What is the VARIVENT® Overflow Valve Type Q?
The VARIVENT® Type Q valve is a hygienic valve designed to safely reduce pressure peaks in piping systems. It reliably protects plants, products, and components against excessive pressure, particularly downstream of positive displacement pumps.
Reliable reduction of pressure peaks in hygienic processes
VARIVENT® Overflow valves type Q are used to reduce pressure peaks within piping systems. They are mainly applied for overpressure protection downstream of positive displacement pumps, ensuring reliable protection of plant components and products.
Flexible pressure control for different process requirements
The VARIVENT® Overflow valves type Q is equipped with a manually adjustable actuator that allows precise regulation of the valve opening pressure. This makes the valve suitable for a wide range of hygienic applications in the food, beverage and process industries.
Actuator variants at a glance
GEA offers three spring-closing actuator variants to optimally meet different operating and cleaning requirements:
-
Type F – Mechanical adjustment
The Type F actuator allows the response pressure to be set via an adjustment screw. Ideal for: applications with stable and constant process conditions. -
Type M – Support during pipe cleaning (CIP)
The Type M actuator includes an additional integrated pneumatic function. This allows targeted lifting of the valve disc during CIP cleaning, supporting reliable and hygienic cleaning processes. -
D-Force actuator – For demanding pressure conditions
The D-Force actuator combines the mechanical Type F actuator with an additional air/air actuator. This enables the valve to be kept closed against pressures higher than the mechanically set opening pressure. Typical application: carbonated beverages, where pressure increases can lead to degassing and foaming inside the pipeline.
Typical applications
VARIVENT® Overflow valves type Q are used in a wide range of hygienic process applications, including:
- Overpressure protection for positive displacement pumps
- Bypass valve in case of pressure peaks
- Vent valve in piping systems
Materials & seals
For hygienic applications, static seals are available in the following materials:
- EPDM
- FKM
- HNBR
This allows optimal adaptation to different media and process conditions.
Benefits of VARIVENT® Overflow valves type Q
- Response pressures up to 20 bar
- Three actuator types for different applications
- Low investment and maintenance costs
- Proven VARIVENT® sealing geometry
- Reliable protection for plant and product
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the VARIVENT® Type Q Relief Valve
An overflow valve is used to safely reduce pressure peaks in piping systems and to protect plants, components, and products from excessive pressure.
The valve is most commonly installed downstream of positive displacement pumps, where sudden pressure increases may occur.
The opening pressure is manually adjusted via the selected actuator, for example by using an adjustment screw on the Type F actuator.
Yes. When equipped with the Type M actuator, the valve disc can be pneumatically lifted during CIP cleaning to support effective hygienic cleaning.
The VARIVENT® Overflow valve type Q is designed for hygienic media in the food, beverage, and process industries, including carbonated products.
The D-Force actuator allows the valve to remain closed at higher operating pressures. This is particularly important for carbonated beverages to prevent degassing and foaming in the pipeline.
Downloads
Related Products
GEA Hilge NOVATWIN & GEA Hilge NOVATWIN+
Pump & clean with one pump only - The GEA Hilge NOVATWIN in the GEA Varipump line is a flexible twin screw pump that fulfills the highest hygienic standards for gentle product handling as well as CIP.
GEA Hilge NOVALOBE
Revolutionary Design for Viscous Media - The GEA Hilge NOVALOBE range is specifically designed for viscous media – and for applications where gentle pumping or dosing is required.
VARIVENT® Safety valves
VARIVENT® Safety valves were specially developed for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries and meet all the relevant standards and regulations such as DIN 11866 or ASME BPE.
Control top T.VIS® Q-15
The T.VIS® Q-15 used to control and monitor overflow valves of the VARIVENT Q series can optionally be equipped with solenoid valves. The proximity switch is mounted in the valve lantern as standard.
GEA Insights
The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.
Beyond the machine: unlocking better plant performance
An efficient machine does not automatically make an efficient factory. Real improvement often starts by looking beyond individual equipment and understanding how processes, energy systems and operating decisions affect one another. It’s a holistic approach designed to uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
How a valve reshapes the way food and drinks are made
In food and beverage plants, valves are commonly operated using compressed air. GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology moves valves with water instead, in a closed, digitally controlled circuit. The result is a valve that can be held exactly in place and steered in fine-tuned steps. This results in lower energy use and greater control.
