DIAPHRAGM VALVE

• A diaphragm valve is a linear motion valve that is used to start,

regulate and stop fluid flow.
The name is derived from its flexible disk, which mates with
a seat located in the open area at the top of the valve body
to form a seal.

Parts :

1. Valve Body
2. Bonnet
3. Weir – Seat
4. Diaphragm – Disc
5. Stud
6. Plunger
7. Stem
8. Actuator

Some Characteristics of Butterfly Valves:

1. It is a linear motion valve.

2. Its disc is not metal but a flexible diaphragm.
3. It is easy to recognize because it has a
bell-shaped bonnet.
4. The disc-diaphragm acts as a seal that keeps fluid
from coming in contact with the rest of the operating
parts of the valve.
5. Diaphragm life depends upon the nature of the material
handled, temperature, pressure, and frequency of operation.
6. The flow passage is not obstructed by moving parts.
Operation:
A hand-wheel is sometime used to raise and lower the valve stem. When the hand-wheel is
turned clockwise, the stem and the plunger lower the diaphragm, which passes against
the seat to stop flow through the valve. When the hand-wheel is turned counterclockwise,
the diaphragm is moved upward, and flow through the valve can begin.
Diaphragm valves may also be equipped with chain wheel operators, extended stems, bevel
gear operators, air operators and hydraulic operators.

Types of Diaphragm Valves :

1. Weir-Type Diaphragm Valves.

2. Straight – Through Diaphragm Valves.

Weir-Type Diaphragm Valves:

The weir is shown in the Fig-2. This weir in the flow

Passage is designed to reduce flexing of the diaphragm
To a minimum, while still providing a smooth and
Streamlined flow passage. The flexing stress in the
diaphragm is therefore minimal, resulting in a Fig - 2
correspondingly long diaphragm life. He short stroke
Of these valves also permits the use of plastic such
as PTFE for the diaphragm, which would be too
Inflexible for longer strokes. The back of such
diaphragms is lined with a elastomer, which
Promotes a uniform seating stress upon valve
closing .Fig – 3 shows how throttling is done.
Fig - 3
In weir type diaphragm with rising stem the hand-wheel carries a shroud that
covers the stem threads while sliding over a lift-indicator sleeve. Shroud is
there to protect the external stem thread from dust and immediate outside
corrosive influences. The lift-indicator sleeve, in turn, carries a pre-packed
lubrication chamber to lubricate the stem thread for long life.

Self draining in h orizontal line is achieved by mounting the valve with the stem
approx. 15º to 25º up from the horizontal.

Straight – Through Diaphragm Valves :

This type of diaphragm valves require more flexible
diaphragm than weir type. For this reason, the
construction material for diaphragm of straight-
through valves is restricted to elastomers.
Because of the high flexibility and large area
of these diaphragms, high vacuum will tend
to balloon the diaphragm into the flow passage.
Straight- through diaphragm valves are also
available with the full-bore and reduced-bore
flow passage. In the case of reduced-bore valves,
the bonnet assembly of the next smaller valve is used.
• Construction Material :
The valve body of diaphragm valves is available in a great variety of construction materials,
including plastic, to meet service requirement. The simple body shape also available with
lining with a great variety of corrosion-resistant materials.
As the diaphragm separates the bonnet from the flowing fluid, the bonnet is normally made
of cast iron and epoxy coated inside and outside. Diaphragms are available in a
great variety of elastomers and plastics.
• Operational Limitations:
Diaphragm valves displace a certain amount of fluid when operated that is diaphragm valves
are positive displacement type valves. For this reason, diaphragm valves must not be
installed as shut-off valves in lines containing an incompressible fluid where the fluid has
no room to move.
The mechanical properties of any elastomeric material will be lowered at the higher
temperatures with possible destruction of the diaphragm at high pressure.
• Diaphragm Valve Stem Assemblies
• The valves are available with indicating and non-indicating stems.
• The indicating stem valve is identical to the non-indicating stem valve except that a longer
stem is provided to extend up through the hand wheel.
• For the non-indicating stem design, the hand wheel rotates a stem bushing that engages
the stem threads and moves the stem up and down. As the stem moves, so does the
compressor that is pinned to the stem. The diaphragm, in turn, is secured to the
compressor.
• Sometime the stem may be provided with an O ring seal against the bonnet to prevent
fluid from escaping into the surroundings of the valve should the diaphragm break in
service.
• Diaphragm Valve bonnet Assemblies
• Some diaphragm valves use a quick opening bonnet and
lever operator. This bonnet is interchangeable with the
standard bonnet on conventional weir-type bodies. A 90º turn
of the lever moves the diaphragm from full open to full close.
• Many diaphragm valves are used in vacuum service.
Standard bonnet construction can be employed in vacuum
service through 4 inches in size. On valves 4 inches and
larger, a sealed, evacuated, bonnet should be employed.
This is recommended to guard against premature diaphragm
failure.
• Sealed bonnets are supplied with a seal bushing on the non
indicating types and a seal bushing plus O-ring on the
indicating types. This design is recommended for valves
that are handling dangerous liquids and gases. In the
event of a diaphragm failure, the hazardous materials will not
be released to the atmosphere. If the materials being
handled are extremely hazardous, it is recommended that a
means be provided to permit a safe disposal of the corrosion
outgo from the bonnet.
• Applications :
Duty:
• Stopping & Starting
• Controlling Flow
Services:
• Gas – may carry solids
• Liquids – carry solids
• Viscous Fluids
• Leak-proof handling of Hazardous Fluid
Services for Straight-Through Diaphragm Valves:
• Gas – may carry solids
• Liquids – carry solids
• Viscous Fluids
• Sludge
• Slurries
• Dry Media
• Vacuum (consult manufacturer)
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