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Understanding Different Valve Types: A Comprehensive Guide
Sep
The use of valves is common in a variety of industrial operations spanning multiple industries. These devices play an important role in controlling the piping system and substance transfers with precision.
Knowing that industries operate in different ways, they must carefully choose the right valve types they intend to use. This is to ensure that the valves they procure are suitable for their piping system and general requirements.
Yet, due to the vast types of valves, many industries are left questioning which valves they need. Being in this situation puts them at risk of wasting financial resources as procuring unsuitable valves will be useless for their projects.
As an engineering solutions supplier, we’re completely aware of such conditions. That’s why we’re here to explain multiple valve types that are commonly used for industrial purposes.
Let’s get into it.
What Is A Valve?
A valve is a mechanical tool that regulates the flow and pressure within a piping system. It works by opening, closing, or reducing the intensity of the flow of the substances that move through the pipes, thereby controlling the pressure as well.
A valve can control a variety of substances. This includes fluid, gas, steam, and many other non-solid substances. Every industry, regardless of the field, may be involved in any of these substances at the same time, requiring the use of multiple valve types.
Having the right type of valves will empower industries to tackle their piping systems and avoid potential challenges that may arise. As a result, they can ensure work safety as well as achieve overall work efficiency.
What Are The Different Types of Valves?
There are different types of valves, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, and many others. Every industry needs to understand the differences between these valves, as they deal with different kinds of substances flowing within their piping systems.
Yet, due to the ranging valve types, many industries are left questioning which valves they should procure. This makes the entire procuring process challenging, as purchasing the wrong types of valves will be a financial waste every industry wants to avoid.
But worry no more, we have the valve types listed in the following:
14 Valve Types and Operations You Should Know
- Angle Seat Valve
Figure: Schubert & Salzer Angle Seat Valve
An angle seat valve is a pneumatically controlled valve that uses air pressure. It has a straight-moving piston that lifts a seal off its seat. The seat of the valve is set at an angle so that when the seal is raised, the flow can go through.
Industries that involve the movement of corrosive fluids within piping systems can benefit from using angle seat valves. These valves are well-suited for the intended purpose, offering advantages such as reduced pressure drop and fewer pipe fittings within the system.
- Ball Valve
A ball valve is a type of valve that controls fluid flow through it by using a hollow, perforated, pivoting ball. It opens when the hole in the centre of the ball aligns with the flow entrance, and it shuts when the valve handle pivots 90 degrees, stopping the flow.
The benefit of this type of valve lies in its durability, ease of operation, and repairability. Furthermore, ball valves are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 0.2 to 48 inches and come in an array of models, as listed below:
Reduced Bore Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim 31/32 Series Reduced Bore Ball Valve
A reduced bore ball valve is identified by a ball bore that is smaller than the pipe diameter. This causes a smaller flow downstream at the outlet, resulting in a pressure drop.
Three Piece Body Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim 47 Series Three Piece Body Ball Valves
The three-piece body ball valve features a main body accompanied by two pipe connectors, which are welded to a pipe. It allows convenient disassembly for maintenance, without the need to remove the main body.
Full Bore Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim 73/74 Series Full Bore Ball Valves
A full-bore ball valve is characterised by an identical diameter between the bore ball and the pipe, resulting in a straight flow path within the piping system.
Cryogenic Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Cryogenic Ball Valve
A cryogenic ball valve consists of a ball within its design. These valves are designed with ample vapour space, strategically positioned to facilitate the gasification process beneath the gland.
Double Block and Bleed Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Double Block and Bleed Ball Valve
A double block and bleed ball valve employs dual sealing mechanisms to isolate fluid flow. Its dual seating surfaces contact the ball to block upstream and downstream paths.
Emergency Shutdown Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Emergency Shutdown Ball Valve
An emergency shutdown ball valve integrates a ball into its design and is intended to stop the flow of hazardous fluid as soon as a dangerous event is detected.
High-Pressure Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim High Pressure Ball Valve
A high-pressure ball valve, also known as a quarter-turn ball valve, controls the flow path using a floating ball. It opens when the ball bore is lined with the flow and closes when it’s turned 90 degrees by its handle.
