In industrial systems piping systems, valves are utilised to limit, stop or control fluid flow. More specifically, several industrial valves are used to:
Control the rate of cooling water through the cooling channel to regulate the temperature.
Control the flow of acids or bases travelling through the lines.
Divert the flow from a channel to a different one through a 3-way valve.
Limit the flow to balance the system.
Prevent backflow (check valves).
Automatically stop the flow if a system failure occurs.
When considering valves that are available for industrial systems, evaluation depends on the short and long term performance of a valve and specific to a certain application, one valve may perform better than the others and provide superior service life. For more information on a Valve Manufacturer, visit https://www.orseal.com/
Types of Valves
Each engineer may have his own preferences for valve types, but good engineering practice usually determines which type is used based on valve objectives. Regardless of the final decision, the choice is often based on several factors, including:
Types of services or media (liquid etc.)
Expected operating frequency.
Line size
Cost of ownership
Project Budget
However, the main options for industrial piping systems are:
Ball valves – These are the main valve type used for processes involving fluid flow. It consists of a ball with a round hole with a hole in the middle of the pipe. When in the active position, the hole in the ball is consistent with the line. In the off position, the ball rotates 90 degrees and stops the flow.
Gate valves – Think of gate valves (also known as guillotine valves) like medieval castle gates that move straight up and down using a flat face, vertical discs, or gates. Gate valves are general service valves that are used primarily for on / off, non-retarding service and are most often used where the frequency of use is low.
Check valves – The majority of industrial plants install these valves due to hazard assessment processes, because they allow liquid to flow through it in only one direction. It remains open when the flow continues, but closes if the flow stops or reverses. Moving parts for check valves can be discs, rods, hinge pins, springs, balls, or others.
Butterfly valves – Unique from the rest of the valves, butterfly valves are able to reduce or control flow without being completely limiting. With butterfly valves, the disc rotates clockwise or counterclockwise to allow or limit flow (similar to a ball valve). Whatever the required rate of flow or speed, the disc is able to stop perpendicular, parallel to the fluid flow, or at a point in the middle. Two common variations include wafer valves and lug valves. Generally speaking, butterfly valves are cheaper and have smaller footprints in the system, but make more pressure drops or flow restrictions than the other valves mentioned.
Diaphragm valves – With this valve, the diaphragm lowers and lifts up to limit or allow flow. This is especially good when the transferred liquid contains suspended solids. In addition, this valve is more appropriate for controlling the flow volume than many alternatives but tends to come at a higher price.
Other types of valves can be used for a variety of applications not mentioned above. A lot of materials are compatible with a variety of different valves, and industrials plants use them differently depending on their own experience.