Which ARTēVA™ pinch valve is right for your process?
Which Pinch Valve Is Right for Your Process?
A practical guide for bioprocess teams evaluating modern single-use flow control.
Pinch valves seem simple on the surface — a mechanism closes on tubing and that’s it.
But in bioprocessing, the choice between manual, pneumatic, and motorized actuation has real consequences: equipment reliability, automation compatibility, skid footprint, and the long-term cost of running a clean, compliant process.
This short guide breaks down each valve type, how they perform in modern single-use systems, and how to decide which option genuinely fits your application.
Why Pinch Valves Matter More Than Ever
In single-use environments, the pinch valve has become the default choice for one reason:
nothing inside the valve ever contacts product.
That means:
- No risk of cross-contamination
- No cleaning or turnaround burden
- Less downtime
- Faster changeovers
- Predictable performance run after run
As bioprocessing moves further toward flexible manufacturing, the pinch valve sits at the centre of reliable flow regulation. Choosing the right actuation method simply ensures you’re not over-engineering — or under-engineering — the solution.
The Three Options at a Glance
Here’s the simplest possible breakdown before we go deeper:
- Manual Pinch Valves – economical, straightforward, ideal for low-risk adjustments.
- Pneumatic Pinch Valves – dependable workhorses for automated skids and high-cycle requirements.
- Motorized Pinch Valves – precision control without compressed air, engineered for compact OEM and skid designs.
If you want to choose quickly, the next section will point you in the right direction in under 30 seconds.
Choose in Under 30 Seconds
Use this as a quick decision filter:
- Need automation? → Pneumatic or Motorized
- No access to compressed air? → Motorized
- Tight footprint on your skid? → Motorized
- Simple line, operator-accessible? → Manual
- High-cycle, 24/7 operation? → Pneumatic
- Precision control or step-based modulation? → Motorized
- Budget-sensitive or temporary process? → Manual
Once you see where you land, the deeper explanations below help confirm the choice.
Manual Pinch Valves
Best for basic flow control, sampling, and low-frequency adjustments.
Manual pinch valves are the most straightforward solution. They’re commonly used anywhere operators have physical access to the line and the process doesn't demand automation.
Where they shine
- Easiest installation and lowest cost
- Perfect for sample lines and low-risk points
- Reliable closing force with zero product contact
- Ideal for simple, predictable workflows
Consider manual if:
- You don’t require remote actuation
- Your team directly interacts with the line
- You’re optimising for simplicity over automation
If your process has predictable flow adjustments and you want a clean, no-compromise single-use solution, the manual valve is typically the right fit.
More Information about the ARTēVA™ Manual Pinch Valves
Pneumatic Pinch Valves
Best for automated skids, high-cycle applications, and consistent uptime.
Pneumatic pinch valves remain the backbone of many automated bioprocess systems. With compressed air available, they deliver consistent, repeatable actuation at scale.
Where they shine
- Designed for high-cycle reliability
- Seamless integration into automated systems
- Fast response and strong closing force
- Stable performance in long, continuous production runs
Consider pneumatic if:
- You already use compressed air on your skid
- Your process requires frequent open/close cycles
- Uptime and repeatability are non-negotiable
If you’re building or running an automated manufacturing line, pneumatic actuation is often the most robust choice.
More Information about the ARTēVA™ Pneumatic Pinch Valves
Motorized Pinch Valves
Best for compact skids, OEM instruments, and processes where air supply is not available.
Motorized pinch valves fill the gap that has become more important every year — precision actuation without compressed air. As facilities push toward compactness and instrument builders streamline utilities, motorized valves are increasingly the go-to option.
Where they shine
- No pneumatic infrastructure needed
- High-precision actuation (stepper/servo style control)
- Smaller footprint than many air-actuated alternatives
- Cleaner integration for OEMs and benchtop systems
Consider motorized if:
- Your design space is extremely limited
- You’re eliminating or reducing compressed air
- You require accurate, controllable actuation
- You’re building compact equipment or instruments
For engineers modernising their equipment architecture, motorized actuation is typically where the market is moving.
More Information about the ARTēVA™ Motorized Pinch Valves
Real-World Applications
Media/Buffer Prep – Pneumatic
Automated, high-cycle operations need reliability above anything else. Pneumatic valves offer stable, repeatable actuation, even during extended campaigns.
Instrument Builders – Motorized
OEMs often can’t justify running compressed air through compact systems. Motorized pinch valves allow clean, modular integration with tight mounting zones.
Sampling & One-Off Adjustments – Manual
In operator-led workflows, manual valves deliver the simplest and most economical option while staying fully single-use compatible.
So Which Valve Should You Choose?
A simple rule of thumb:
- Choose Manual for straightforward, low-risk adjustments.
- Choose Pneumatic for automated, high-cycle processes.
- Choose Motorized when precision or space constraints matter, or when air is unavailable.
Each has a clear purpose. The goal is not to pick the most advanced option — it’s to select the actuation that aligns with your process, utilities, and future state.
Still Not Sure?
If you want help selecting the right valve for your process or skid design, our team supports engineers across R&D, scale-up, and full manufacturing.