Valve Technology
The VannX™ motorized diaphragm valve delivers ±0.3 PSI pressure control accuracy with continuously adjustable positioning via microstepping. Single-use fluid path. Reusable actuator. No cleaning validation, no cross-contamination risk, no pneumatics.
What is VannX™?
VannX™ is Alphinity's motorized single-use diaphragm valve for downstream bioprocessing. It uses a 24V DC bipolar stepper motor with encoder feedback (no compressed air) and continuously adjustable positioning via microstepping for proportional flow and pressure control — ±0.3 PSI accuracy from 0–4 bar. The valve body and diaphragm are single-use and disposable; the motorized actuator is reusable. A Vannefold™ is a manifold block containing 2–5 VannX™ valves in a single machined polypropylene assembly.
VannX™ Single Valve
Each VannX™ valve is a precision control element — not just an on/off device. The 24V DC stepper motor with encoder feedback provides proportional positioning for backpressure control, flow throttling, and TMP management.
24V DC bipolar stepper motor. No compressed air supply, no pneumatic tubing, no air regulators. Simplifies installation and eliminates pneumatic contamination risk.
Microstepping provides virtually infinite positioning resolution across the full stroke. Not 1,800 fixed steps — smooth, continuous proportional control for backpressure and flow management.
Valve body and diaphragm are disposable single-use components. Polypropylene and TPV/EPDM wetted materials, USP Class VI, gamma-compatible.
Position feedback confirms actual valve state. IP65 protection. M12 electrical connectors for reliable integration with control systems.
Visible position indicator. Quick-connect actuator-to-body interface. Swap single-use components between runs without tools.
Cv of 0.7 GPM/√psi (1/4" size). Only 0.35 bar drop at 6 L/min fully open — the valve doesn't steal pressure from your process. Sizes from 1/8" to 1".
Why Electric Actuation
Pneumatic valves rely on compressed air supply — introducing variability from supply pressure fluctuations, signal lag through tubing runs, and zero position feedback. Electric actuation eliminates all of it.
Encoder feedback confirms actual valve position at all times. No assumed position, no drift, no recalibration. The control system always knows exactly where the valve is.
Electric actuation responds in milliseconds — no air volume to pressurize, no tubing lag, no exhaust delay. Step changes in setpoint are executed immediately.
Microstepping provides continuously adjustable positioning with no signal loss between controller and actuator. Digital command in, exact mechanical position out.
Motor current, torque, and position data provide real-time health monitoring. Infer diaphragm condition, detect wear patterns, and predict maintenance — all from electrical data already available at the motor controller.
Pneumatic signals degrade over distance — long tubing runs add lag and reduce accuracy. Electrical signals arrive instantly regardless of cable length. No proportional signal loss.
No compressed air supply, no regulators, no filter-regulator-lubricator units, no pneumatic tubing runs. One 24V DC power connection per valve. Dramatically simpler installation and qualification.
Predictive valve health. Because VannX™ is electrically actuated with encoder feedback, the motor controller has continuous access to torque, current draw, and position data. Changes in these parameters over time can indicate diaphragm wear, seal degradation, or process fouling — enabling condition-based maintenance before a valve fails. This is impossible with pneumatic actuation.
Vannefold™ Manifold
A Vannefold™ integrates 2–5 VannX™ valves into a single machined polypropylene block. Series, parallel, or custom configurations — replacing entire valve skids with a compact, single-use assembly.
Multiple valve functions in a single block. Eliminates tubing connections between individual valves — reduces hold-up volume and dead legs.
Series flow for sequential operations. Parallel flow for multi-path routing. Custom manifold designs for specific process architectures.
Delivered ready to connect. Single-use block with reusable actuators. Gamma-sterilization compatible. 2-year shelf life.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 0–6 bar |
| Pressure control accuracy | ±0.3 PSI (0–4 bar range) |
| Flow coefficient (Cv) | 0.7 GPM/√psi (1/4" size, fully open) |
| Pressure drop (fully open) | 0.35 bar @ 6 L/min (1/4" size) |
| Stroke travel time | 3 mm/s (max) |
| Available sizes | 1/8" to 1" |
| Continuous operation | Validated for 60-day campaigns |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Actuation | 24V DC bipolar stepper with encoder |
| Stroke resolution | Continuously adjustable (microstepping) |
| Connector (non-encoder) | M12 5-pin |
| Connector (encoder) | M12 8-pin |
| Ingress protection | IP65 |
| Temperature range | -10°C to 80°C (14°F to 176°F) |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Valve body | Polypropylene |
| Diaphragm / check valves | Novelast® TPV |
| O-rings | EPDM |
| Biocompatibility | USP Class VI |
| BSE/TSE | Free |
| Manufacturing | ISO Class 7 cleanroom |
| Sterilization | Gamma irradiation compatible |
Optimized internal geometry enhances product capture and fluid removal, reducing hold-up volume and improving yield — while avoiding undesired closures caused by chemical swelling at concentration.
System Integration
In the TFFi™ system, VannX™ valves serve as both process valves (on/off routing) and proportional control valves (TMP and flow management). 15 VannX™ valves per system — 13 process valves and 2 control valves.
| Tag | Function | Control Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| CV20 | Retentate TMP | Backpressure: close → ↑TMP |
| CV30 | Permeate control | TMP trim or constant flux bleed |
| Function | Valves |
|---|---|
| Inlet selection (5 sources) | XV01–XV05 |
| Transfer routing | XV06, XV07 |
| Product collection | XV11 |
| Retentate routing | XV21, XV22, XV23 |
| Permeate routing | XV31, XV32 |
FAQ
No. VannX™ operates entirely on 24V DC. No compressed air, no pneumatic tubing, no facility air connections. This eliminates installation complexity, contamination risk, and pneumatic supply variability.
A Vannefold™ is 2–5 VannX™ valves integrated into a single machined polypropylene manifold block. Available in series, parallel, or custom configurations, replacing valve skids with a compact single-use assembly.
Yes. VannX™ uses microstepping for continuously adjustable proportional control — not just open/close. This enables smooth, precise backpressure regulation for TMP control in TFF and other pressure-sensitive operations, with ±0.3 PSI accuracy.
1/8" to 1" (DN 3–25). All sizes use 24V DC motorized actuators with microstepping for continuously adjustable control. The actuator is reusable; the valve body and diaphragm are single-use.
Get Started
Individual VannX™ valves, Vannefold™ manifolds, or integrated into a complete TFFi™ or bespoke system.