‘FlapVAT’ large transfer valve increases flexibility in equipment design

June 10, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: VAT has launched a new transfer valve, the 'FlapVAT' that extends its product portfolio in the 'large transfer valve' series. The new product offers vacuum equipment manufacturers the ability to achieve what it claims is the best price/performance ratio available. VAT now has three large transfer valves in the portfolio for the PV industry, each of which can be customized in various ways to match each individual manufacturer's requirements.

Problem: Equipment suppliers working in the photovoltaic industry are facing continuous cost pressures from end users. Simultaneously the production throughput, yield and uptime have to be improved to reduce the manufacturing cost per watt, which requires high performance transfer valves at the lowest cost possible.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: The FlapVAT is designed for vacuum production tools with slit heights smaller than 80mm. The valve technology is based on the common flapper valve that enables a swift exchange of the gate O-Ring and the integrated actuator allows for differential pressure opening wherever this is required. Depending on temperatures and outer conditions, the actuator can be placed on top or at the sides of the valve. Stainless steel or aluminium body and gate and horizontal or vertical orientation are other standard options that are available in this product range.

Applications: Transfer valves are used as gates to separate vacuum chambers and are suitable for various processes such as PVD or PECVD.

Platform: The FlapVAT is available from slit openings 30 x 500mm up to 80 x 3000mm with a flange to flange dimension of 160mm. It can be used in door, valve or insert configurations.

Availability: Currently available

Read Next

March 11, 2026
EU member states awarded a record 25.2GW of new solar PV capacity through auctions in 2025, according to SolarPower Europe.
March 11, 2026
The California Court of Appeals has upheld the state's ongoing net energy metering programme, NEM3.0, dealing a setback to rooftop solar.
March 11, 2026
VDE Americas has updated its hail risk model with new wind data, claiming it will improve the accuracy of hail-damage predictions for PV projects.
March 11, 2026
The selling price of several solar PV module technology types in Europe has increased between January and February of this year.
March 11, 2026
Speciality insurer Beazley has reached an agreement to acquire US-based climate insurance provider kWh Analytics.
March 11, 2026
As TOPCon manufacturing expands globally, producers are facing different cost, safety and supply-chain realities – creating an opportunity to rethink technology platforms and prepare for next-generation tandem architectures.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain