinch valve further benefits customers looking to save money.

“The savings come from the improved performance and long service lifetime of the PVG pinch valve, as well as the low total cost of ownership,” Manninen notes, adding that the PVG valve maintenance interval is over several years.

“The only spare part needed is the rubber sleeve. There is no unwanted downtime and the overall process efficiency therefore increases. If you compare the operating costs of the PVG valve to other kinds of valves, our solution typically costs less,” he asserts.

Flowrox offers reliable solutions for abrasive, corrosive and other demanding shutoff, control, pumping and dosing applications serving a wide range of process industries worldwide. The main focus is on the mining and minerals sector, as well as the energy and environmental management industries.

Strong Product for Hard Conditions

The PVG is a continuation of the elastomeric PVEG valve that was designed by Flowrox to meet the needs of customers looking for a lightweight but durable valve solution. The PVG is a stronger version based on the successful design of the PVEG and both valve types complement each other in heavy-duty processes.

The PVG pinch valve has been developed for processes involving pressure resistance, heat, abrasion, corrosion and aggressive slurries. It is a reliable isolation valve especially for tanks, thickeners, pump isolation, automatic valves, measuring devices and sampling systems.

“Like other Flowrox pinch valves, the PVG pinch valve has various end-use applications. There are several dimensions available, from 50 mm to 250 mm, and it can be used in high-process temperatures of up to 120 °C. PVG also has opening tags in the sleeve as a standard feature and it can therefore be applied with crystallising media that normally causes valve failures,” explains Manninen.

In the open position, the PVG pinch valve is at full bore with no flow restrictions. Therefore, it is an integral part of the pipeline and any- thing flowing through the pipeline can also pass through the valve. Being a full-bore design, PVG valves require less pumping energy but do not reduce system head pressure.

The installation is simple and the valves include pre-installed rubber sleeves that withstand tough process conditions. The sleeve guarantees non-clogging and is the only part in contact with the medium. It is bubble-tight and easy to replace.