Vacuum valves: In-depth selection guide
2024-10-31
Vacuum valves: In-depth selection guide
Vacuum valves: In-depth selection guide
The vacuum valve is an indispensable cut-off element in every vacuum system. They are used in vacuum tubes or directly in vacuum chambers.
SJ offers a wide range of vacuum valves for many applications in low vacuum, high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum. In the following, we will give you an overview of the vacuum valves we can offer and their application areas.
What is a vacuum valve?
A vacuum valve is a device installed in the supply or exhaust line of a vacuum system. It is often used to isolate a vacuum area, such as a process chamber, or to control the amount of gas entering and exiting. Vacuum valves can be operated manually, pneumatically, electro-pneumatic, electrically or electrically. A vacuum valve is an integral part of any vacuum system, which is widely used in a variety of industrial production applications.
Vacuum valves, like other valves, use some basic mechanical principles, such as gate valves, baffle disks, or rotating disks, to separate or isolate the vacuum area and control the volume flow rate. However, the basic conditions for the use of these mechanical principles are quite different. For example, particles with high degrees of freedom, precise control of very small volume flows, sealing, minimal vibration and shock are crucial characteristics. Therefore, these basic mechanical devices are usually designed differently for vacuum valves. For example, closing mechanisms are usually designed to close frictionless and cause minimal vibration and shock, if any. In addition, the controlled movement can be extremely fine doses, the seal is optimized so that under ideal conditions no particles are released and their static or dynamic properties remain stable over long periods of use.
Structural components of vacuum valve
Vacuum valves are usually composed of several key components, each with a specific function to control and maintain vacuum conditions within the vacuum system. The body of the vacuum valve is usually made of aluminum or stainless steel and accommodates internal parts, including leak-preventing seals and tight closures. Common types include elastomer or metal seals. The actuator can be manual, pneumatic or electric and can control the opening and closing of the valve. Depending on the valve type, the movement of the gate can block or allow the flow of gas. In addition, the valve also has ports, including an inlet and an outlet, to facilitate gas flow. Together, these components enable precise control of vacuum conditions. Different types of vacuum valves, such as gate valves, Angle valves, butterfly valves, transfer valves, etc., the components of these valves may vary to suit the specific application.
Vacuum valve type
Vacuum valves can be divided into three categories according to the working pressure, that is, the vacuum degree:
- Low vacuum valve: absolute pressure 101325~0.133Pa
- High vacuum valve: absolute pressure 0.133~1.33 × 10-6Pa
- Ultra-high vacuum valve: absolute pressure 1.33×10-6~1.33 × 10-10Pa
Vacuum valve design plays an important role in the function of vacuum system. There are many factors to weigh when choosing a valve type, such as:
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Pressure range
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Application type
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Expected service life
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Price
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Easy to maintain
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Required seal strength
