Clamp Sanitary Diaphragm Valve with Pneumatic Actuator — SS316L, EPDM+PTFE

Cematic's sanitary diaphragm valve with pneumatic actuator in 316L stainless steel is the standard component for industrial processes that demand hygiene, sterility, and automated control in a single piece of equipment.

Thanks to its EPDM+PTFE diaphragm, it ensures total separation between the fluid and the mechanical components. Therefore, the fluid never comes into contact with the actuator or with lubricated moving parts. For this reason, it is the preferred solution in the pharmaceutical, food, and biotechnology industries where cross-contamination is unacceptable.

Unlike the manual version, the integrated pneumatic actuator also ensures efficient, consistent, and repeatable operation in each cycle. Consequently, it is the right choice for automated process lines that demand precise control with the highest hygiene standards.

Operating Principle — Sanitary Diaphragm Valve with Pneumatic Actuator

The EPDM+PTFE diaphragm completely separates the fluid zone from the actuator zone. Upon receiving a pneumatic signal, the actuator compresses or releases the diaphragm to open or close the fluid flow.

Therefore, operation is bidirectional and without contact between the fluid and lubricated parts. In this way, the pneumatic actuator executes the opening and closing cycle with a fast and repeatable response, without manual intervention.

Its SS316L body with an internal finish of Ra ≤ 0.2 µm, moreover, has no internal cavities or dead zones where product could accumulate. Consequently, CIP and SIP processes are more efficient, and batch changes are faster and safer.

Benefits of the pneumatic actuator in hygienic applications

The integration of the pneumatic actuator in this sanitary diaphragm valve offers specific advantages over the manual version in automated processes:

• Remote operation without human intervention: The pneumatic actuator eliminates the need to operate the valve manually, thus reducing the risk of contamination from operator contact with the process line.
• Repeatability in each cycle: The pneumatic actuator also opens and closes with the same force and speed in each operation. Consequently, it guarantees process consistency in GMP-validated production lines.
• Integration with PLC and control systems: The pneumatic signal is controlled by a solenoid, so the valve integrates directly into SCADA, PLC, or DCS systems without additional modifications.
• Response speed: Pneumatic actuation, therefore, is faster than electric for frequent opening and closing cycles. Likewise, it is safer in classified areas where electricity poses a risk.

Construction Materials

The body is made of 316L stainless steel, which is the standard material in high-purity applications. Its molybdenum content also offers greater resistance to chlorides and CIP agents than SS304. The diaphragm is made of EPDM+PTFE, which is the correct combination for aseptic processes.

EPDM provides the necessary elasticity for hermetic sealing. PTFE also coats the face in contact with the fluid, ensuring total chemical inertness. The internal finish Ra ≤ 0.2 µm, finally, is the most demanding standard of Cematic's hygienic family. This eliminates roughness where microorganisms or residues could accumulate.

Technical Specifications

Fluid Compatibility

This sanitary diaphragm valve with pneumatic actuator is compatible with the most demanding fluids in the sanitary industry. The main groups are described below:

• Purified water and water for injection (WFI) — SS316L does not contribute metal ions; therefore, it is the standard material in high-purity pharmaceutical water distribution systems.
• Culture media, vaccines, and biological products — total fluid-actuator separation is the fundamental requirement in biotechnology; likewise, PTFE on the diaphragm face does not cause chemical contamination of the product.
• Viscous food fluids — yogurt, creams, syrups, purees — the diaphragm also prevents product retention in internal cavities and facilitates batch changes.
• CIP agents — caustic soda, nitric acid, peracetic acid up to 110 °C — PTFE is inert to most common CIP agents; however, verify concentration and temperature with Cematic's technical team for extreme conditions.
• High-purity and corrosive chemical fluids — PTFE resists a wide range of acids, bases, and solvents within the temperature range; however, for fluids above 110 °C or extremely aggressive, consult the technical team.

Applications of the sanitary diaphragm valve with pneumatic actuator

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry

The sanitary diaphragm valve with pneumatic actuator is the standard component in aseptic lines for the production of vaccines, serums, and culture media. The total separation between the fluid and the actuator also guarantees process sterility in each automated cycle.

Therefore, it is the required valve in aseptic systems where the product must remain sterile. Manual operation, on the other hand, is not acceptable in these processes.

Food and Beverage Industry

In the automated processing of dairy products, beer, juices, and carbonated beverages, the pneumatic actuator also allows the valve to be integrated into control sequences from a PLC. Consequently, production cycles are more precise and downtime between batches is significantly reduced.

Likewise, for automated dosing of additives and syrups, the diaphragm ensures that the fluid does not come into contact with lubricants in any cycle.

CIP/SIP Cleaning and Sterilization Systems

In automated cleaning and sterilization circuits, this valve also acts as a critical flow control component. The pneumatic actuator also executes the opening and closing sequences from the CIP system controller without operator intervention.

Therefore, CIP cycles are more reproducible, and SIP cycles completely sterilize up to 110 °C without the need to disassemble the valve.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry

In lines for creams, lotions, and shampoos, the pneumatic actuator therefore allows for precise and repeatable control of the flow of viscous ingredients from a PLC. For this reason, it is the correct component in multipurpose lines where changing between formulations must be executed automatically.

Likewise, the 3A clamp disassembly facilitates diaphragm maintenance without interrupting the rest of the circuit.

Fine Chemical Industries

In the automated handling of corrosive chemicals, the pneumatic actuator eliminates operator exposure to the fluid. It also improves operational safety in each cycle. Consequently, it improves operational safety in environments with toxic or aggressive fluids.

Furthermore, the hermetic sealing of the PTFE+EPDM diaphragm prevents external leaks at all times, protecting both the operator and the installation.

For the complete range of hygienic valves, see hygienic valves collection →

Technical Data Sheet