14 Different Types of Valves: a Complete Guide

 

  

1. What is a Valve and its applications?

A valve is a mechanical device utilized in fluid systems to manage, guide, separate, blend, or adjust a fluid's flow or pressure by altering the pathway within the pipe. In the open position, the path is clear, enabling fluid to move from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure. Flow can be minimized or halted altogether by partly or entirely blocking the pathway through the valve.

 

Valves are essential for enhancing efficiency, ensuring quality control, and maintaining process safety and reliability. When selecting valves, the primary concern is determining their intended function. Valves are integrated into piping systems for various purposes. 

 

• Initiating or ceasing fluid flow
• Adjusting flow rates to throttle within the system
• Regulating pressure levels
• Redirecting flow from one pathway to another
• Restricting flow to balance the system or prevent over-pressurization
• Preventing the reverse flow of fluid
• Halting flow in the event of system failure
• Enhancing safety by relieving pressure or vacuum within the piping system.

 

2. 14 Different Types of Valves

It is difficult to know how many types of valves there are. So, we introduce the 10 most common types of valves used and several novel designs in industrial and commercial settings, including their applications (uses), mechanisms, and limitations.

 

  

 

Ball Valve

 

A ball valve utilizes a hollow ball that rotates within the valve body to control flow. A simple quarter-turn of the handle aligns the ball's internal passageway/bore with the flow path for open operation or positions it vertically to create a tight seal when closed. Ball valves are known for their quick operation, excellent shutoff capabilities, and versatility across various industries and applications. Conversely, ball valves are hard to clean, increasing the risk of contamination. Moreover, they are not ideal for applications requiring continuous throttling.

 

 

 

 

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Butterfly Valve

 

A butterfly valve uses a circular disc that rotates within its body to regulate flow. The disc sits vertical to the flow path when closed, creating a seal, and rotates parallel to it when open, allowing flow with minimal obstruction. Butterfly valves are recognized for their space-saving, lightweight design and suitability for handling large flows. However, butterfly valves might be tough to clean, and their throttling ability is limited to low-pressure differences.

 

 

 

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Globe Valve

 

A globe valve features a spherical body with a movable plug and stationary seat, allowing for start/stop functions and flow regulation. Commonly used in systems requiring precise flow control and leak prevention, such as cooling water and chemical feed systems. Compared to gate valves, globe valves offer superior shut off and throttling control. However, they incur higher costs and induce pressure loss and turbulence due to fluid direction changes. Their weightiness and unsuitability for fluids with particles or high viscosity limit their application. They are preferred in systems prioritizing flow control and leak prevention, where pressure drop is not a major concern, such as steam systems and chemical processes.

 

 

 

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Gate Valve

 

Gate valves are prevalent in process plants, characterized by a closing gate moving linearly to regulate fluid flow. Offering reliable shutoff, they are versatile, and suitable for various fluid services, including air, fuel gas, feedwater, steam, slurries, and viscous liquids. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, gate valves provide low fluid resistance with a straight path facilitating uninterrupted flow. However, their design limits them to fully open or fully closed positions, rendering them unsuitable for throttling applications. Additionally, the fluid's impact on a partially open gate can damage the valve, and their multi-turn operation makes them unsuitable for rapid operations.

 

 

 

 

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Check Valve

A check valve aims to prevent backflow in piping systems, operating based on fluid pressure. It opens when fluid flows through the pipeline, while reverse flow prompts closure to block fluid movement in the opposite direction. Check valves function automatically without the need for external control, lacking operating handles or stems. They commonly feature a one-way flap mechanism and are characterized by their small size, simplicity, and affordability. Check valves are used in feed water control, gas mixing, and fuel and oxidizer mixing systems.

 

 

 

 

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Pressure Reducing Valve

A pressure-educing valve operates autonomously to regulate downstream or upstream pressure, primarily converting higher pressure to a lower one. Widely utilized across the water, steam, and oil and gas industries, these control valves balance steam pressure using a spring mechanism in steam systems. They come in two main types: pilot-operated pressure-reducing control valves and direct-acting pressure-reducing valves. 

