Diaphragm Valves: Analyzing the Rising Popularity of Membrane Valves in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Diaphragm valves are devices used for controlling the flow of a fluid within a pipeline or a similar system. These valves feature a flexible diaphragm made from rubber and other elastomeric materials to allow passage of the liquid at a fixed speed. The position of this membrane can be altered to obstruct, isolate, or regulate the liquid’s flow. From water treatment plants and industrial manufacturing facilities to power generation units, the role of diaphragm valves has increased significantly in the last few years. Depending on their application and usability, diaphragm or membrane valves are classified into various types, such as sanitary diaphragm valves, biotech valves, process valves, and zero static valves.
Rise in applications of diaphragm valves impacting the industry positively
Over the years, the population explosion and overcrowding in urban areas and metropolitan cities have led to problems of hygiene and sanitation. Most of the industrial towns globally face issues of pollution of water bodies and rivers flowing through these cities. As a result, local authorities and governmental agencies in these regions have passed laws mandating industries to treat the effluents released in these water bodies. These developments have surged the demand for specialized equipment fitted with diaphragm valves to reduce the pollution and contamination of lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Also, diaphragm valves are also widely used in pharmaceutical and food processing industries to maintain the purity of products being manufactured. For instance, in pharmaceutical production tasks, aid in regulating the flow of different materials, thus preserving the integrity and authenticity of their drugs. This helps companies check the adulteration of medicines, thereby improving trust and credibility of the brand.
In addition, surge in demand for membrane valves from the oil and gas exploration sector has played a major role in the growth of the diaphragm valve market. The industry accounted for $312.4 million in 2022 and is expected to gather a revenue of $541 million by 2032, rising at a CAGR of 5.6% during 2023-2032. These devices have proven to be beneficial in handling the flow of corrosive materials under extreme pressure and temperature. Since most of the oil rigs face harsh weather conditions, the utility of the membrane is expected to increase in the near future.
Development of innovative products generating numerous growth opportunities
In recent times, several multinational companies have launched advanced to expand their operations in the industry and capitalize on the investment opportunities present in the sector. For instance, in July 2023, KITZ Corporation, an industrial valve manufacturing company, unveiled a new line of PFA-Lined Weir Type Diaphragm Valves. The company claimed in its press statement that these newly developed products are ideal for pharmaceutical, chemical production, and paint manufacturing industries. As per several industry experts, the product launch is anticipated to help the company flourish in the near future.
Similarly, in April 2024, Xylem, a pumping equipment manufacturer, announced the launch of a single-use pump with safety valves designed for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Designed to minimize fluid contamination during drug production processes, the pump also ensures maximum operator safety, thus improving the overall efficiency and productivity of the biotech manufacturers. Xylem has been one of the leading firms in the industry and this product launch is expected to bring in numerous profitable growth opportunities in the coming period.
In summary, the rise in demand for diaphragm valves from various end-use industries for pollution control, contamination reduction, and corrosion mitigation is predicted to create numerous opportunities in the sector. Furthermore, the launch of cutting-edge products by major companies is anticipated to boost the market share of the industry in the coming period.
✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar