Valve design plays a huge role in the functioning of a vacuum system, and many factors need to be considered. This 3 part blog will discuss each type so you can choose the best one for your application.

  • Leak rate
  • Conductance
  • Application compatibility
  • Expected service life
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Size
  • Price

Ball valves, poppet valves, and gate valves all have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to these different factors; this will guide you through each type so you can choose the best one for your application

Poppet Valves

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A poppet valve features three main parts:

  • Actuator (manual or pneumatic)
  • Body
  • Internal poppet

The actuator transports the poppet linearly in the body. When the poppet is positioned in the top section of the valve, the cavity is open to the system and flow is unimpeded.  When the poppet is positioned in the bottom section of the valve, an elastomer sealing ring creates a vacuum tight seal by compressing between the poppet and sealing surface.

Advantages

  • Multiple configurations
  • High reliability in general vacuum and research applications
  • Suitable for high vacuum - down to 10-9 Torr
  • Compact size relative to gate valves

Common poppet valve configurations: angle, offset in-line, and in-line.

Disadvantages:

  • Susceptibility to by-product build-up and damage

The valve bellows, in some applications, is susceptible to etching and cracking. Ball valves and gate valves avoid this issue. Also, in deposition processes the sealing surface can accumulate by-product over time and prevent proper sealing.

Previous related post: Ball Valves, Part 1 of 3
Next related post: Gate Valves, Part 3 of 3

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IES Technical Sales is a high technology field sales representation and distribution company located in Danvers, MA. Contact Us to learn more about ANCORP or for general inquiries about vacuum, thin-film, temperature, fluid handling, and related metrology.