Product Feature: Miniature Diaphragm Poppet Valves
Precision fluid control requires a miniature diaphragm poppet valve because it offers an extremely versatile and reliable solution. Humphrey Products’ HK5 and HKL5 design delivers tight sealing and long service life in a variety of applications, especially in analytical instruments, test and measurement, and clean gas handling.
“A lot of times, you end up with machined parts, but this valve is plastic molded, so it’s lightweight and performs well,” said Principal Engineer Mark Friedman.
Learn about our product’s unique features and how its design integrity can optimize your application.
What is a Miniature Diaphragm Poppet Valve?
The HK5 and HKL5 valves are miniature diaphragm poppet direct solenoid valves capable of controlling a wide variety of liquid and gas media from vacuum to 100 psi (7 bar). Just 12mm in width, the 3-port valve opens a large flow path and can perform a variety of functions from its neutral design.
The opposing diaphragm poppet balanced construction combines two valve functions from its engineered elastomer: a flexing membrane for shifting and isolating and a sealing poppet to control fluid.
“They’re chemically inert to a lot of media,” said Friedman. “It’s a diaphragm-isolated valve, so we can run liquids through it.”
- Valve function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Operation: Direct acting
- Media: Air, inert gas and vacuum
- Number of ports: 2 or 3
- Flow coefficient: 0.05 Cv
- Pressure range: 28” Hg ~ 100 psi
Additional features:
- Inert valve material
- Versatile mounting options
- Quiet operation
- Tight sealing
- Compact design
- RoHS compliant
- Isolated solenoid
How They Work
In a diaphragm poppet valve, flow control occurs when the flexible diaphragms shift in response to the solenoid actuator. When unactuated, the lower diaphragm is pressed into the seat, cutting off media flow from the supply and preventing leakage. The top diaphragm is unseated, creating a flow path from port 2 to port 3. Actuation causes the diaphragms to shift, opening a path from port 1 to port 2 for media to move through the valve. When de-energized, the bottom diaphragm returns to its original position and closes the valve securely.
Where Can I Use Miniature Diaphragm Poppet Valves?
Because the media is isolated from the solenoid and wetted surfaces are made of inert materials, these valves perform well with air, inert gases, compatible liquids and other alternate media.
You can use a miniature diaphragm poppet valve in the following applications:
Medical and scientific instruments: The HK5’s inert construction and tight sealing make it excellent for clean gas and some reagent media.
Analytical and lab equipment: Small, direct-acting valves fit tabletop instruments where space and performance are critical.
Vacuum and pneumatic systems: Bubble-tight sealing and friction-free operation improve vacuum performance and tolerate ingested contaminants.
Industrial automation: This valve’s versatility allows for multi-function and multimedia uses, reducing total SKU count.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Valve
Media compatibility: Elastomers and valve body materials must be inert to the controlled media, especially with aggressive fluids and gases.
Operating pressure and flow: Different design constructions support varied pressure ranges and flow rates.
Valve configuration: The HK5 valve is available in 2- and 3-way operation and normally open and closed functions.
Mounting and integration: Some compact solenoid valves, such as the HK5, offer flexible mounting options, including manifold or subbase configurations.
HK5 Valve Design and Installation Support from Humphrey Products
Our expert technicians offer design assistance to ensure you have access to engineered solutions that optimize your application. The HK5 and HKL5 miniature diaphragm poppet valves are tried and tested and have exhibited excellent performance in different applications. Our Engineered Solutions team offers customizability services so you can enjoy the flexibility and durability of our products. Contact us for product assistance.
