Pinch Valves

Q: Can you supply pinch valve packages for large projects?

We can provide any number of valves , from small quantities through to large valve packages. Our in-house capabilities include designing, assembling, and testing large valve automation projects. We supply and distribute a variety of valves around the world.

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Quick answer

When are pinch valves used in slurry pipeline systems?

In a slurry pipeline system, pinch valves are typically specified where abrasive or corrosive slurries make metal-seated valves impractical. They are most common in lithium, copper and gold processing circuits.

Defender Open Body Double-Ended Pinch Valve

DN50–600 (2–24”)

10-20 bar

Slurry

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What Are Pinch Valves Used for in Mining?

In mining, pinch valves isolate and control abrasive slurries, fine-particle tailings, and corrosive process streams. Unlike metal-seated designs, a pinch valve's flexible rubber sleeve is the only component that contacts the media. No metal is exposed to the slurry, making them the lowest-wear option for aggressive duty where metal-seated designs fail prematurely.

When to specify pinch valves over other valve types:

• When the slurry is abrasive and also chemically corrosive (lithium, gold leach, copper concentrate circuits)
• When metal-seated valves are cycling too frequently and wearing through quickly
• When sleeve replacement needs to be fast: no special tools required, no line entry
• On high-cycle isolation duty where the economics of sleeve-only maintenance outweigh knife gate blade refurbishment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you supply pinch valve packages for large projects?

We can provide any number of valves, from small quantities through to large valve packages. Our in-house capabilities include designing, assembling, and testing large valve automation projects. We supply and distribute a variety of valves around the world.

I need a fast turnaround time, can you help?

Yes, let us know when you need your products by and we’ll do our best to supply them by your deadline. Lead times do vary depending on the exact valves you require. Contact us with your requirements and we will do our best to expedite delivery.

What is a pinch valve and what is it used for?

A pinch valve is a component of piping systems used to isolate and regulate flow of abrasive liquids, viscous liquids and liquids containing solids. Pinch valves are commonly used in mineral processing plants and other industrial applications. Pinch valves are very different valves compared to a ball, gate and butterfly valve.

How do pinch valves work

Pinch valves consist of a housing which has an internal sleeve that can be actuated pneumatically, electrically, manually, and hydraulically. When the sleeve is squeezed together it restricts the flow of liquid to create a tight seal. When it is in a fully open position it does not restrict the flow and enable liquids containing solids to pass freely.

What are advantages of a pinch valve?

One of the main advantages of a pinch valve is that they are one of few valves that can be used to control / modulate fluids in abrasive surface applications. They have a relatively low cost of ownership, no mechanical parts come into contact with the media, the sleeve can be replaced easily, require little maintenance, and are simple to actuate. They create an excellent isolation and when fully open and create very little turbulence or friction.

What are disadvantages of a pinch valve?

Pinch valves are not suited to high temperature liquids due to the sleeve’s properties. They are also not suited to vacuum pressure situations as any suction can cause the sleeve to collapse.

How do you actuate a pinch valve?

Pinch valves can be actuated manually (handwheel or gearbox), pneumatically (air pressure), electrically or hydraulically.

What is the difference between a pinch valve and a knife gate valve for slurry duty?

Knife gate valves use a metal blade to cut through slurry, suited to high-pressure isolation on tailings and cyclone feed lines. Pinch valves use a rubber sleeve to pinch the flow shut, and are better suited where the slurry is also corrosive or where the valve cycles frequently, as sleeve replacement is simpler than blade refurbishment.

How long do pinch valve sleeves last in a mining application?

Sleeve life depends on slurry type, solids concentration, and cycle rate. At a WA lithium mine, BPE’s Defender pinch valves lasted 18 months or more versus 7 weeks for the previous design, a 12-fold improvement. On gold and copper circuits, results vary by chemistry. A valve audit establishes the right sleeve specification for the specific application.