In our series: Product lines in focus, we alternately present the most important features and characteristics of our product lines from our business areas in order to provide a well-founded overview in a nutshell.

In the area of valves and cryogenic components, our "bellow valves" from the range of control and shut-off valves make the start.

Task and function

Bellow valves, usually installed in a vacuum-insulated cold box, control and regulate the flow of cryogenic fluids. Typically, this involves helium or hydrogen in liquid or gaseous state.

Application areas

For this reason, they are often used in the following areas:

• Plasma and fusion research
• Hydrogen infrastructure
• Space infrastructure
• Helium and hydrogen liquefaction plants

Operating principle

The valve insert is actuated by an actuator (e.g. pneumatic diaphragm actuator, electric actuator, handwheel) and controls the flow from 0% to 100% by a vertical stroke movement of the control cone and the sealing unit.

Special suitability in the field of application

An optimized design guarantees the least possible heat input into the fluid and, thanks to a metal bellow as a dynamic seal as well as a welded design, guarantees the highest tightness to the outside and to vacuum.

Variable features within the product line

• Nominal size
• Nominal pressure
• Body shape
• Actuator type
• Fail safe position
• Control / shut-off valve
• Control cone characteristic (flow vs. stroke)
• Seal materials
• Cryogenic length

Available versions

• Pneumatic hot valve
• Pneumatic cold valve
• Manual warm valve
• Manual cold valve
• Electric hot valve
• Electric cold valve

Available accessories

• Position switches, solenoid valves, throttle check valves, pressure regulators
• Positioner
• Thermal contacts
• Convection brakes
• Test connections (Guard/Vacuum)

Available spare parts

In general: WEKA valves convince by longevity and low maintenance requirements. However, should something be needed we do have the following spare parts available:

• Seal kits
• actuator
• positioners
• solenoid valves
• Throttle check valves
• Switches
• Control cone
• Complete insert.

Current market approvals

• European Union (CE, pressure equipment directive + ATEX explosion protection directive)
• Eurasian Economic Union (EAC, pressure equipment)
• IECEx (International explosion protection)
• Shipbuilding (DNV GL)

Current certificates

• Declarations of Conformity CE and EAC (pressure equipment)
• Declarations of Conformity CE ATEX, Certificate IECEx (Explosion Protection)
• SIL (Safety Integrity Level)

Additional useful information about this product line

Welding procedures and welder tests according to ASME, and electrical attachments such as switches or solenoid valves according to other, country-specific approvals are possible (e.g. FM, KC, JIS)

Designs for special environmental conditions (e.g. magnetic field, ionizing radiation) can also be arranged.

Further information on bellow valves is available in our product section, or contact our sales team, we will be happy to assist you.