Electromagnetic Actuator Technical Column: From Basics to Latest Trends
Column
[Precision Fluid Control achieved using Proportional Control Valves] Examples of Solenoid Valve Applications and its Benefits
2. [Basic Knowledge] "Flow Control" and "Pressure Control" where Proportional Control Valves Excel
3. [Application Examples] Four Major Fields Where Proportional Valves Play an Active Role
- (1) Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Semiconductor Field
- (2) Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Analysis Field
- (3)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Medical Field
- (4)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the General Industrial Field
4. Conclusion and Benefits of Takano's Proportional Control Valves
1. Introduction
This column introduces specific uses of "Proportional Control Valves (hereafter referred to as proportional valves)", a type of solenoid valve. In fields requiring precise fluid control, such as semiconductors, analysis, medical, and general industrial, proportional valves play an extremely important role.
In the previous column, we explained the mechanism, characteristics, and control methods of proportional valves, so please refer to it as well.
2. [Basic Knowledge] "Flow Control" and "Pressure Control" where Proportional Control Valves Excel
Typical examples of using proportional valves include "flow control" and "pressure control". The flow and pressure can change due to various external disturbances such as supply pressure and ambient temperature. As shown in the figure below, by connecting a controller for electrical control with a proportional valve and sensors in the piping, you can freely control the flow and pressure according to the set signal.
For example, in systems that require fine gas flow adjustments such as semiconductor processes, or systems that need to maintain stable pressure like oxygen supply devices in the medical field, this enables closed-loop control and allows highly reliable and precise control.
【Flow Control】
【Pressure Control】
3. [Application Examples] Four Major Fields Where Proportional Valves Play an Active Role
The proportional valves introduced in this article play important roles in the semiconductor, analysis, medical, and general industrial fields where various gases are used specially for each field and the control of the flow and pressure of those gases is essential.
(1)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Semiconductor Field
In the semiconductor field requiring nano-level precision, control of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and gas concentration is critical. Proportional valves are crucial for achieving stable processes.
PV/FPD Manufacturing Equipment Semiconductor Transport Equipment
| Mass Flow Controller | A high-precision flow control unit that integrates a flow sensor, proportional valve, and controller. It controls the flow of various gases. |
| Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment | Precise control of process gas flow and pressure in deposition and etching processes. |
| PV/FPD Manufacturing Equipment | |
| Semiconductor Transport Equipment | Controls the flow and pressure of nitrogen gas to prevent contamination and oxidation during wafer transport and storage. |
(2)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Analysis Field
In the analysis field, where minute samples and reagents are handled, even slight variations in fluid amount can significantly impact measurement results. The use of proportional valves which can control rapidly and accurately, helps to maintain optimal environments, and improve measurement results' reliability.
Environmental Gas Measurement Equipment Life Science Equipment
| Gas Chromatograph | By controlling the flow of sample gas and carrier gas, it optimizes measurement accuracy. |
| Mass Analyzer | |
| Environmental Gas Measurement Equipment | Controls the amount of sample gas and measures the component concentration accurately. |
| Life Science Equipment | Controls the flow of O2 and CO2 gases, and manages their concentration, pressure, and flow according to the environment. |
(3)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the Medical Field
In the medical field, which has a critical impact on life, proportional valves play very important roles. They allow for real-time adjustments and quickly respond to changes in external conditions or patient states, maintaining stable flow and pressure tailored to patients' needs at all times.
| Oxygen Concentrator | Controls the flow and concentration of oxygen supplied to patients. |
| Ventilator | Controls the flow of inspiration and expiration for optimal respiratory support. |
| Anesthesia Machine | Mixes O2 and N2O at appropriate ratios to maintain anesthesia concentration according to patient conditions. |
(4)Examples of Using Proportional Control Valves in the General Industrial Field
In general industrial fields, combining closed-loop control systems with proportional valves helps avoid human error and minimize quality inconsistency. By achieving precise flow and pressure control, proportional valves help improve quality and efficiency.
| Laser Welder | Efficiently controls the flow of shield gas, improving welding quality. |
| Fuel Cell | Controls the flow and pressure of H2 and O2 gases, optimizing power generation efficiency. |
| Industrial Furnace | Manages the flow and pressure of furnace gases to maintain a stable temperature environment, ensuring consistent product quality. |
4. Conclusion and Benefits of Takano's Proportional Control Valves
In this column, we introduced the uses of proportional control valves. Proportional valves are used in various fields such as semiconductors, analysis, medical, and general industrial, where precise fluid control is required. At Takano Corporation, we manufacture and sell these high-precision proportional valves.
We hope this column will be useful for valve selection and operation considerations. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Contact and Related Information Guide
- Proportional Valves
- PWM Control Controllers
- Closed-Loop Control Compatible Flow Control Systems
For those considering any of these products, please view the details from the link below or feel free to contact us.
