A vacuum valve is an integral part of a fluid control system. You can use vacuum valves for regulating, isolating or venting fluids. Industries that use vacuum valves include mining, metalworking, chemical and food processing.

Like other pressure valves, vacuum valves come in different types. Some of these types include gate valves, angle valves, ball valves, relief valves and butterfly valves. Each of these valves comes with a manual, pneumatic or electric activation system.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a vacuum valve are:

1. Type of vacuum valves: gate valves, angle valves, ball valves, relief valves or butterfly valves
2. Operating pressure range
3. Dimensions of the vacuum valve
4. Operating temperature range
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy vacuum valves from reputable vacuum valve manufacturers

Once you have identified your requirement for vacuum valves, evaluate different industrial vacuum valves available with reputable valve manufacturers.

I recommend: Air Logic, a reputable manufacturer of pneumatic and vacuum control equipment, offers vacuum valves, including a vacuum control valve and a vacuum switching valve. EDCO manufactures industrial vacuum equipment, such as a vacuum check valve, a vacuum relief valve and accessories. Vacuum Research supplies vacuum valves made of aluminum and steel. Pfeiffer Vacuum offers vacuum valves with manual, pneumatic or electric activation methods. Parker Hannifin is another reputable valve manufacturer that also provides valve accessories, such as vacuum sensors, cylinders and suction cups.

Buy a specialty or customized vacuum valve

If standard industrial vacuum valves available in the market do not meet your requirements, opt for a specialty or customized vacuum valve.

I recommend: In addition to its standard vacuum valves, Festo manufactures a miniature vacuum valve that you can use as a vacuum regulator valve in the electronics industry. You can buy specialty application vacuum valves at MKS Instruments, a vacuum valve manufacturer that also supplies single or multi stage vacuum valves. VAT is a global manufacturer of valves that can offer customized vacuum valves as per customers’ requirements.

Buy vacuum valves from a distributor or retailer

You can compare different vacuum valves based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites.

I recommend: J.H. Bennett and Company is a distributor of fluid power products that also offers valves including vacuum valves. The PumpWorks, a reputable distributor of pumps and related accessories, supplies vacuum valves including right angle vacuum valves. Boig & Hill is another distributor of valves and controls that supplies a variety of vacuum valves. You can also refer to the list of vacuum valve suppliers at ThomasNet and DirectIndustry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Install fail-safe mechanisms for a safer operation of your vacuum valves.
• •  For equipment that operates at high vacuum pressure, consult an expert who knows about designing vacuum valves