 

 

 

 

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Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure Relief Valve is a crucial safety measure, safeguarding pressurized vessels or systems from potential overpressure events that could compromise safety and property. Such events occur when pressure exceeds the specified design or maximum allowable working pressure. The primary function of a pressure Relief Valve is to release fluid from the overpressurized vessel, mitigating the risk of catastrophic failure and ensuring the protection of life and assets.

 

 

 

Plug Valve

Plug valves utilize a cylindrical or conically tapered plug to regulate fluid flow by aligning or obstructing fluid passages within the valve. A quarter-turn rotary motion is employed to block fluid flow, with the plug's design effectively preventing the accumulation of suspended particles in slurry applications. Commonly used in gaseous, vapor, natural gas, oil, coal, mineral, sewage, vacuum, and high-pressure systems, plug valves demonstrate durability and reliability, particularly in handling corrosive, abrasive, and toxic materials. However, plug valves are unsuitable for throttling applications and high-frequency switching, requiring greater actuation force and incurring higher costs compared to ball valves due to increased friction.

 

  

Needle Valve

Needle valves are similar to globe valves. It features a long, tapered plunger resembling a needle, which fits into a matching seat to control flow. These valves precisely regulate flow rates by turning a stem to insert or retract the plunger. Their finely threaded stem requires multiple turns for full retraction. They are primarily utilized in small-diameter piping systems requiring meticulous flow control. However, their suitability is limited to low flow rates and clean fluids, as excessive force during shut-off can damage the valve seat.

 

 

 

Pinch Valve

Pinch valves function by using an elastic tubing and a pinching device to directly control flow through the tubing, with the pinching mechanism flattening the tubing to create a seal. These valves start, stop, and regulate fluid flow, offering simplicity, affordability, and enhanced leak-proofing due to their fewer components. However, pinch valves are unsuitable for gases or high-temperature or high-pressure environments, as the tubing may collapse or deform under high-pressure differentials or vacuum conditions, leading to incomplete valve opening.

 

 

Image by S Bharadwaj Reddy from instrumentationtools.com

 

Diaphragm Valve

A diaphragm valve, also known as a membrane valve, features an elastomeric diaphragm sealing against a saddle/seat. It's operated by a linear compressor to close, allowing for partial closure for throttling. Diaphragm valves are leak-proof and easy to maintain. They are commonly used in water treatment facilities, pharmaceuticals, food, and chemical plants, as well as in vacuum services and corrosive environments. However, continuous throttling can lead to diaphragm wear over time, and the saddle design may hinder complete pipe drainage.

 

 

 

Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve, an electrically operated valve, regulates the flow of media through it. It functions on the principle of a plunger moved by the magnetic field created by the electrical solenoid, opening or closing an orifice for media flow. With various circuit functions, designs, and construction materials, solenoid valves are tailored for specific applications and can be controlled remotely and automatically. They find extensive use across industries such as water treatment, automotive, and food processing.

 

 

Coaxial Valve

A coaxial valve operates using an internal hollow tube that can shift sideways to control or redirect the media flow. Typically crafted from 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion and wear resistance, this internal tube accommodates various media types, from inert to aggressive or corrosive substances. O-ring seals of PTFE, NBR, EPDM, or FKM secure the coaxial tube, enabling lateral movement while ensuring the media doesn't contact internal valve components. 

 

 

Angle Seat Valve

Angle seat valves, or angle body piston valves, are pneumatically actuated piston valves that regulate various fluids and gases. Their angled seat design minimizes flow impedance, ensuring high flow rates and low-pressure loss when open. These valves are robust and have long cycle lives, making them durable alternatives to ball valves, especially in harsh environments or with contaminated media. They can handle high temperatures, viscosity, and zero differential pressures. Available in single-acting or double-acting configurations, they may be manually or electrically operated, focusing on pneumatic angle valves.

