October 17, 2023

Industrial valves are devices used to control the flow of fluids (liquids, gases, or slurries) within a system or process. There are various types of industrial valves designed for specific applications and operating conditions.The choice of valve depends on the specific application requirements, such as fluid type, pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Some of the most common ones include ball valves, gate valves, check valves and butterfly valves.

Types of Valves Commonly Used For Industrial Application

We will explore a components, advantages, disadvantages and applications of different types of industry valves

Ball Valves

Ball valves are commonly used in industrial applications due to their excellent sealing properties, versatility, and ease of operation. Here’s a more detailed overview of ball valves:

Components of a Ball Valve

Body: The body is the outer shell of the valve, providing structural support and housing the internal components.
Ball: The ball is a spherical-shaped closure element that rotates within the valve body. It has a hole (bore) through its center, allowing or blocking the flow of fluid.
Stem: The stem is connected to the ball and is responsible for rotating the ball to open or close the valve. It is often connected to the actuator, such as a lever, gear, or motor.
Seats: Ball valves have two seats, one on each side of the ball, which create a tight seal when the valve is closed. The seats are usually made of materials like PTFE (Teflon) for excellent sealing properties.
End Connections: Ball valves come with various end connections, including threaded, flanged, and welded, allowing them to be easily integrated into different piping systems.

Types of Ball Valves

Floating Ball Valve: In a floating ball valve, the ball is not fixed to the stem. Instead, the ball floats slightly downstream and is pressed against the seat by the fluid pressure, ensuring a tight seal.
Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve: In trunnion mounted ball valves, the ball is supported by trunnions (small shafts) at the top and bottom. This design is suitable for larger-sized valves and high-pressure applications, providing greater stability and sealing.

The Advantages of Ball Valves

Quick Operation: Ball valves offer quick quarter-turn operation (90 degrees) for opening or closing the valve, making them ideal for applications that require rapid response.
Excellent Sealing: Ball valves provide tight shut-off, minimising the risk of leakage when closed. The design with seats made of materials like PTFE ensures reliable sealing.
Versatility: Ball valves are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including corrosive and high-temperature environments.
Low Maintenance: Due to their simple design and fewer moving parts, ball valves require minimal maintenance.
Bi-Directional Flow: Ball valves can be installed in both directions, allowing flow in either direction.

Disadvantages of Ball Valves

Limited Control: Ball valves are primarily used for on/off applications and are not ideal for precise flow control or throttling.
Pressure Drop: Ball valves can cause a moderate pressure drop due to the flow path, especially in partially open positions.

Application of Ball Valves

Water and Wastewater Systems: Ball valves are commonly used in water treatment plants and distribution systems due to their quick operation and excellent sealing.
Oil and Gas Industry: They are used in various processes within the oil and gas sector, including pipelines and refineries, due to their durability and ability to handle harsh environments.
Chemical Industry: Ball valves are used for handling corrosive chemicals, acids, and other fluids in chemical processing plants.
HVAC Systems: Ball valves regulate the flow of water and other fluids in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Gate Valves

Gate valves are widely used in industrial applications for on/off control of flow. They are characterized by a gate-like disk that moves perpendicular to the direction of flow within the pipe. When the valve is open, the gate is fully lifted, allowing unrestricted flow of the fluid. When closed, the gate is lowered, blocking the flow completely. Here are some key aspects to understand about gate valves:

Components of a Gate Valves

Body: The main outer shell of the valve, which houses the internal components.
Bonnet: The bonnet covers and protects the valve internals. It is typically bolted to the body.
Gate: The gate is a flat or wedge-shaped disk that moves up and down to control the flow. It is attached to a stem and is guided by guides within the valve.
Stem: The stem is connected to the gate and is used to raise and lower the gate to open and close the valve.
Seats: Gate valves have two seats – one on the upstream side and one on the downstream side. When the valve is closed, the gate presses against these seats, providing a tight seal and preventing leakage.