Multiport and Diverter Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Multiport and Diverter Ball Valve
A multiport and diverter ball valve, also known as a three-way ball valve, is designed to control fluid flow in more than two different directions. It allows for forward flow in one direction while diverting flow in the other direction.
Pharmaceutical Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Pharmaceutical Ball Valve
A pharmaceutical ball valve is tailored for pharmaceutical applications, ensuring safety and sterility in the working environment. It serves a wide range of tasks within the industry, adhering to strict emission limits.
Profix Control Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Profix Control Ball Valve
A profix control ball valve integrates a control valve, pneumatic actuator, and positioner into a single package for streamlined operation. This design consolidates key components, enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
Malleable Ball Valve
Figure: Hitachi Malleable Ball Valve BM10KFOA/BM10KF0B
A malleable ball valve is a type of valve that may be shaped, bent, or moulded without breaking. These valves are used to regulate fluid flow within pipelines and systems, and their versatility is owing to the properties of the materials used.
Tank Flush Bottom Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Tank Flush Bottom Valve
A tank flush ball valve regulates water flow by using a buoyant ball connected to an arm or lever mechanism. The buoyant ball rises as the water level rises, activating the arm and closing the water supply valve. This valve is commonly used in flush tanks to control water flow.
Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
A trunnion-mounted valve design involves bearings that restrict the ball’s movement to rotation only, transferring most of the hydraulic load to the system’s constraints. This configuration minimises bearing pressure and eliminates shaft fatigue concerns.
Tubore Sanitary Hygienic Ball Valve
Figure: Habonim Tubore Sanitary Hygienic Ball Valve
A Tubore Sanitary Hygienic Ball Valve is a type of ball valve specifically designed for applications in sanitary and hygienic environments. These valves are commonly used in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
- Butterfly Valve
Butterfly valves are devices used in piping systems to regulate or isolate flows. These valve types employ quarter-turn rotation of a disc, hence why they’re also called as quarter-turn valves.
There are several types of butterfly valves, each with their own characteristics. Let’s find out below the variety of butterfly valves:
Double Offset Butterfly Valve
Figure: Delval 44-49 Series High Performance Double Offset Butterfly Valve
A double-offset butterfly valve features two offsets from the centre of the body. This valve type employs a disc mechanism to regulate fluid flow, with the disc automatically adjusting itself to the centre, ensuring a secure seal.
Resilient Seated Butterfly Valve
Figure: Delval 50, 52 Series Resilient Seated Butterfly Valve
A resilient seated butterfly valve is characterised by a rubber seating surface that provides effective sealing. Operating with a quarter-turn motion, this valve is designed to control the flow of liquids and gases up to a temperature of 400°F and pressures of 250 PSI.
Triple Offset Butterfly Valve
Figure: Delval Series 4 Triple Offset Butterfly Valve
A triple-offset butterfly valve has three offsets for bubble-tight sealing. Two offsets are located relative to the bore’s centerline and the sealing surfaces of the disc/seat, while the third offset lies inside the seat cone angle’s axis.
Double Flange Butterfly Valve
Figure: Delval Series 55 Double Flange and Offset Resilient Seat Butterfly Valve
A double-flange butterfly valve is equipped with two flanges that are attached to the valve body on both sides, facilitating the control and sectioning of water flow. This type of valve is installed between flanges at the end of a pipe and provides a complete water-tight seal.
Teflon Lined Butterfly Valve
Figure: Delval Teflon Lined Butterfly Valve
A Teflon-lined butterfly valve is the latest design of a butterfly valve. It features a lined body and disc, providing resistance against corrosive chemicals present in the piping systems it’s installed in.
- Gate Valve
Figure: Hitachi Ductile Iron Gate Valve M10KSS / M10KFS/M10KFSO
A gate valve is a type of valve that regulates flow by either allowing free passage or entirely stopping the flow. It’s used in circumstances that need straight-line fluid movement with little flow resistance. This type of valve is particularly useful in situations requiring precise fluid flow control and little flow disruption.
There are four types of gate valves, as explained below:
Solid Wedge Gate Valve
A solid wedge gate valve is a type of gate valve that controls the flow using a single, solid disc. The disc moves perpendicular to the flow direction, either completely blocking or allowing fluid passage. It’s usually used where a tight shut-off is needed.
