There are distinctions in design between vacuum valves and regular valves. Ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, etc., can all be manufactured as either vacuum valves or ordinary conventional valves. There is no difference in appearance, but there are differences in the design of the valve connection areas, which are merely issues of detail. The basic requirement for vacuum valves is to ensure high sealing at the connection point and the density of the structure and gasket material.

In a vacuum system, the element used to change the direction of airflow, adjust the amount of airflow, and cut off or connect the pipeline is called a vacuum valve. They are mainly divided into vacuum ball valves, vacuum butterfly valves, ultra-high vacuum gate valves, vacuum baffle valves, and vacuum diaphragm valves.

The functions of vacuum valves in vacuum systems are:

● To switch gas circuits and alter the flow path of the airflow;

● To control the size of the airflow and adjust the vacuum level;

● To quantitatively fill with gas.

According to the medium pressure, vacuum valves can be divided into four groups:

● Low vacuum valves: p=760~1 mmHg;

● Medium vacuum valves: p=1×10-3 mmHg;

● High vacuum valves: p=1×10-4 ~1×10-7 mmHg;

● Ultra-high vacuum valves: p≤1×10-8 mmHg.

Vacuum bellows globe valves that move linearly are widely used in vacuum valves. Gate valves are subject to significant limitations, but for large diameters, ball valves, baffle valves, and butterfly valves can still be used.