Types of Gate Valves

Wedge Gate Valves: These valves have a wedge-shaped gate, which can be one-piece or split into two halves. The wedge design provides a better sealing surface, making them suitable for handling various fluids, including slurries.
Parallel Gate Valves: Parallel gate valves have a flat gate that moves parallel to the flow. They are often used in low-pressure and low-temperature applications.

The Advantages of Gate Valves

Full Flow: When fully open, gate valves offer minimal obstruction to the flow, providing a full bore and minimal pressure drop.
Tight Sealing: Gate valves provide a tight seal when closed, preventing leakage and ensuring complete shut-off of the flow.
Durability: Gate valves are robust and can withstand high temperatures and pressures. They are commonly used in demanding industrial environments.
Bi-Directional: Gate valves can be installed in both directions, allowing flexibility in the orientation of the pipeline.

Disadvantages of Gate Valves

low Operation: Gate valves are slower to open or close compared to other types of valves due to the movement of the gate.
Not Ideal for Throttling: They are primarily designed for on/off applications and are not suitable for precise flow regulation or throttling.

Application of Gate Valves

Some of the common applications of gate valves include

Water Supply Systems: Gate valves are commonly used in water pipelines for their ability to provide full flow when open and a tight seal when closed.
Oil and Gas Industry: They are used in various applications within the oil and gas industry, including refining and pipeline systems.
Wastewater Treatment: Gate valves are employed in wastewater treatment plants for controlling the flow of sewage and other fluids.
Power Plants: Gate valves are used in power generation plants for controlling the flow of steam, water, and other fluids in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Globe Valves

Globe valves are essential components in various industrial applications, providing precise control of fluid flow. They are named after their spherical body shape and are widely used for both on/off and throttling services. Here’s a detailed overview of globe valves
Certainly! Globe valves are essential components in various industrial applications, providing precise control of fluid flow. They are named after their spherical body shape and are widely used for both on/off and throttling services. Here’s a detailed overview of globe valves

Components of a Globe Valve

Body: The body is the main outer casing of the valve, providing structural support and containing internal components.
Bonnet: The bonnet covers and protects the internal parts of the valve, including the stem and the valve seat. It is usually connected to the body through bolts.
Valve Seat: The valve seat is a stationary ring that forms a seal with the movable disk or plug. It ensures a tight shut-off when the valve is closed.
Disk or Plug: The disk (for linear motion) or plug (for rotary motion) is attached to the stem and moves up and down (or rotates) within the valve body. It controls the flow by either obstructing or allowing passage through the valve seat.
Stem: The stem connects the actuator (such as a handwheel or an electric actuator) to the disk or plug. When the actuator is turned, the stem moves the disk or plug, regulating the flow.
Stem Nut: The stem nut engages with the stem’s threads and translates the rotational motion of the handwheel or actuator into linear motion of the stem.
Packing Gland: The packing gland surrounds the stem and prevents leakage around the stem. It contains packing material (such as graphite or PTFE) that forms a seal with the stem.
Handwheel or Actuator: The handwheel (for manual operation) or actuator (for automatic operation) is used to turn the stem, moving the disk or plug to open or close the valve.

Types of Globe Valves

Tee Pattern Globe Valves: In this type, the body and bonnet are at a right angle to each other, forming a T-shape. Tee pattern globe valves are commonly used in applications where space is limited.
Angle Pattern Globe Valves: In angle pattern globe valves, the body and bonnet are angled, allowing the fluid to flow in a specific direction. They are suitable for applications requiring a change in flow direction.

The Advantages of Globe Valves

Advantages of globe valves include:

Precise Flow Control: Globe valves offer precise control over flow rates, making them ideal for applications that require accurate regulation of fluid flow.
Versatility: They can be used for both on/off and throttling services, providing flexibility in various industrial applications.
Good Shut-off Capability: Globe valves provide a tight seal when closed, minimizing the risk of leakage.
Durability: They are robust and can handle high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

Disadvantages of Globe Valves

Pressure Drop: Globe valves can cause a significant pressure drop due to the flow path, especially in partially open positions, leading to energy loss.
Complex Design: The internal design of globe valves can be complex, requiring careful maintenance and periodic inspection.

