How Does a Cylinder-Actuated Pinch Valve Work?
In a cylinder-actuated pinch valve, a pneumatic cylinder drives a pinch bar that presses on the sleeve from the outside. The sleeve is pinched shut mechanically, regardless of the pressure of the medium in the pipeline. This fundamentally distinguishes this type from the air-operated pinch valve, where compressed air acts directly on the sleeve and closing force is therefore dependent on operating pressure.
In the open position, the valve provides a full nominal bore. The sleeve is the only component in contact with the medium. With single-acting cylinders (PA/PA2), the valve closes automatically when compressed air is lost — normally closed (N/C).
OV Series — Aluminium Housing, DN15 to DN250
The OV series is the most widely used cylinder-actuated pinch valve from AKO-Armaturen for standard industrial processes. The two-part housing is made of powder-coated aluminium with a flange connection to EN 1092 PN10. The sleeve is directly connected to the pinch bar, enabling precise and reproducible actuation.
Depending on the nominal diameter, Ebora supplies the following cylinder configurations:
- DN15 to DN65: one pneumatic cylinder — single-acting (type PA, N/C) or double-acting (type P)
- DN65 to DN250: two pneumatic cylinders — single-acting (type PA2, N/C) or double-acting (type P2)
The PA and PA2 versions close automatically when energy or compressed air is lost — suitable for applications where safe shut-off is required in the event of a power failure. Sleeves compliant with FDA and EC 1935 are available for food and pharmaceutical applications.
RV Series — Cast Iron, High Pressure Ratings up to 16 Bar
The RV series is designed for applications with higher operating pressures and more demanding process conditions. The housing is made of lacquered cast iron (GJL250) with flange connections to DIN EN 1092-1 PN10 or ANSI B16.5/150 lbs. The RV series is available in nominal diameters from DN25 to DN200 and is fitted as standard with a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
Sleeves are available with or without an opening lip. The opening lip supports the mechanism during opening and ensures the full pipe diameter is released quickly and completely — an advantage with viscous or sticky media.
The RV series is available in the following pressure ratings:
- Up to 1 bar operating pressure
- Up to 6 bar operating pressure
- Up to 10 bar operating pressure
- Up to 16 bar operating pressure
- Higher pressure ratings on request
When Should You Choose the OV Series or the RV Series?
| Criterion |
OV series |
RV series |
| Housing material |
Powder-coated aluminium |
Lacquered cast iron (GJL250) |
| Nominal diameter |
DN15 – DN250 |
DN25 – DN200 |
| Maximum operating pressure |
PN10 |
Up to 16 bar (higher on request) |
| Flange connection |
EN 1092 PN10 |
DIN EN 1092-1 / ANSI B16.5 |
| Cylinder |
Single- or double-acting |
Double-acting |
| N/C version |
+ PA / PA2 |
- Not standard |
| Opening lip sleeve |
- Not applicable |
+ Optional |
| Application |
Standard industrial processes |
High pressure, demanding conditions |
Choose the OV series for standard industrial applications up to PN10 where an N/C version is required. Choose the RV series when the operating pressure exceeds PN10 or when process conditions require a more robust housing.
When Should You Choose Cylinder Actuation over Direct Air Actuation?
| Criterion |
Cylinder-actuated (OV/RV) |
Air-operated (direct) |
| Closing force |
+ Independent of medium pressure |
Dependent on operating pressure |
| Suitable for high back pressure |
+ Yes |
- Limited |
| Construction |
More complex |
+ Simple |
| Purchase cost |
Higher |
+ Lower |
| Switching time |
Slightly slower |
+ Fast |
| Application |
High pressure, tough media |
Standard industrial processes |
Not sure which type is right for you? Provide your process pressure, medium type and required closing force — we will advise the correct version. See also the air-operated pinch valve for a direct comparison.
Wear Parts and Maintenance
The sleeve is the only wear part of the cylinder-actuated pinch valve. AKO-Armaturen supplies sleeves in various elastomers, selected for medium, temperature and wear load. 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 OV and RV series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single-acting and a double-acting cylinder on a pinch valve?
With a single-acting cylinder (type PA/PA2), the valve closes by compressed air and opens via a spring when pressure is lost — normally closed. With a double-acting cylinder (type P/P2), both closing and opening are actively pneumatically controlled. Choose double-acting when you require fast and powerful opening, or when the spring in a single-acting version provides insufficient opening force.
Which pressure rating should I select for the RV series?
The correct pressure rating depends on your maximum operating pressure including any pressure peaks. When requesting a quote, provide the operating pressure, medium and nominal diameter — we will select the correct RV version. For pressures above 16 bar, special versions are available on request.
Can a cylinder-actuated pinch valve be used for food applications?
Yes. The OV series is available with sleeves compliant with FDA and EC 1935 for food and pharmaceutical applications. When requesting a quote, provide the medium and temperature so we can select the correct sleeve material.
Select the right pneumatic pinch valve based on pressure rating, nominal diameter and cylinder configuration, or request a quote directly via our contact page. See also our overview of all pinch valves for a comparison of all actuation types.
