Iris Diaphragm Valves How the Mucon Iris Diaphragm Valve works The key to the Mucon Iris Diaphragm Valve is simplicity itself - a tube of flexible material fixed rigidly at each end. This tube is held in a mechanism which rotates one end through 180° relative to the other. When twisted in this way, the tube closes completely, creating a diaphragm visually resembling the iris of a camera; hence, Iris Diaphragm Valve. Benefits -No jamming or binding. None of the product passing through the valve comes into contact with the mechanical working parts. -Circular, concentric opening. The ideal operating characteristic for accurate flow control. -Easy operation. 180-degree hand-lever movement for frequent use without operator fatigue or, alternatively, powered operation. -Slim design. Eliminates headroom problems. Ideal for use in confined spaces. -Reliable closure. Rubber diaphragms will close around lumps or large objects while still preventing the flow of smaller particles. -Easy to maintain. -Zero leakage. No slides, no seals, no leakage to atmosphere - essential for today's environmentally conscious industries. -Safe, gentle. Correct diaphragm selection will obviate damage to fragile products and ensure operator safety. -Light weight. -Suitable for explosive materials. -Suitable for delicate products. -Hygienic designs available. -Sleeves and liners are both easy and inexpensive to replace. Applications Mucon Iris Diaphragm Valves (IDV's) are used in all bulk materials process industries due to their high degree of material flow control, coupled with rugged design. Valves are available to suit a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty open discharge and in-line process systems to light-duty valve operations on portable bins. There are eight types of IDV making up the Mucon range: AD, ADP, BD, C, E, H, JS and K. Nine bore sizes are available (not all available for each type), with a complement of sixteen diaphragm materials to suit almost any flow control application in the dry bulk solids industry. The diaphragm can be manufactured from many different materials, for example: -Nylon and Terylene woven fabrics -Rubbers, both natural and synthetic -Fabrics with a coating of polyurethane or similar Typical uses of these materials could be as follows: -Nylon for handling granular or lumpy materials -Rubbers for handling fine, light or abrasive materials -Coated fabrics for handling fine heavy powders Further details of both diaphragm materials and related applications are available from the Mucon Sales Department.
1. Diaphragm material with built-in retaining rings at each end.
2. With upper ring held, the lower ring is rotated, gradually reducing the orifice.
3. At 180° of rotation, the orifice is completely closed.
4. If diaphragm is turned back on itself, the effect of rotation is exactly the same but in the more compact form. In a double diaphragm valve, the middle ring only rotates and the final position is similar to single diaphragm formation.