Application of Globe Valves

Common applications of globe valves:

Steam Systems: Globe valves are commonly used in steam applications where precise control of steam flow is necessary.
Cooling Water Systems: They are used in cooling water circuits in industrial processes.
Boiler Feedwater Systems: Globe valves regulate the flow of water into boilers in power plants and industrial facilities.
Process Control: Globe valves are employed in various chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical processes where accurate flow control is essential.

Check Valves

Check valves, also known as non-return valves or one-way valves, are essential components in pipelines and systems. They allow fluid or gas to flow in one direction only and prevent backflow. Here’s a detailed overview of check valves

Components of a Check Valve

Body: The body of a check valve is typically cylindrical or conical in shape and houses the internal components. It is designed with inlet and outlet ports for the flow of fluid.
Disc or Flap: The disc, often hinged within the valve, is the movable component that opens or closes the valve based on the direction of flow. In some designs, a flap replaces the disc and operates similarly.
Spring: In certain check valve designs, a spring is used to assist in closing the valve promptly after the flow decreases. The spring ensures that the valve closes immediately once the pressure on the inlet side decreases.
Seat: The seat forms a sealing surface against which the disc or flap rests when the valve is closed, preventing backflow.

Types of Check Valves

Swing Check Valve: Swing check valves have a hinged disc that swings freely in response to fluid flow. When the flow stops or reverses, the disc swings back to its closed position, preventing backflow.
Lift Check Valve: Lift check valves have a disc that moves vertically along the valve body. When there is forward flow, the disc is lifted, allowing the fluid to pass. When the flow stops or reverses, the disc falls back into place, closing the valve.
Ball Check Valve: Ball check valves use a ball-shaped disc that moves in response to fluid flow. When there is forward flow, the ball is pushed away, allowing the fluid to pass. When the flow stops or reverses, the ball returns to its seat, preventing backflow.
Diaphragm Check Valve: Diaphragm check valves use a flexible diaphragm as the movable component. When there is forward flow, the diaphragm flexes to allow passage. When the flow stops or reverses, the diaphragm returns to its original position, closing the valve.

The Advantages of Check Valves

Prevent Backflow: The primary function of check valves is to prevent the reverse flow of fluids, ensuring that the system operates in one direction only.
Maintenance-Free: Check valves are relatively simple in design, leading to minimal maintenance requirements.
Various Applications: They are used in a wide range of applications, including water and wastewater systems, heating and cooling systems, pumps, compressors, and many industrial processes.
Quick Response: Check valves respond quickly to changes in flow direction, making them efficient in preventing backflow.

Disadvantages of check valves

Pressure Drop: Check valves can cause a slight pressure drop due to the obstruction in the flow path, especially in fully open position.
Water Hammer: Improperly sized or installed check valves can lead to water hammer, a sudden pressure surge that can damage pipes and valves.

Application of check valves

Water and Wastewater Systems: Check valves are used in water supply and sewage systems to prevent backflow and maintain system efficiency.
Oil and Gas Industry: They are used in pipelines and refineries to prevent the reversal of fluid flow.
HVAC Systems: Check valves are employed in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure the flow of refrigerants or coolant in one direction.
Pumps and Compressors: Check valves are crucial components in pumps and compressors, preventing reverse flow when the pump or compressor is not in operation.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are quarter-turn rotational motion valves that are used to regulate the flow of fluids in pipelines. They are called “butterfly” valves because the disk inside the valve, which controls the flow, is shaped like a butterfly. Here’s a detailed overview of butterfly valves:

Components of a Butterfly Valve

Body: The body of a butterfly valve is a cylindrical pipe-like structure that houses the internal components. It comes in various materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, and PVC.
Disk: The disk, often called the butterfly, is a flat or curved plate that is mounted on a spindle in the center of the valve. When the valve is opened, the disk rotates to allow fluid to flow through. When closed, the disk turns perpendicular to the flow, blocking it.
Stem: The stem is connected to the disk and is turned by the operator (either manually using a handle or automatically using an actuator). It controls the position of the disk, opening or closing the valve.
Seat: The seat forms a seal around the edge of the disk, preventing leakage when the valve is closed.
Actuator: For automated systems, an actuator, either electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, is attached to the valve to remotely control the opening and closing of the valve.

