Diaphragm valves leverage their core advantages—fluid-metal non-contact (only contacting corrosion-resistant diaphragms), ease of cleaning, and absence of dead corners—to serve critical applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and wastewater treatment where strict control of media contamination, adherence to sanitary standards, or resistance to corrosive fluids is essential. Typical applications include:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry: Primarily meeting “sterility” and “cleanliness” requirements
The pharmaceutical industry demands extremely high cleanliness and sterility in fluid pathways, making diaphragm valves critical control components. Typical applications include:
– Pharmaceutical Liquid/Solvent Transfer and Control: Used in the formulation, filtration, and filling stages of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished drugs (e.g., injections, oral liquids). The diaphragm completely isolates the pharmaceutical liquid from valve drive components (e.g., valve stems, springs), preventing metal corrosion or lubricant contamination of the liquid.
Sterile water systems: In purification and water for injection (WFI) preparation (e.g., reverse osmosis, multi-effect distillation), storage, and distribution systems, they control water flow switching or flow rates to ensure water quality complies with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.
Fermentation Processes: Used for feedstock (e.g., culture media, microbial strains), discharge, and cleaning-in-place (CIP)/sterilization-in-place (SIP) pipeline control in microbial fermenters, preventing contamination of fermentation systems by foreign microorganisms.
2. Food Processing Industry: Core Requirements for “Sanitation” and “Ease of Cleaning”
The food industry must prevent medium residue and microbial growth. Diaphragm valves suit control of various food fluids (liquids, semi-fluids), with typical applications including:
Liquid Food Conveyance: Used in production pipelines for fluids like juice, milk, yogurt, beer, and sauces. Controls raw material conveyance, mixing, and filling processes. Features smooth inner walls with no dead corners, enabling rapid CIP (Clean-in-Place) cleaning to prevent flavor transfer or spoilage.
High/Low-Temperature Food Processing: Suitable for post-pasteurization (low-temperature) and UHT (ultra-high-temperature) sterilization fluid control. Certain high-temperature-resistant diaphragm valves (e.g., silicone or fluororubber diaphragms) can directly handle sterilized fluids.
Food Additive Injection: Precisely controls the injection volume of additives like sweeteners, preservatives, and colorants. Prevents reactions between additives and valve metal components, ensuring food safety.
3. Wastewater Treatment Industry: Core Requirements of “Corrosion Resistance” and “Clog Resistance”
Wastewater (especially industrial wastewater) contains corrosive substances like acids, alkalis, salts, and organic matter. Diaphragm valves withstand harsh media, with typical applications including:
Acid/Alkali Wastewater Adjustment: In electroplating and chemical wastewater treatment, controlling the addition of acidic/alkaline solutions like sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide (e.g., chemical injection in pH adjustment tanks). UPVC and PVDF diaphragm valves effectively resist acid/alkali corrosion.
Sludge and High-Viscosity Fluid Control: Used in sludge transfer pipelines for sedimentation tanks and filter presses, the “flexible seal” characteristic of diaphragm valves accommodates particulate impurities in sludge, preventing clogging while avoiding wear on valve metal components.
Disinfectant Dosing: For controlling the addition of disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite, ozone, or chlorine dioxide (e.g., in final wastewater disinfection stages), corrosion-resistant diaphragms prevent damage from highly oxidizing substances produced during disinfectant decomposition.
Full Set
Partial or None
Recycled / Low-grade
