VALVE
A valve is a device or natural object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category. In an open valve, fluid flows in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. The word is derived from the Latin valva, the moving part of a door, in turn from volvere, to turn, roll which is an important factor for industrial valves market.
Moreover, a valve mainly consists of the main body, a stem, and a seat that are generally manufactured using different materials including polymers, rubber, metals, and others to avoid wastage of liquid flowing through the valve. Valves are mainly differentiated by their operating mechanisms. The most widely used valves in industrial valves market are globe valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, gate valves plug valves, pinch valves, diaphragm valves, and check valves
Different types of Industrial Valves include:
Gate valves:
Gate Valve are designed to serve as isolation valves. These valves help to control the flow of liquid through the pipes. To start or stop the water flow or any other kind of liquid, these valves are affixed to the pipelines. Gate valves are used for various purposes and they can be seen commonly in homes and commercial centers. Different materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, alloy steel, forged steel etc. are used to manufacture these valves. Gate valves are used to either halt or start the flow of water. Functioning of gate valves includes the lifting of a circular of the rectangular gate out of the fluid path. When gate valves are open, there will be nothing to obstruct the flow as the pipeline diameter and gate have the same opening. The valve size can be determined with this bore diameter.
Globe valves
Globe Valve are among the most popular type of valves used in various applications. These valves are similar to gate valves and use linear motion to throttle flow. They are used to control the flow in a pipeline and they regulate by the position of a movable disk (or plug) in relation to the stationary ring seat. The major advantage of a globe valve is, it does not leak as much as other valves.
Globe valves are composed of a baffle that splits the inside of the pipe, which is typically parallel to the pipe’s length. They are named for their spherical body shape with the two halves of the body being separated by an internal baffle. It consists of a movable disk-type element and a stationary ring seat in a generally spherical body.
Ball valves
As the name suggests, Ball Valve are valves that use a ball to control the flow of substances from one opening to the next. These valves work by allowing the hole to be open, blocked, or open partially to regulate the flow of gas/liquid. Ball valves are the ideal choice for using with gases as they are able to offer better sealing. They are very versatile as they support pressures up to 700 bars and temperatures up to 200°C and sizes typically range from 0.5 cm to 30 cm. They are easy to operate and repair as they contain a simple structure.
They are designed with special measures that permit only a 90-degree rotation which is required for the opening and closing of ball valves. These valves are a notable industrial choice because of their reliable and air-tight sealing when in the closed position.
Butterfly valves
Butterfly Valves are designed to regulate flow, but with limited control capability. Butterfly valves are easily operated by rotating a handle 90 degrees. It consists of a metal disc in the body of the valve which is positioned perpendicular to the flow in the closed position. Regulation of liquid flow can be allowed through intermediate rotations. Butterfly valves are configured to operate electronically, manually or pneumatically.
They can be used for a broad range of applications within water supply, wastewater treatment, fire protection and gas supply, in the chemical and oil industries, in fuel handling systems, power generation etc. These valves can be operated by handles, gears or actuators according to specific needs.
Check valves
Check Valve are also known as Non Return Valve (NRV). They allow liquid to flow in one direction only and prevents back flow of media in the reverse direction. The purpose of check valves is to prevent process flow from reversing in the system which could damage equipment or upset the process.
They are commonly found protecting pumps in liquid applications or compressors in gas systems where backflow could cause the pump or compressor to shut down. The basic design of a check valve reduces backflow in a line.
As they have a simpler design, they can operate without human interaction and automation. They rely on the flow velocity of the fluid to open and close. The higher the flow rate, the more open the valve will be until it reaches it maximum, full open position.