Types of Butterfly Valves

Wafer Type Butterfly Valves: These valves are lightweight and have a wafer-like body. They fit between two flanges and are held in place with bolts. They are easier to install and are commonly used in applications where space is limited.
Lug Type Butterfly Valves: Lug type butterfly valves have threaded inserts around the valve’s flange bolt holes. They can be installed without using a full set of bolts, making them suitable for applications where the valve needs to be removed without disturbing the adjacent pipeline.
Double Offset Butterfly Valves: These valves have an offset stem and an offset disk. The offset design reduces wear on the seat and extends the valve’s lifespan. They are used in applications where tight shut-off is required.
Triple Offset Butterfly Valves: Triple offset valves have an additional offset in the seat design, allowing for a metal-to-metal sealing. They are used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications where a bubble-tight shut-off is critical.

The Advantages of Butterfly Valves

Quick Operation: Butterfly valves can be opened or closed quickly with a 90-degree turn of the handle or actuator.
Compact Design: They are more compact and lighter than many other valve types, making them easier to handle and install.
Cost-Effective: Butterfly valves are often more affordable than other types of valves, making them a cost-effective choice for many applications.
Low Maintenance: They have fewer parts compared to other valves, reducing maintenance requirements.
Good Flow Control: Butterfly valves offer good flow control capabilities and are suitable for large-diameter pipelines.

Disadvantages of butterfly Valves

Limited Control in Throttling: Butterfly valves are primarily designed for on/off applications and are not ideal for precise flow control or throttling.
Not Suitable for High Temperatures: While some high-temperature designs are available, extreme temperatures can affect the valve’s performance.

Common Application of butterfly valves

Water and Wastewater Systems: Butterfly valves are widely used in water treatment plants and distribution systems.
HVAC Systems: They are used to control the flow of air and water in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry: Butterfly valves are used in chemical processing plants for handling various chemicals and corrosive substances.
Marine and Shipbuilding: They are used in marine applications due to their compact size and ease of operation.

Here are some common types of industrial valves:

Other Options For Industrial Valves

Plug Valves

Plug valves use a cylindrical or tapered plug with a hole to control the flow. They provide excellent shut-off capabilities and are suitable for on/off applications. Plug valves are commonly used in corrosive or abrasive media.

Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valves use a flexible diaphragm to regulate the flow. The diaphragm is pushed against the valve seat to close the valve and pulled away to open it. Diaphragm valves are suitable for handling corrosive, abrasive, and viscous fluids.

Pinch Valves

Pinch valves use a flexible, pinched tube (or sleeve) to control the flow. The tube is pinched to shut off the flow and released to open it. Pinch valves are ideal for applications involving slurries or fluids with solids content.

Pressure Relief Valves

Pressure relief valves automatically release excess pressure from a system to prevent overpressure and potential damage. They are essential for maintaining the safety of pressurized systems.

These are some of the basic types of industrial valves, each designed for specific applications and functions within industrial processes. The choice of valve depends on factors such as the type of fluid, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and the specific requirements of the application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, industrial valves are the lifelines of various industrial processes. Their ability to control, regulate, and safeguard the flow of fluids and gases is instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of industries, enhancing safety, and promoting environmental sustainability. As technology advances, the design and functionality of valves continue to evolve, playing a pivotal role in the continuous progress of industrial sectors worldwide

If you have any questions related to industrial valves, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you.