Vacuum Valve Market

Vacuum Valve Market Size, Growth, Forecast (2022-2027)

The Global Vacuum Valve Market size was valued at US$ 1.2 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach the valuation of US$ 2.1 billion by 2027 and is predicted to register a CAGR of 8.1% during 2022-2027.

Vacuum Valve Market Scenario:

Vacuum valves are used to maintain vacuum in the closed system. Vacuum valves are used for diverse applications such as isolation, ventilation, conduction, and gas flow in chambers. A series of pressure switches are also set up in most lines with vacuum valves (other than manual valves) to control the flow and convert the internal furnace pressure as demanded through the method being run.

The increasing demand for consumer devices such as smartphones, TVs, tablets, and laptops coupled with the adoption of AI and deployment of 5G cellular networks is expected to drive the growth of the vacuum valve market during the forecast period. For instance, according to secondary sources, by 2025, the number of 5G subscriptions across the globe is expected to reach 3Bn. These developments require advanced semiconductor components and devices. Thus, processes in the semiconductors manufacturing industry must be upgraded to meet the needs for higher memory output and better performance, thus producing IC chips of the highest quality. The IC chips require higher vacuum purity and accordingly, need to be manufactured under vacuum. The demand for vacuum valves in the semiconductor industry is specifically driven by the reduction in semiconductor node sizes to get greater processing power into a smaller space. As node sizes shrink and chip architectures change, the need for purer vacuums and the wide variety of process steps under vacuum also increases, therefore producing demand for vacuum valves.

Recent Developments in the Vacuum Valve Industry:

• Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (USA) and GNB KL Group will collaborate in March 2021. (USA) Safety isolation valves were created by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (USA) and GNB KL Group (USA) in March 2021, and are designed to isolate parts of Hyperloop system tubes for emergency or maintenance pressurisation. The valves are the world's largest and most powerful, capable of withstanding stresses of up to 288,000 pounds.
• Atlas Copco (Sweden) purchased HHV Pumps Pvt Ltd (India) in November 2021. The company designs and manufactures vacuum pumps and systems for a variety of industries. This acquisition will boost the company's market position and provide local manufacturing capabilities.

REPORT COVERAGE:

Vacuum Valve Market Drivers:

The semiconductor industry is one of the significantly growing industries globally. Semiconductors, such as memory chips and transistors, are an integral part of existing and emerging technologies. Some of the key factors fueling the long-term demand for the chip industry include the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communications, automotive electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, machine learning, consumer electronics, and data storage. The increasing demand for consumer electronics, such as smartphones, TVs, tablets, and laptops, coupled with the adoption of AI and deployment of 5G cellular networks, would require advanced semiconductor components and devices. Thus, processes in the semiconductors manufacturing industry must be upgraded to meet the needs for higher memory output and better performance, thus producing IC chips of the highest quality.

Semiconductor chips are used to power technologies that enable electronics products to work effectively and help run businesses with high productivity. These chips require higher vacuum purity and thus, need to be manufactured under vacuum. The demand for vacuum valves in the semiconductor industry is mainly driven by the reduction in semiconductor node sizes to get more processing power into a smaller space. As node sizes shrink and chip architectures change, the need for purer vacuums and the number of process steps under vacuum also increase, thus generating demand for vacuum valves.

With the increasing competition, businesses are making significant investments in R&D to boost their business growth by developing new products and services. R&D activities involve product R&D to create new products and improve the existing ones.

The leading companies in the vacuum valve market, such as VAT Group, Pfeiffer Vacuum, Agilent Technologies, and MKS Instruments, are focusing considerably on R&D activities and can be seen increasing their R&D investments year-on-year to gain or maintain their leading position. These investments are expected to help manufacturers with innovations in vacuum valves, thus enabling them to enhance business with existing customers and expand in adjacent markets. Such research initiatives and the development of new enhanced products and technologies by the industrial players are expected to boost the vacuum valve market growth during the forecast period.

Vacuum Valve Market Restraints:

The manufacturers of vacuum valves need to adhere to certain norms and regulations which may hinder the global valve market share during the forecast period. Different regions have different certifications and policies with respect to valves. This factor creates diversity in demand due to the wide applicability of valves in various industries, such as semiconductors, analytical instruments, chemicals, flat-panel display manufacturing, food & beverages, paper & pulp, and pharmaceuticals. However, this diversity is hindering the growth of the valves market, as industry players have to amend the same product according to the regional policies, which makes it difficult for them to achieve an ideal cost of installation. To resolve this issue, they have to invest their resources in setting up manufacturing facilities worldwide, which requires additional capital.

