// Catalogue

Vacuum Valves for Switching, Release and Isolation for Vacuum Systems

Vacuum valves switch, hold and release vacuum in handling systems and process lines, sealing reliably where ordinary air valves can leak. TSA Hydraulics Engineering supplies them within the Servo & Proportional family of our Valves range, for automation, packaging and vacuum pump systems.

A valve that seals perfectly at 6 bar can still leak at minus 0.9 bar. With pressure, the air helps push the seal shut. With vacuum, it does not, so the seal and spring have to do all the work. Tell us the vacuum level, port size and how the valve is switched. We will match a genuine valve or an equivalent.

1product

// Buying guide

Why Vacuum Needs Its Own Valves

Seals: must close tightly with no help from line pressure.
Piloting: a standard pilot operated valve uses line pressure to shift. Vacuum cannot do that, so vacuum valves are either direct acting or use an external pilot air supply.
Flow paths: must be large and smooth, because vacuum has far less pressure difference to push air through.

Fitting a standard compressed air valve to a vacuum line is a common cause of slow, weak or leaky vacuum.

Types of Vacuum Valve

Vacuum switching valves: turn vacuum on and off at suction cups or process points.
Release or blow off valves: send a short pulse of air to drop parts quickly from a suction cup.
Vacuum check valves: hold vacuum if the supply fails, so a part is not dropped.
Self closing cup valves: close any suction cup that is not covered, keeping vacuum on the others.
Isolation valves: separate a vacuum pump from the process for service.
Vacuum relief and breaker valves: let air in to protect tanks and vessels from collapsing.

Vacuum Valves in Pick and Place

In a typical handling system, a valve switches vacuum to the cups, the part is lifted and moved, and a release pulse drops it cleanly. Fast response and small internal volumes keep cycle times short. Mount the valves close to the cups, keep lines short, and fit filters so dust does not foul the seats.

Vacuum Valves on Pump Systems

On central vacuum systems and process lines, valves isolate pumps for service and stop back flow when a pump stops. On oil sealed vacuum pumps, a check valve on the inlet helps stop oil being drawn back into the process when the pump switches off.

Getting Good Results

Check the valve is rated for your vacuum level, usually given in mbar or percent.
Use direct acting valves, or supply external pilot air for pilot types.
Size the ports generously, because small ports slow the vacuum build up.
Keep lines short, and avoid unnecessary bends and fittings.
Fit filters ahead of the valves on dusty duties.

Vacuum Valves Specifications to Check

Rated vacuum level and pressure range
Function: switching, release, check, isolation or relief
Direct acting or externally piloted
Port size and flow rate
Coil voltage and connector, if electrically operated
Seal material

Why Buy From TSA Hydraulics Engineering

As a vacuum valves supplier, we check the vacuum rating, piloting and port size, so the valve seals and switches the way your system needs. You get clear prices in AUD, OEM or equivalent options, and help sourcing vacuum valves replacement parts such as seals, coils and filter elements. We tell you upfront whether a valve is genuine or an equivalent.

// FAQs