A diaphragm valve includes a valve body adapted to receive a replaceable diaphragm subassembly. The subassembly includes a sleeve closely received in the valve body. An actuating stem extends through the sleeve and includes a composite diaphragm welded at one end. An intermediate portion of the stem is threadedly received in a closure ring. The closure ring defines a radial gap with a closing gap to permit adjustment of the stem relative to a valve seat.Instrument Manifolds A peripheral portion of the composite diaphragm is clampingly engaged between the valve body and sleeve. The composite diaphragm includes a metal layer having an elastomer bonded to one face to provide superior sealing and strength properties.

The invention is particularly applicable to a diaphragm valve for use in biotechnological applications and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader applications and may be advantageously employed in other environments and applications.

Prior diaphragm valves have been deficient in two primary areas, namely, cycle life and ease of maintenance and/or replacement.Forged Steel Valves Cycle life is closely dependent on the strength of the diaphragm, particularly the flexural strength of the diaphragm. Some prior valves have utilized a metallic diaphragm due to its high strength. Other valves have utilized an elastomeric diaphragm due to its superior flexure and sealing properties. Still others have attempted to strengthen elastomeric-type diaphragms through use of a composite diaphragm having elastomers of different strengths.

Even with continued improvements in diaphragm valve designs, overall cycle life is still dependent on the strength of the diaphragm. Oftentimes, the remainder of the valve components still have a substantial useful life but changeover or replacement of the worn component, i.e., the diaphragm, is still necessary.MULTI-FUNCTIONAL WATER PUMP CONTROL VALVE Prior arrangements simply have not adequately addressed the problem of repeated maintenance or replacement. That is, if the valve must be repaired or replaced the various valve components have not been designed to aid in cleaning, replacement, and subsequent reassembly.

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