Why does the piezoelectric valve exhibit gumming?

Piezoelectric Valve As a precision device that achieves fluid control through the piezoelectric effect, it is widely used in laboratory instruments, medical devices, chemical equipment, and other fields. However, in actual use, piezoelectric valves sometimes exhibit gumming, which not only affects their normal operation but may also shorten the service life of the equipment. This article will explore the causes of piezoelectric valve gumming from multiple aspects and propose corresponding preventive measures.

I. Working Principle of Piezoelectric Valve

Before discussing the causes of gumming, let's first understand the working principle of the piezoelectric valve. The piezoelectric valve contains piezoelectric material inside. When a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric material will deform. This deformation is transmitted to the valve through the designed mechanical structure, causing the valve to open or close. By changing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric material, the degree of valve opening can be controlled, thereby achieving precise control of the fluid flow rate, flow, and direction. Piezoelectric valves have the advantages of fast response speed and high precision, so they are widely used in occasions with high requirements for fluid control.

II. Gumming Phenomenon and Its Impact

Gumming refers to the phenomenon in which colloidal substances adhere and accumulate on the valve or nozzle during the use of the piezoelectric valve. Gumming not only affects the normal opening and closing of the piezoelectric valve but may also lead to a decrease in fluid control accuracy and even equipment failure. Long-term gumming may also accelerate valve wear and shorten the service life of the equipment.

III. Cause Analysis of Gumming Phenomenon

1. Inappropriate Dispensing Parameters

Dispensing parameters include working stroke, working frequency, valve opening time, and valve closing time. If these parameters are not set properly, it may cause the colloid to accumulate at the valve or nozzle. For example, if the valve opening time is too long or the valve closing time is too short, the colloid may not be able to flow out in time and adhere to the valve.

2. Nozzle and Plunger Wear

The nozzle and plunger are key components in the piezoelectric valve, and they will gradually wear out during use. The surface of the worn nozzle and plunger becomes rough, making it easier to adhere to colloidal substances. In addition, wear may also cause colloid leakage, further exacerbating the gumming phenomenon.

3. Uncleaned and Unmaintained Flow Path Components

The flow path components are the channels through which the fluid passes in the piezoelectric valve. If they are not cleaned and maintained for a long time, colloidal substances may accumulate in these parts. The accumulated colloid will not only affect the normal flow of the fluid but may also block the flow path, leading to equipment failure.

4. Piezoelectric Valve Exceeds Normal Service Life

Any equipment has its service life, and piezoelectric valves are no exception. When the piezoelectric valve has been used for too long and exceeds its normal service life, various performances will gradually decline, including anti-gumming ability. At this time, even if cleaning and maintenance are performed, it is difficult to completely eliminate the gumming phenomenon.

5. Abnormal Nozzle Cleaning

Nozzle cleaning is Piezoelectric Valve Maintenance an important part. If the cleaning operation is improper, such as too low cleaning frequency or insufficient cleaning force, it may cause colloid accumulation at the nozzle. In addition, improper cleaning agents or cleaning methods used during cleaning may also damage the nozzle, further exacerbating the gumming phenomenon.

6. Inappropriate Configuration Selection

The configuration selection of the piezoelectric valve should be based on the actual working conditions. If the selection is improper, such as the nozzle size being too small or the plunger model not matching, it may cause the colloid to accumulate at the valve or nozzle. Therefore, when selecting a piezoelectric valve, the actual working conditions and fluid characteristics should be fully considered.

IV. Preventive Measures

In response to the above causes of gumming, we can take the following preventive measures:

1. Optimize dispensing parameters to ensure that the colloid can flow out in time without adhering to the valve.

2. Regularly check and replace worn nozzles and plungers to maintain their surface smoothness.

3. Regularly clean and maintain the flow path components to ensure that the fluid passages are unobstructed.

4. Pay attention to the service life of the piezoelectric valve and replace equipment that exceeds its normal service life in time.

5. Standardize nozzle cleaning operations to ensure that the cleaning frequency and intensity are moderate.

6. Select piezoelectric valves according to actual working conditions to ensure reasonable equipment configuration.

The gumming phenomenon of piezoelectric valves is the result of the combined action of multiple factors. By optimizing dispensing parameters, strengthening equipment maintenance, and standardizing operating procedures, we can effectively reduce the occurrence of gumming phenomena, ensure the normal operation of piezoelectric valves, and extend the service life of the equipment.