Special valves & tank safety systems
VARIVENT® Vacuum valve
VARIVENT® vacuum valves are designed to hygienically protect tanks against vacuums. A protection is already ensured when a vacuum surpasses -2.5 mbar. To minimize the cleaning effort and to protect the valve disc against conglutination, the seat ring is non-stick coated. All used elastomer seals are FDA compliant. VARIVENT® vacuum valves only require a fast response time when vacuum conditions occur. Additionally they have a safe sealing at overpressure conditions.
Special Features
- Optimized protection against pollutant particles
- Ideal combination with the VARITOP® Tank Safety System
- Fast response time
- Additional equipment
Function of the Valve
The hydraulic sizing of vacuum valves is always based on free emptying. Vacuum protection while hot or cold cleaning is not considered.
If a vacuum occurs in the tank system, the valve disc gets lifted by the vacuum. The incoming air flows through the valve from bottom to top. This offers an optimized protection against contamination caused by ingress of pollutant particles. The valve is self drained designed.
The function of the VARIVENT® vacuum valve can optionally be extended with a proximity switch feedback, a pneumatic lifting actuator and a heater.
Application Examples
VARIVENT® vacuum valves are mostly used in combination with VARITOP® Tank Safety System. This makes the brewery industry as main application area.
The optional heater ensures full functionality also below the freezing point, which enables a carefree outdoor application. Just a protection against weather is necessary.
Options
Heater
Heating of a vacuum valve is recommended, when temperatures could reach the freezing point. It ensures that the valve disc will not freeze to the valve seat.
Voltage: 24 V AC, Power: 20 W
Pneumatic Lifting Actuator (type A)
The pneumatic lifting actuator lifts the valve disc during the tank CIP to additionally clean the valve seat. So besides the valve housing the seat and gasket surfaces get cleaned as well. The pneumatic lifting actuator can also be installed afterwards.
Feedback (type E)
The proximity switch detects the valve position normally closed. As soon as the valve disk leaves the non-actuated position the switching contact is interrupted.
Two types of proximity switches are available
Proximity switch 24 V DC M18x1 for type E
2-wire connection
3-wire connection
Pneumatic Lifting Actuator and Feedback (type R)
Type R combines the pneumatic lifting actuator type A and the proximity switch type E. Function and application see type A and type E.
Technical Data
Vacuum Valve VARIVENT®, Type VPlease refer to the catalog for more information.| Material in contact with the product | 1.4404 / AISI 304 |
| Material not in contact with the product | 1.4301 / AISI 304 |
| Seal material in contact with the product | EPDM, FKM , HNBR |
| Ambient temperature | 0 to 45°C |
| Air supply pressure | Min. 4 bar (58 psi)
Max. 8 bar (116 psi) |
| Product pressure | Max. 6 bar (87 psi) |
| Surface in contact with the product | DN, OD Ra ≤ 0,8 μm
IPS Ra ≤ 1,2 μm |
| External housing surface | Matte blasted |
| Actuator type | Pneumatic actuator air / spring |
| Connection fittings | Welding end |
| Identification | Adhesive ID tag |
Downloads
GEA Insights
How freeze-dried pet food raises the bar
Pets are family – and owners expect premium, transparent and sustainable nutrition. Freeze-drying, powered by GEA technology, helps pet food makers deliver.
Blueprint for better: How GEA rebuilt itself
Since 2019, GEA has risen from underperformer to DAX member – one of Germany's top 40 listed companies – by fostering entrepreneurship and turning sustainability into a competitive advantage. It reached this milestone in its nearly 145-year history without tailwinds or shortcuts, in a world of compounding crises. This turnaround shows what's possible when purpose and performance align.
Video: GEA's 2025 year in review
This year was a big one for GEA. Can you remember all the milestones and highlights?
