Choosing high purity valves to suit your process

It is essential when designing high purity piping systems that all components, including your high purity valves, are suitable for your process. We take a look below at some of the issues to consider when choosing high purity systems.

What are high purity systems?

In process systems where aggressive chemicals or contaminated air is to be transported, it is important that the system uses specially developed high purity piping for extreme processes. High purity piping systems are designed for conditions where contamination is to be avoided at all costs, either to the flow medium or by the operation of the system itself. High purity applications range from food and pharmaceutical through to semiconductor markets. In such demanding environments, stringent controls are placed on safety, purity and chemical resistance.

What is a high purity valve?

A high purity valve is used in combination with high purity piping for extreme processes. Such valves have been constructed specifically for the control of liquids and gases whilst providing a low potential for contaminating the flow medium. Generally, they are chemically inert and extremely corrosive resistant.

Choosing your high purity valve from Fluid Controls

Fluid Controls supply a range of ultra-high purity valves from manufacturers that specialise in high purity piping systems. When choosing high purity systems it is critical that you select not only high purity piping for extreme processes but that the valves are also appropriate for the high purity piping system.

Types of high purity valves available from Fluid Controls include:

• Bellow valves and bulk gas valves – These products from Veriflo include diaphragm valves for high purity and high flow, using a full flow bore that positions the bellows assembly away from the flow path when the valve is open. The bellow valves have been developed for ultra-high purity gas systems, with no restricted paths or bends that would reduce flow, allowing the highest gas flow with minimal pressure drop. 
• High purity diaphragm valves – This specialist range of high purity diaphragm valves from Veriflo includes a springless diaphragm valve for high temperature, high pressure and high cycles; a high-temperature air operated diaphragm valve for modular surface mount systems, and diaphragm valves developed for minimum particle generation and elimination of entrapment areas.
• PFA and PTFE valves – A range of valves from Partek manufactured in chemically inert materials, for applications where it is critical to safeguard media purity and protect from corrosion. These are designed with high temperatures, chemical resistance and purity in mind.
• Ball valves – Manufactured from 315L stainless steel, the Valex range of high purity ball valves are available with a mechanical or electropolished finish, are helium leak checked and are available in several configurations. 

It is critical when choosing high purity systems that the valves within it will offer the control and peace of mind that you expect. Fluid Controls have technical experts available to assist in your choice of high purity valves; call us for further advice.