Also, the butterfly valves have many moving parts. The AKO Pinch Valve has a 0% leak rate, so the company decided to purchase an AKO Type VMC 316 stainless steel pinch valve. The AKO valve was installed in a horizontal position for 2 years and natural rubber sleeves have not yet been replaced.
The VMC Pinch Valves are appropriate for a flux application. Â The VMC Series are available in the following bore sizes, 10mm to 100mm. Â The VMC Series valve is versatile, compact unit and ideal for abrasive materials for many other industries. Â There are many types of sleeves (Natural Rubber, EPDM, Silicone, Viton and Nitrile) which make this valve a good option. Â Also, FDA approved sleeves can be requested.
The VMC Series valve is made up of 3 components, valve body, connection ends and sleeve.  The sleeve is typically the only part that needs to be replaced.  The sleeves can be replaced on-site in less than 15 minutes. The sleeve lifespan is determined by the number of cycles, abrasion of the material, and material pressure. The sleeves can last up to 500,000 – 750,000 cycles.
