The proportional control valve is an automatic device that provides variable flow control. And also, the direction as output to the electrical input signal. In the medical industry, the pneumatic proportional flow control valve is used to create the balance of automation flow via the opening & closing of the valve. The pressure controller uses compressed air that can cause either closing or opening depending on the gas realization or compression. This article will mention the applications of air pressure-controlling valves in the medical industry. 

Use of the Proportional Flow Control Valve in Medical Equipments:

The medical device design engineers determine that utilization of a proportional flow control valve is ideal when a suitable pressure is required. Compared to the on/off solenoid valves, the proportional flow control valve pneumatic is cost-effective, dependable, and considered a compact solution for quick response. And also, they are consistent in controlling the pressure of gasses.

 

Application of Proportional Gas Flow Control Valve:

Below listed are a few of the typical applications of proportional flow controller valves in the medical sector. 

1. Surgical instruments & patient monitoring
2. Anesthesia & ventilator gas mixing
3. Leakage testing of medical components & packaging
4. Ventilator patient “delivery” valve
5. Positive end-expiratory pressure control
6. Shock wave therapy
7. Clinical diagnostic equipment
8. Oxygen concentrators
9. Patient simulators

Application Requirements:

While the selection of the air proportional flow control valve, the medical device design engineers must consider both the variable & medium to be controlled.  Usually, the gas is said to be the medium and the proportional valve has the ability to control many variables. It includes the variable of temperature, force, or position. In this guidepost, we are going to focus on the two major variables of flow & pressure.  After establishing the variable needs to be controlled by the design engineer, the engineer determines the other application criteria for the proportional flow control valve. The other application criteria for the proportional gas flow control valve are as follows:

1. The medium that can influence the required valve construction & materials
2. Inlet pressure & maximum controlled output pressure
3. Required flow range
4. Power consumption, especially for portable/mobile applications
5. Special requirements related to medical devices to comply with FDA and other regulatory bodies’ requirements
6. Media and ambient temperature
7. Other environmental factors like location (hospital, clinical or portable) & any weight or space restrictions

Proportional Flow Adjustment Valve:

There are various operating methods, which can be used in the proportional flow control valve technology. Some of the most typical serving of the medical device industry is known to be the direct-acting proportional solenoids. The reason for it is that they fall into the accurate range of capabilities & serve the most medical applications. 

One of the types of direct proportional pneumatic needle valves is the piezoelectric version. The valve of this electric hydraulic flow control valve deforms the piezoelectric element to vary the opening of the valve while voltage is applied.