How To Select The Valve For Microfiltration System?

What Is Microfiltration System?

Microfiltration system is a physical separation technology used to remove small suspended particles, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from liquids. It utilizes a membrane with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 to 10 micrometers to screen and retain particles. Microfiltration is commonly used in water treatment, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other industries to effectively remove suspensions and microorganisms, improving the quality and purity of liquids.

Microfiltration system

Source: wateronline.com

Why Is a Valve Needed In This System?

In a Microfiltration system, valves are used for four main processes: feed control, discharge control, cleaning and flushing, and pressure regulation. Each process has different requirements for valves.

● Feed Control

Valves are used to control the flow rate and pressure of the feed liquid in the Microfiltration system. By adjusting the opening of the feed valve, the feed liquid can enter the system at the appropriate speed and pressure to avoid excessive pressure or excessive flow rate that could damage the membrane.

● Discharge Control

Valves are used to control the flow rate and pressure of the filtrate discharged from the Microfiltration system. By adjusting the opening of the discharge valve, the flow rate and pressure of the filtrate can be controlled to meet the requirements of product quality or subsequent processing needs.

● Cleaning and Flushing

Valves are used to control the flow direction and flow rate of the cleaning or flushing liquid in the Microfiltration system. By adjusting the valves, the cleaning or flushing liquid can be directed to different parts to remove contaminants or deposits from the membrane, ensuring the membrane’s optimal performance.

● Pressure Regulation

Valves are used to control the pressure in the Microfiltration system. By adjusting the valve opening, the system’s pressure can be regulated to ensure the microfiltration operation is performed at the appropriate pressure while protecting the membrane from excessive pressure damage.

Which Types Of Valves Suitable For Microfiltration Systems?

The common types of valves used in Microfiltration systems include globe valves, control valves, ball valves, and butterfly valves. Each type of valve has its own specific purpose.

● Globe Valves

Globe valves are used to control the on/off function of fluids. In Microfiltration systems, globe valves are typically used to control the opening and closing of the feed and discharge ports, as well as to shut off fluid flow during cleaning and maintenance processes.

industrial-globe-valves

● Control Valves

Control valves are used to precisely control the flow rate and pressure of fluids. In Microfiltration systems, control valves are commonly used to regulate the flow rate of the feed and discharge ports, ensuring that the filtrate passes through the membrane at the appropriate speed and pressure.

pneumatic-control-valve-4

● Ball Valves

Ball valves provide quick on/off operation and excellent sealing performance, making them suitable for applications that require frequent switching. In Microfiltration systems, ball valves are often used to control the opening and closing of the feed and discharge ports, as well as to shut off fluid flow during cleaning and maintenance processes.

pneumatic-ball-valve

● Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves have a compact design and low resistance, making them suitable for high-flow applications. In Microfiltration systems, butterfly valves are commonly used to control the opening and closing of the feed and discharge ports, as well as to regulate the flow rate of fluids.

electric butterfly valve

All of these valve types can be operated with electric or pneumatic actuators to achieve automated control.

5 Tips Of Selecting The Valve For Microfiltration System

Choosing the right valve is crucial for the operation of a Microfiltration system. As a professional valve manufacturer, we provide you with the following 5 tips to help you make a better selection for your Microfiltration system.

● Material Selection

Valves in Microfiltration systems come in contact with fluids, so it is important to consider the material of the valve. Common valve materials include stainless steel, plastic, and cast iron. The choice of material should be based on factors such as the nature of the fluid, temperature, and pressure.

● Sealing Performance

Microfiltration systems require valves with high sealing performance to prevent fluid leakage or contamination. It is important to consider the sealing performance of the valve, including both static and dynamic seals, to ensure effective prevention of fluid leakage when the valve is closed.

● Flow and Pressure Range

Select valves that can meet the flow and pressure requirements of your Microfiltration system. The flow and pressure ratings of the valves should match the system’s needs to ensure proper operation and meet the system’s requirements.

● Operation Mode

Manual valves are typically simple and cost-effective, suitable for small-scale systems. Automated valves, on the other hand, can be controlled remotely and automatically adjusted through a control system, making them suitable for large and complex systems. Choose the appropriate drive mode and establish a convenient operating system.

● Maintenance and Cleaning

Microfiltration systems require regular maintenance and cleaning. Consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning when selecting valves. Some valve designs allow for easy disassembly and cleaning, reducing the time and cost of system maintenance.

In conclusion, valves play a crucial role in industrial processes by facilitating flow, shut-off, and regulation, thereby enhancing production efficiency. Choosing the right valve can help reduce operating costs and minimize losses caused by downtime. Anything we could help with, feel free to contact us at sales@covnaactuator.com