Flexible Wedge Gate Valve
A flexible wedge gate valve features a gate divided into several segments, allowing it to flex when it comes into contact with the seats. It’s commonly used in applications where temperature changes can impact valve performance.
Split Wedge Gate Valve
A split wedge gate valve consists of a two-part gate that splits along its centreline. This split design helps tackle issues like binding due to thermal expansion, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
OS & Y Gate Valve
An OS & Y (Outside Screw and Yoke) gate valve features a threaded stem that operates outside of the valve body. The stem is connected to a yoke mechanism, which provides support and guides the movement of the stem.
- Globe Valve
Figure: Douglas Chero Forged Steel and Forged Stainless Steel Globe Valve
A globe valve is designed with a movable plug that can be positioned vertically to regulate the flow within a pipeline. By adjusting the placement of the plug, this valve controls the fluid flow rate effectively. This type of valve is further divided by its flow path, as listed below:
Z Type Globe Valve
Z Type Globe Valve features a Z-shaped flow path within its body. This design helps to reduce pressure drop and turbulence in the flow, making it suitable for applications where minimising energy loss is necessary.
Y Type Globe Valve
Y Type Globe Valve features a Y-shaped flow path, which provides improved flows and a reduced pressure drop compared to the straight-flow globe valves. This design is beneficial for applications involving fluids containing solid particles, which pose a potential for clogging.
Angle Type Globe Valve
Angle Type Globe Valve is characterised by its construction at an angle to the pipeline, usually at 90 degrees. This design is convenient for installations in tight spaces or where piping alignment may not be optimal.
- Check Valve
A check valve is a type of valve distinguished by its capacity to prevent backward flow in a pipeline. Within its body, this valve arrangement has two openings: one for fluid entry and one for fluid departure.
Check valves are particularly important in piping systems where the opposite direction of flow can cause damage to the equipment. There are several types of check valves, as explained below:
Swing Check Valve
Figure: Hitachi Ductile Iron Swing Check Valve
A swing check valve is designed to allow for the one-way circulation of liquids or gases. It has a hinged swinging disc within the valve that opens to allow fluid passage and then closes to prevent reverse flow.
Lift Check Valve
Figure: Hitachi Ductile Iron Lift Check Valve M10KSC / M10KFC
A lift check valve is designed to prevent backflow as well as avoid the suction lines from becoming empty. With lift valves, there’s no requirement to prime the pump before restarting, as these valves efficiently maintain fluid retention in the system.
Piston Check Valve
Figure: Douglas Chero Forged Steel and Stainless Steel Piston Lift Check Valve
A piston check valve serves the purpose of preventing backflow and operates automatically through mechanical means, eliminating the need for an actuator or valve operator.
- Hot Water Mixing Valve
Figure: Armstrong Rada Thermostatic Hot Water Mixing Valve
A hot water mixing valve is specially designed to combine hot and cold water downstream, resulting in tempered water. These valves are used in a variety of situations, such as bathroom showers, to ensure user comfort and safety.
- Plug Valve
Figure: Plug Valve. Source: QRC Valves
A plug valve is a type of valve with tapered cylindrical plugs. To control flow through the valve, the plugs can be rotated inside the valve body. When the valve is open, one or more hollow passageways run sideways through the plug, allowing fluid to flow.
- Pressure-Reducing Valve
Pressure-reducing valve is a type of automatic control valve designed to reduce pressure coming from a high-pressure inlet. This type of valve automatically adjusts the opening valve and the pressure, keeping it constant even when pressure fluctuations occur.
Industries planning to use pressure-reducing valves should consider the various types of materials flowing through their piping systems, as different materials require different pressure-reducing valves, as discussed below:
Water Pressure Reducing Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Water Pressure Reducing Valve
A water pressure-reducing valve is designed to decrease the water pressure downstream, ensuring a controlled and consistent water flow for various applications.
Oil Pressure Reducing Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Oil Pressure Reducing Valve
An oil pressure-reducing valve serves the purpose of regulating and reducing the pressure of oil in industrial processes, optimising the flow and distribution of oil within the system.
