How Does an Electrically Actuated Pinch Valve Work?
An electrically actuated pinch valve operates on the same mechanical principle as the cylinder-actuated version: an electric actuator drives a pinch bar that presses on the sleeve from the outside. The sleeve is pinched shut mechanically, independent of the medium pressure in the pipeline.
The difference from the pneumatic cylinder-actuated pinch valve lies solely in the energy source: an electric motor instead of a pneumatic cylinder. This makes the electric version suitable for locations without a compressed air supply and for integration into electrical control systems with position feedback, intermediate positions or fail-safe functions.
RV Series — Technical Specifications
The RV series is the only series in the AKO-Armaturen range that Ebora supplies with electric actuation. The housing is made of lacquered cast iron (GJL250) and is fitted with a flange connection on both sides. The sleeve is the only component in contact with the medium.
- Nominal diameters: DN25 to DN200 — larger diameters on request
- Housing material: lacquered cast iron GJL250
- Flange versions: DIN EN 1092-1 PN10, DIN EN 1092-1 PN16 or ANSI B16.5/150 lbs
- Face-to-face dimensions: DIN 3202 F5 and ASME B16 short
- Sleeves: various elastomers, available with or without opening lip
The opening lip connects the sleeve directly to the mechanism and forces the sleeve open during actuation. When sufficient medium pressure is present on the process side, the opening lip is generally not required — the pressure opens the sleeve on its own.
Actuation — AUMA and the Ebora Valve Automation Centre
The RV pinch valves are suitable for use with AUMA electric actuators. The actuator is not a standard component of the valve and is supplied separately. Through the Valve Automation Centre, Ebora can mount the actuator and deliver the complete assembly as a ready-to-install unit. Contact us for actuator specifications and lead times, or for a fully assembled version.
When Should You Choose Electric Actuation?
| Criterion |
Electric |
Pneumatic cylinder |
Air-operated (direct) |
| Energy source |
Electricity |
Compressed air |
Compressed air |
| Compressed air supply required |
- No |
+ Yes |
+ Yes |
| Remote control / automation |
+ Easily integrated |
Possible |
Possible |
| Position feedback |
+ Standard with AUMA |
On request |
Not standard |
| Switching time |
Slower |
Fast |
+ Fast |
| Suitable for high back pressure |
+ Yes |
+ Yes |
- Limited |
| Purchase cost |
Higher |
Medium |
+ Low |
| Application |
No compressed air, process automation |
High pressure, tough media |
Standard processes |
Not sure which actuation type is right for you? Provide your process data and control system requirements — we will advise the correct version.
Pressure Ratings and Sleeve Options
| Pressure rating |
Application |
| Up to 1 bar |
Light applications, low system pressure |
| Up to 6 bar |
Standard industrial processes |
| Up to 10 bar |
More demanding process conditions |
| Up to 16 bar |
High pressure, demanding media |
| Above 16 bar |
On request |
Sleeves are available in NR (natural rubber) for abrasive media, EPDM for aqueous and chemical media, NBR for oil-bearing media and various other elastomers. Sleeves compliant with FDA and EC 1935 are available for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Wear Parts and Maintenance
The sleeve is the only wear part of the electrically actuated pinch valve. The sleeve is straightforward to replace. Depending on the model, this can be done without removing the full housing from the pipeline. Ebora supplies the wear parts and replacement sleeves for the RV series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order the actuator separately and mount it myself?
Yes. The RV pinch valve and the AUMA electric actuator are supplied separately as standard. You can mount the actuator yourself. If you require a fully assembled and ready-to-install unit, the Ebora Valve Automation Centre can handle the assembly. Contact us for options and lead times.
What is the advantage of a sleeve with an opening lip for electric actuation?
The opening lip connects the sleeve directly to the mechanism and guarantees a full opening at every cycle, regardless of medium pressure. This is particularly useful for viscous, sticky or solid media where the pressure on the medium side is insufficient to open the sleeve on its own. When sufficient operating pressure is present, the opening lip is generally not required.
Is the electrically actuated RV pinch valve available with intermediate positions or a fail-safe function?
This depends on the AUMA electric actuator selected. AUMA supplies actuators with position feedback, adjustable intermediate positions and fail-safe versions. Provide your control system requirements when requesting a quote — we will select the right combination of RV valve and AUMA actuator.
Select the right electrically actuated pinch valve based on diameter, pressure rating and sleeve selection, or request a quote directly via our contact page. See also our overview of all pinch valves for a comparison of all actuation types.
