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. The VMC Series are available in the following bore sizes, 10mm to 100mm. The VMC Series valve is versatile, compact unit and ideal for abrasive materials for many other industries. There are many types of sleeves (Natural Rubber, EPDM, Silicone, Viton and Nitrile) which make this valve a good option. 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.
