The Smart Control at the Heart of Flow: How Actuated Valves Are Powering Precision in High Purity and Beyond

In today’s precision-driven process industries, the humble valve has evolved. No longer just a passive component in a pipeline, the modern actuated valve has become an intelligent gateway - regulating, controlling, and automating the flow of critical fluids across everything from semiconductor fabs to pharmaceutical plants.

At IPS Flow Systems, we’ve seen this transformation first-hand. The growing complexity and regulatory pressure across sectors like healthcare, microelectronics, biotechnology and chemical processing have amplified the demand for actuated valve solutions that are clean, reliable, and controllable - especially in high purity environments.

What is an Actuated Valve?

Simply put, an actuated valve is a valve that uses an external power source to open or close, rather than being operated manually. The actuator - pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic - provides the force required to move the valve to its desired position. This remote operability enables automatic process control, a cornerstone in today’s industrial efficiency.

But in high purity systems, like those IPS supplies using PVDF-UHP (Ultra High Purity polyvinylidene fluoride), the actuator has to do much more than move a valve. It must do so without compromising the purity, pressure, or consistency of the process.

The Role of Actuated Valves in High Purity Environments

From pharmaceutical clean rooms to semiconductor fabs, ultra-pure water (UPW) and chemical delivery systems must meet incredibly strict standards. Contamination—be it from particles, metals, or microbial intrusion - can lead to costly downtime or product loss.

IPS Flow Systems provides a robust range of pneumatically actuated diaphragm valves, particularly in PVDF-HP for high purity applications. These valves offer:

• Fail-safe close, open, or double-acting actuation
• PTFE diaphragms with EPDM backing for chemical resistance and purity
• Fusion spigot ends to enable clean, crevice-free installations
• Air actuator housings in reinforced polypropylene with IP65 protection
• Optional solenoid pilot valves and position indicators

These features aren’t just conveniences - they’re essential to automated systems where safety, responsiveness, and traceability are paramount.

Why Pneumatic Actuation Excels in High Purity

Among the actuation options, pneumatics remains a standout for clean environments. There’s no risk of electrical spark, making it ideal for sensitive and hazardous areas. Additionally, compressed air is readily available in most plants, making integration seamless.

IPS’s actuated valves bring together pneumatic reliability with ultra-clean construction, backed by rigorous cleanroom production and double-bagged packaging to maintain integrity during installation.

Applications Across Industries

Here’s where actuated valves from IPS Flow Systems come into their own:

✔ Semiconductor Manufacturing

Precision and contamination-free operation are non-negotiable. IPS’s PVDF-UHP valves, with their ultra-smooth internal surfaces, resist particle generation and TOC leach-out - key for UPW distribution and acid handling.

✔ Pharmaceutical & Biotech

Sterile, validated processes rely on valves that offer both traceability and CIP/SIP compatibility. Actuated diaphragm valves offer control and automation without compromising system integrity.

✔ Food & Beverage

For hygienic and high-volume operations, actuated valves help maintain consistency, reduce manual intervention, and enable smart batching or CIP routines.

✔ Chemical Dosing

Precision and repeatability in aggressive environments are critical. Valves from our high purity range resist harsh chemicals and provide excellent automation options for metered dosing.

The Future is Intelligent Flow Control

Today’s actuated valves are increasingly integrated with Industry 4.0 systems, offering diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring. Add-on components like solenoids, feedback contacts, and sensors mean the valve becomes part of a larger smart control ecosystem.

IPS Flow Systems supports this evolution with modular valve options and industry-proven reliability, whether for new systems or upgrades.

Why IPS?

With decades of experience in flow control and a portfolio that includes the AGRUSAFE, PURAD PVDF, Polypure, and PP-Pure ranges, IPS Flow Systems offers a depth of knowledge that ensures customers get not just a product, but a solution tailored to their needs.

And when it comes to actuated valves, IPS provides:

• Expert advice on valve sizing, actuation type, and system integration
• Cleanroom-certified products with full traceability
• A fleet of welding equipment for hire, ideal for high purity installations
• Ongoing support from specification through to commissioning

Final Thoughts

As industries push for ever-greater precision, safety, and efficiency, actuated valves are no longer a luxury - they are a necessity. In high purity environments especially, they represent the perfect synergy of automation and hygiene, control and cleanliness.

Whether you're designing a new UPW loop or upgrading a chemical delivery system, IPS Flow Systems is your partner in intelligent valve automation.

📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 📞 IRE: +353 1 2573741 🌐 www.ipsflowsystems.com