Efficient working of vacuum systems depend on suction load, temperature, leakage rate, and other process parameters such as the composition of suction gas. Malfunction of valves or failure of vacuum systems can result in extended downtime or shutdown of processes, resulting in high costs for emergency repair, wastage of materials, and disrupted production. Vacuum system failure can occur due to a number of factors such as leakage, vacuum surges, vacuum hose failure, variation in seal water temperature, and vibration-related issues, among others. Requirement of large space for assembly, starting, and maintenance of valves, and increasing susceptibility to leakage when operated at higher temperatures due to periodical fluctuations are some other disadvantages associated with vacuum valves, which can limit their adoption, and in turn, hamper market revenue growth to a certain extent over the forecast period. 

Vacuum Valve Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Valve Type:

• Pressure Control Valves
• Isolation Valves
• Transfer Valves
• Air Admittance Valves
• Check Valves

Over the forecast period, the isolation valves segment is expected to account for the largest global vacuum valve market size, owing to rising adoption of isolation valves in fluid handling systems such as chemical plants, oil production plants, pipeline safety systems, and firewater control, among others. They are also used to direct water for testing flow performance, for diverting process media, facilitating maintenance, and removal of equipment. Isolation valves control flow without contaminating media such as blood, reagents, or medications in a variety of medical devices and analytical equipment. Isolation valves are perfectly suited for various medical applications like those that necessitate precise and repeated dispensing of media in diagnostic, analytical, and therapeutic equipment.

By Pressure Range:

• Low-to-Medium Vacuum (>10-3 torr)
• High Vacuum (<10-3->10-8 torr)
• Very High Vacuum (<10-8 torr)

High vacuum segment is expected to register robust revenue CAGR over the forecast period in the vacuum value industry owing to increasing demand for valves of high vacuum pressure range from various end-use industries such as semiconductors, lighting, and for flat-panel display manufacturing, among others. High vacuum valves provide isolation for high vacuum pumps such as ion pumps or turbo pumps, and are used in systems where high vacuum pressure needs to be maintained in a closed vacuum processing system and in extreme pressure systems to control fluid flow dynamics. High pressure range valves are designed to function under extreme pressure and temperatures, and are widely used in oil and natural gas upstream and downstream applications.

By Industry:

• Analytical Instruments
• Chemicals
• Flat-panel Display Manufacturing
• Food & Beverages
• Paper & Pulp
• Pharmaceuticals
• Semiconductor
• Thin-film Coating
• Others

Semiconductors segment is expected to dominate other end-use segments in terms of revenue share, which is attributable to rising demand for vacuum valves for semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication processes. Semiconductor manufacturing requires high-precision and controlled conditions to prevent damage to wafers and chips, and this has boosted demand for advanced vacuum valves.

By Operation:

• Manual
• Actuated
• Others

Manual operation segment is expected to register considerably rapid revenue growth rate over the forecast period, attributable to increasing use of manually operated valves across various industrial sectors for a wide range of applications such as clamping or closing safety doors and others. Manually operated valves are durable, reliable, and lightweight, and small and compact in size, thereby making these highly suitable for various pneumatic applications. The valves can be easily installed and have a plastic or metal housing that makes them sturdy. 

By Material:

• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum
• Glass
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Others

Stainless steel segment is expected to register a significantly faster revenue growth rate over the forecast period, attributable to increasing durability and reliability of stainless steel vacuum valves, high pressure resistance, and decreased risk of corrosion. In addition, stainless steel valves do not leak under extreme temperature or pressure conditions, and ensure good joint integrity.

Geographical Segmentation Analysis:

• North America - the United States and Canada
• Europe - United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France
• The Asia Pacific - India, Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia
• Latin America  - Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of LATAM
• The Middle East and Africa - Africa and Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus)

Vacuum Valve Market Regional Analysis:

Based on regional analysis, North America is expected to register significantly larger revenue share over the forecast period, which is attributable to increasing demand for semiconductors due to rising need for more advanced consumer electronics, technological advancements in manufacturing processes, availability of advanced medical equipment that require medical isolation valves, and presence of major players in countries in the region.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growing demand for vacuum systems for the production of semiconductors and flat-panel displays, the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry in China and India due to growing demand for consumer electronics.

Key Players in the Market:

Major Key Players in the Global Vacuum Valve Market are

• MKS Instruments
• VAT Group AG
• V-TEX Corporation
• CKD Corporation
• SMC Corporation
• ULVAC
• KITZ SCT Corporation
• HVA LLC
• Agilent Technologies, Inc
• Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH