Valve module for use with clamping table for flexible materials has valve for model-based determination of fluid pressure and method for operating the valve module

A method for operating a valve module, the valve module comprising a valve controller, at least one valve and at least one fluid channel, wherein a first end region of the fluid channel is equipped with a fluid coupling and wherein a second end region of the fluid channel is connected to the valve, wherein the valve influences a fluid flow in the fluid channel, wherein a sensor is assigned to the fluid channel, which sensor determines a flow rate value in the fluid channel and which sensor is electrically connected to the valve controller, wherein the valve controller performs a model-based determination of a fluid pressure using the flow rate value for a measuring point located outside the valve module, the method comprising the steps of:

• connecting the at least one fluid coupling of the valve module to an intake duct of a clamping table, which intake duct has intake openings being arranged in a mutually delimited surface region of the clamping table, wherein the measuring point is located at one of the intake-openings, carrying out an application of negative pressure or positive pressure to the intake openings, wherein the model-based fluid pressure is used for the pressure-controlled application of the negative pressure or the positive pressure at the intake openings.