IMI PBM Check Valve
Sanitary poppet check valve, IMI PBM Igenix® range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Poppet check valve for clean fluids and sterile processes
The IMI PBM poppet-type Check Valve range is designed to prevent any fluid backflow in hygienic processes where flow reversal would compromise product quality or process integrity: protection of pumps downstream of loops, isolation of sterile tanks, separation of CIP/product lines, steam return on SIP.
The poppet principle ensures positive, fast closure independent of gravity, allowing horizontal or vertical installation without modifying the valve.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing and cosmetics, on product circuits, WFI utilities and SIP returns.
Operating principle
Poppet-shaped closure element returned by a stainless steel spring against an elastomer seat integrated into the body.
On opening, upstream pressure lifts the poppet and clears the passage.
As soon as upstream pressure drops or reverses, the spring returns the poppet to the closed position, with no delay and no dependence on gravity.
Cracking pressure adjusted to the process, typically 0.03 to 0.7 bar (0.5 to 10 psi), with a choice of several spring rates.
Bubble-tight sealing in the closed position, including at low differential pressure.
Body and wetted parts
Low-ferrite 316L stainless steel as standard.
Alternatives available in AL-6XN® (UNS N08367) for chloride-bearing fluids and in Hastelloy® C-22 (UNS N06022) for extremely corrosive media.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Spring in 316 stainless steel or Hastelloy depending on chemical compatibility, isolated from the fluid path by the poppet geometry to limit the risk of retention.
Seats, seals and elastomers
Standard seats and seals in USP Class VI EPDM. Alternatives available in FKM (Viton) and platinum-cured silicone depending on chemical compatibility and temperature.
FDA-compliant materials, free of animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free).
Bidirectional upstream bubble-tight sealing, compliant with the hygienic requirements of ASME BPE standards.
No retention zone behind the poppet in the open position, allowing CIP cleaning without dismantling.
Hygienic design
Continuous fluid path, with no crevices or stagnation zones.
Poppet and guide geometry designed to allow in-line CIP and full drainability in both horizontal and vertical positions.
Surface treatments performed without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free).
Mechanical finishes and electropolishing available according to application requirements.
Surface finish
| Finish | Internal Ra | Target applications |
| Standard mechanical | ≤ 0.76 µm (30 µin) | Sanitary, food processing and cosmetics applications |
| Fine mechanical | ≤ 0.51 µm (20 µin) | Standard pharma, biotech |
| Electropolished | ≤ 0.38 µm (15 µin) | High-purity pharma, WFI, pure steam |
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/2″ to 4″ (DN 15 to DN 100).
Hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp) connections, extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread or flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Significantly shorter axial length than a conventional swing check valve, making integration into skids and compact manifolds easier.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 10 bar (150 psig) as standard, high-pressure versions available up to 40 bar depending on size and material.
Full vacuum rated as standard.
Temperature up to 150 °C with EPDM seals, 200 °C with FKM, 230 °C with platinum-cured silicone depending on the selected formulation.
Compatible with repeated SIP cycles, subject to selecting the right elastomer.
Mounting orientation
Horizontal or vertical installation accepted without modification, thanks to gravity-independent spring return.
Flow direction laser-engraved on the body with an arrow.
On vertical circuits, the reinforced spring version is specified to prevent the poppet’s own weight from holding it open on large diameters.
Traceability and packaging
Each check valve is supplied with a 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 for all wetted parts (CMTR), a USP Class VI declaration of conformity for elastomers and an FDA statement for product-contact materials.
Laser marking on the body: reference, size, material, flow direction, serial number.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.