Find diaphragm valves including weir valves, biotech valves, hygienic valves and more. From zero static tees to process valves, you will find the diaphragm valve you need. Use the time-saving Request for Quote tool to submit your inquiry to all the diaphragm valve manufacturers and suppliers you select.

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About Diaphragm Valves

A diaphragm valve is a shutoff or control valve with a flexible membrane, or diaphragm, which seals the valve completely or partially once the valve is engaged. Once the actuator is engaged, a stem within the valve pushes a plug or compressor against the diaphragm. The diaphragm is pushed against a raised section of the valve, creating a seal. This seal stops the flow of liquid, gas or other material through the valve. Diaphragm valves are able to seal more tightly than other types of valves due to their flexible membrane.

Diaphragm valve manufacturers offer many valve configurations and make their products out of a variety of metals and plastics. The material from which a diaphragm valve is constructed is dependant upon its intended use and compatibility with certain fluids. Diaphragm valve manufacturers have adapted their products for the biotech and medical industries, using materials that can withstand being sanitized and sterilized. Diaphragm valves may be operated manually, pneumatically (using air pressure to move the diaphragm) or hydraulically (using fluid pressure to move the diaphragm).

Diaphragm valve manufacturers offer two main product categories. One type is a saddle, or weir, valve and the other is a seat, or straight-way, valve. The most important difference between these two types of diaphragm valves is that the saddle valve has its two ports in line with each other on opposite sides of the valve. The seat-type valve has in and out ports located at a 90 degree angle from each other. Although diaphragm valves usually come in two-port forms, they can also have three ports or more.

Diaphragm valves perform extremely important functions in a wide range of industries. They are used to monitor and control the flow of many materials and are often considered process valves because they can be used in drinking water treatment, sea water desalination and processes involving energy production, agriculture, food science, pharmaceuticals, medical manufacturing, mining, pulp and paper products, chemical and waste treatment, food and beverage production, and the powder and bulk industries.

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Types of Diaphragm Valves

• Biotech valves are intended to be used in the biotechnology fields — agriculture, food science, pharmaceuticals and medicine. Biotech valves must be sanitary.
  
• Diaphragm diverter valves can be used to divert flow from an inlet to two or more outlets; they can also be used in reverse to feed flow from one line into two or more lines.
  
• Diaphragm tank bottom valves are designed for use at the bottom of a tank or vessel, to drain or sample from the tank.
  
• Tank bottom valves are designed to eliminate deadlegs or areas where bacteria might become trapped in the valve.
  
• Hygienic valves are specially designed to be used in sanitary and aseptic (sterile) applications.
  
• Process valves include any type of mechanical device that can stop, start or regulate the flow of liquid, gas, solid material or steam.
  
• Weir valves have a raised section, or “weir,” on which the diaphragm presses to create a seal.
  
• Zero static tee valves have the valve weir (the notch through which material flows) located flush against the interior of the pipe, thus eliminating stagnant areas within the valves.