Description

Valve Types & Applications

Below is an organized overview of the most common sanitary valve types and their typical uses.

Butterfly Valves

Function: On/off or throttling

Key Features:

• Compact, economical design

• Minimal dead space

• PTFE or encapsulated seals

CIP/SIP compatible

Applications: Transfer lines, tank outlets, CIP return loops

• Sizes: 1″ to 6″ (DN25–DN150)

Ball Valves

Function: Positive shut‑off

Key Features:

• Full‑bore design

• 2‑way and 3‑way configurations

• Blow‑out‑proof stem

Micro‑polished ball for smooth operation

Applications: Sampling points, ingredient addition, flow diversion

• Sizes: 1/2″ to 4″ (DN15–DN100)

Diaphragm Valves

Function: Sterile isolation

Key Features:

• No internal cavities

• Diaphragm separates product from mechanical components

Ideal for aseptic processing

Applications: WFI (Water for Injection), pure steam, pharmaceutical filling

• Sizes: 1/2″ to 4″ (DN15–DN100)

Check Valves

Function: Prevent backflow

Key Features:

• Spring‑assisted closure

• Low cracking pressure

Ball or disc‑style designs

Applications: Pump protection, preventing product mixing in shared lines

• Sizes: 1/2″ to 4″ (DN15–DN100)

Mixproof Valves

Function: Prevent cross‑contamination

Key Features:

• Dual independent seals

• Leak detection chamber

Allows two products to run through one valve safely

Applications: Multi‑product beverage and dairy pipelines

• Sizes: 1″ to 5″ (DN25–DN125)

Pressure Relief Valves

Function: System over‑pressure protection

Key Features:

• Hygienic spring‑loaded design

• Adjustable set pressure

Protects tanks and pipelines

Applications: Tank venting, line pressure control

• Sizes: 1″ to 3″ (DN25–DN80)

Seal Material Selection Guide

Seal Material	Temperature Range	Chemical Resistance	Typical Uses	Compliance
EPDM	-20°C to +140°C	Excellent for hot water, steam, acids, alkalis	CIP/SIP, dairy, brewing	FDA, 3‑A, EC 1935/2004
Silicone	-50°C to +180°C	Good for oils, weak acids	High‑temp processes, pharma	FDA, USP Class VI
PTFE	-200°C to +260°C	Nearly universal chemical resistance	Aggressive chemicals, ultra‑pure systems	FDA, USP Class VI
FKM (Viton)	-20°C to +200°C	Excellent for oils, solvents, aromatics	Essential oils, chemical processing	FDA (select grades)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between a butterfly valve and a ball valve?

• Butterfly valves are cost‑effective for larger lines (2″ and above) and work well for general on/off control.

• Ball valves provide bubble‑tight shut‑off and are ideal for smaller lines or applications requiring precise isolation or multi‑port flow paths.

What does CIP/SIP capable mean?

A CIP/SIP‑capable valve can withstand high‑temperature cleaning chemicals (CIP) and saturated steam sterilization (SIP). The design ensures all wetted surfaces are fully exposed to cleaning agents and drain completely.

When is a mixproof valve required?

Mixproof valves are used when two different products share the same piping system but must never contact each other. The dual‑seal design prevents cross‑contamination and reduces downtime between product changeovers.

What does Ra 0.5 µm surface finish mean?

Ra measures surface roughness. A finish of 0.5 µm is extremely smooth, minimizing microbial retention and improving cleanability. It is commonly required for pharmaceutical and aseptic applications.
<3>How do I specify a valve for high‑purity water systems (WFI)?

Look for:

• Diaphragm or sterile ball valve design

• Electropolished finish (Ra ≤ 0.5 µm)

• Fully drainable orientation

• PTFE or high‑purity EPDM seals

• SIP‑ready construction

• Documentation for validation (DQ/IQ/OQ)

Why Choose Our Sanitary Valves

Our sanitary valve lineup is engineered for hygienic processing environments where reliability, cleanability, and compliance are essential. Each valve is built with high‑grade materials, smooth internal finishes, and seal options suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need simple flow control or advanced mixproof technology, we offer solutions that support safe, efficient, and contamination‑free production.