A knife sphincter is a mechanical device that allows the closing and opening of the flow of air, gas or liquid in piping systems. It works by moving a blade over a seal, which controls the flow. Knife sphincters are used in many industrial sectors, such as the chemical, petrochemical, food and paper industries. Their use increases work efficiency, ensuring accuracy and safety of operations.
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Basic types of knife sphincters
The basic types of knife sphincters can be classified according to their construction, operating principle, and purpose. The most important types include:
- single-acting sphincters – these are the simplest devices that close the flow of the medium by moving the blade in one direction. They are used in applications with low requirements, where flow regulation does not have to be frequent,
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double-acting sphincters – these models allow for flow control in both directions, which enables more precise management of the medium. They are used in systems where regular opening and closing of the flow is necessary, - soft sealing knife sphincters – have a flexible seal, which guarantees tight closure and reduces the risk of leaks. They are ideal for installations with low or medium density media, such as water, air or light chemicals,
- knife sphincters with metal seal – are characterized by a metal seal, which makes them more resistant to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. They are mainly used in the chemical and petrochemical industries,
- manual knife sphincters – operated manually by means of a lever or wheel. Due to their simple design, they are used in installations where minimal flow regulation is required and automation is not needed,
- automatic knife sphincters – equipped with an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive, which allows remote control and automation. They are perfect for large industrial systems where precise flow control is necessary.
Effective use of knife type short-circuits in electrical installations
The scissor short-circuit breaker plays a very important role – it is a safe connection of circuits, which allows for quick connection establishment during measurements, tests or changes in configuration. It is equally important to use it to disconnect circuits, which allows for cutting off a selected part of the installation from the power supply.
This type of solution is invaluable when servicing systems, performing repairs and in emergency situations when immediate and safe interruption of the current flow is necessary.
Knife short-circuits are key mounted in electrical switchboards, where they enable quick, safe connection and disconnection of selected circuits. In distribution boards, they allow convenient disconnection of individual circuits from the power supply, which significantly improves service work and minimizes the risk of accidental failures.
Additionally, knife short-circuits can be used directly in electrical devices, such as engines, where they provide controlled disconnection of selected system elements. It is also worth using other fuse accessories .
What to consider when choosing a knife sphincter?
When selecting a knife sphincter, there are several key factors to consider to ensure optimal functionality and durability for your application, including:
- type of medium – the material flowing through the sphincter (e.g. water, gas, chemicals) is of great importance for selecting the appropriate type of seal. Knife sphincter with a soft seal is ideal for low-aggressive media, while models with a metal seal are better suited for environments requiring greater resistance to chemical agents and high temperatures,
- pipe diameter – the knife sphincter should have a diameter adapted to the pipe in which it will be installed,
- working pressure – the knife sphincter must be adjusted to the working pressure in the system to ensure safe operation of the installation,
- operating temperature – when selecting a knife sphincter, it is worth ensuring its compatibility with the temperature of the medium flowing through the installation,
- mounting method – depending on the system requirements, a knife sphincter with the appropriate mounting type (manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric) should be selected.