Types of Valves

There is no debate; valves are useful.

For this reason, valves can be found in many types of industries. High-pressure power plants and mechanical engineering sites depend on valves to work properly. They also operate in automotive, chemical, and other industries.

The solution would be to use no valves. But we won’t get into that debate here. Instead, we’ll look deeper into the valve lifecycle. In doing so, we’ll help you wrap your mind around valves.

Gate Valves

Gate valves are one of the most popular types of valves and are widely used in industrial applications for their ease and versatility. These valves are flow control devices used for controlling and regulating the flow of liquids and gases in a closed system.

They control the level of pressure and the direction of flow in a piping system. The wedge-shaped gate valves are the most commonly used type due to the wedge-shaped valve closure system that provides the better sealing capability and control. Double disc gate valves are used in applications where precise control is required.

Globe Valves

They have a number of advantages over other types of valves, including their ability to control the flow of liquids and gases without relying on outside pressure.

Globe valves are typically made from stainless steel, brass, or other metals and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are used to control the flow of fluids, gas, and other materials. They are a type of valve that uses a ball to control the fluid flow. This type of valve is exceedingly reliable and is often used in commercial and residential applications.

Ball valves generally come in plastic, metal, or graphite and come in various sizes and configurations. The most common standard threaded end connection is the NPT (National Pipe Thread) type. Ball valves are durable, capable of enduring violent shocks, and provide a tight seal.

Check Valves

Check valves are a type of valve that is used to restrict the flow of fluids, such as water, air, and steam. The primary purpose of a check valve is to allow the fluid to travel in one direction and not the other, making it an ideal solution for preventing backflow.

The most common type of check valve is the swing check, also known as a clack valve. A key feature of this type of valve is its hinged disc, which is designed to act like a door, allowing the fluid to move in one direction while blocking it from moving in the other.

Control Valves

Control valves are a type of valve used to control the flow of a fluid, like water, steam, oil, air, and more. They are operated through electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic control systems, and are used to control the direction, pressure, and temperature of the fluid.

These control valves for sale here can be manual, semi-automatic, or automatic, with manual valves operating using a handwheel or lever, semi-automatic valves using a computer or mechanical device, and automatic valves using a sensor and a computer/controller to react to changes in the flow.

Explore the Different Types of Valves

Valves are essential components for many industrial and commercial applications. There are different types of valves to suit various requirements and needs.

Understanding the basics of valves will help you get the most out of your investment. Contact an engineer today to get started on your next valve project.

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