 

 

 

 

A Comparison: 14 Types of Valves

Valve Types	Opening Method	Applications	Pros	Cons
Ball Valve	Rotary	General on/off control, versatility	Fast operation, tight shutoff	Some pressure loss
Butterfly Valve	Rotary	Large pipes, water systems, HVAC	Lightweight, good flow regulation	Limited throttling precision
Globe Valve	Linear	Precise flow control, leak prevention	Excellent throttling, tight seal	Higher pressure loss
Gate Valve	Linear	Infrequent on/off control	Minimal pressure loss, bidirectional	Not ideal for throttling
Check Valve	Automatic	Backflow prevention	Self-operating, protective	Flow in one direction only
Pressure Reducing Valve	Automatic	Downstream pressure regulation	Protects equipment, consistent output	Some pressure loss
Pressure Relief Valve	Automatic	Overpressure protection	Safety-critical, protects the system	Releases fluid when activated
Plug Valve	Rotary	On/off control, slurries	Quick operation, good shutoff	Potential for clogging
Needle Valve	Linear	Fine flow control, low flow rates	Precise adjustment	Slow operation
Pinch Valve	Linear	Slurries, abrasive media	Self-cleaning, isolates fluid	Limited pressure resistance
Diaphragm Valve	Linear	Corrosive fluids, slurries, sterile	Isolates mechanism, leakproof	Can be sensitive to pressure
Solenoid Valve	Actuated	Automated control, remote operation	Fast, precise, versatile	Requires electrical power
Coaxial Valve	Rotary	Space-constrained applications	Compact, efficient flow	Design can be more complex
Angle Seat Valve	Linear	High pressure, flow throttling	Reduced pressure loss, good control	Can be more prone to wear

 

 

3. Valve Classifications

Valves can be classified in various ways, including by their function, operating mechanism, motion, and construction material. Understanding the key ways we categorize them will help you find the perfect fit for your system.

 

3.1 Mode of Operation

 

Manual Valves (Self Actuated Valves)

They are operated directly by hand using levers, handwheels, or similar mechanisms. They offer simple, direct control but might require an operator to be present for adjustments.

 

Actuated Valves

It is controlled by external power sources like electric motors, pneumatic systems, or hydraulics. This allows for remote operation, integration into automated control systems, and handling larger or higher-pressure valves.

 

• Electric motor actuators use reversible motors to rotate the valve stem, employing a gear system to increase torque and reduce rotational speed.
• Pneumatic actuators utilize air pressure to deliver the force necessary for valve operation.
• Hydraulic actuators rely on pressurized liquid and a piston to generate the force needed to operate the valve.
• Solenoid actuators operate the valve by utilizing the magnetic attraction between a slug attached to the valve stem and the coil of an electromagnet.

 

Automatic Valves

React to changes in flow conditions, like pressure, flow rate, and temperature, within the system. They can adjust without external input. Examples include check valves, pressure relief valves, and some flow regulating valves.

 

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3.2 Closing Mechanical Motion

Valves are categorized based on their mechanical motion as Linear Motion Valves or Rotary Motion Valves. Linear motion valves have a closing element that moves in a straight line to control flow, while rotary motion valves’ element rotates or moves in a circular path. 

 

Additionally, valves can be classified as multi-turn or quarter-turn, depending on the turning needed to open or close the valve fully. Rotary motion valves typically require just a quarter turn (90°) to transition from fully open to fully closed.

 

4. How to Choose the Right Types of Valve

Choosing the suitable valve from a wide range of options can be overwhelming, but prioritizing safety and effectiveness is vital. Here are some practical factors to consider when making your selection.

Valve size and type selection.

 

• Choice of construction materials
• Performance criteria assessment
• Specific requirements for your operation
• Maintenance strategy development

 

Choose STREAMING to Be Your Valve Supplier

At Streaming, we prioritize quality above all else. Our valves are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. We understand that choosing the right valve is essential for the efficiency and reliability of your systems. That's why we're committed to exceeding your expectations, not just meeting them.

 

Still, trying to figure out the right valve for your system? Consult our knowledgeable team to find the ideal solution. We'll take the time to understand your application, fluid properties, and operating conditions to recommend the best possible valve.

 

Contact us today for a personalized consultation, and let us help you achieve your flow control goals.

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