Air and Gas Pressure Reducing Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Air and Gas Pressure Reducing Valve
The air and gas pressure-reducing valve is employed to lower the pressure of gases, such as air or other industrial gases, providing controlled and safe levels of pressure for downstream operations.
Steam Pressure Reducing Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Direct Steam Pressure Reducing Valve Model GD-30 GD-45P
A steam pressure-reducing valve is utilised to manage and decrease the pressure of steam, allowing for precise control over steam distribution and usage in industrial systems.
Grease or Heavy Fuel Pressure Reducing Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Grease/Heavy Fuel Pressure Reducing Valve
A grease or heavy fuel pressure-reducing valve is engineered to reduce and control the pressure of heavy fuels or grease, ensuring efficient and safe delivery of these substances within industrial processes.
- Safety Relief Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Safety Relief Valve
A safety relief valve is an essential part of a pressurised system, designed to prevent catastrophic failures. This type of valve is intended to relieve pressure instantly, preventing potential disasters by entirely reducing excessive pressure within the system.
- Solenoid Valve
Figure: Yoshitake Solenoid Valve
A solenoid valve is a device that controls the flow using electric current. There are varying solenoid valve types, including a two-way solenoid valve, or others that employ three or more ports to regulate flow within a piping system.
- Needle Valve
Figure: Needle valve. Source: Engineering Clicks
A needle valve is a type of valve with a small port and a threaded, needle-shaped plunger. Its design is similar to that of globe valves, but needle valves are employed for greater precision in regulating fluid flow within piping systems.
- Pinch Valve
Figure: Pinch Valve. Source: What is Piping
A pinch valve is a 2/2-way type of valve that uses pressurised air to open and close the valve. Almost any kind of substance, including granular, corrosive, or abrasive material can easily pass through the bore when it opens.
- Diaphragm Valve
Figure: Diaphragm Valve. Source: What is Piping
A diaphragm valve is a device that controls fluid flow with an elastomeric diaphragm and a seat on which the diaphragm rests when closed. Its mechanism is similar to that of pinch valves, only it has an elastomeric diaphragm rather than an elastomeric liner in its body.
Valve Applications Among Different Industries
As discussed before, valves are devices that regulate the flow and pressure of materials like fluid, gas, steam, and more within piping systems. Their applications are widespread in industries that need such conduct within the work environment.
This encompasses the petrochemical, maritime and offshore, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and general industry fields, where valve applications will be required to maintain efficient and safe work operations.
Let’s discuss more about valve applications among different industries below:
Petrochemical
Valves are essential in the petrochemical industry, where they are used in the production, storage, and transportation of materials such as polymers, dyes, additives, and detergents obtained from coal and natural gas.
Find suitable petrochemical valves and other related products that fit your industry requirements here.
Marine and Offshore
Valves play a major role in the marine and offshore industries, where they ensure the safe and efficient exploration, transportation, and production of oil and gas. These devices precisely manage fluid flow and pressure, serving as the backbone of these industries’ complex processes.
Find suitable marine and offshore valves and other related products that fit your industry requirements here.
Pharmaceutical
Valves are important parts of the pharmaceutical industry, where they ensure a controlled fluid flow to produce a wide variety of products. This makes pharmaceutical valves an integral part of ensuring that the final goods are safe and intact.
Find suitable pharmaceutical valves and other related products that fit your industry requirements here.
Water Treatment
Valves are essential in the water treatment industries as they assist these industries in cleaning, conditioning, and managing water from various sources. The use of the proper valves (i.e., corrosion resistance and reliable sealing) will maintain the overall integrity and effectiveness of the processes.
Find suitable water treatment valves and other related products that fit your industry requirements here.
General Industries
Beyond the sectors mentioned earlier, valve applications extend to encompass the realm of general industries. These devices play a pivotal role in providing precise control over fluid flow, pressure, and direction, which are fundamental for efficient operations and work safety.
Find suitable valves and other related products for general industries here.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Certain Valve Types
Given the variety of valve types available, selecting the ones that meet your industry’s needs becomes essential. In the following, we’ll guide you through the key considerations before procuring valves for your industry operations:
Valve Sizing
Valves are available in various sizes to accommodate diverse flow rates and system demands. Ensure that you choose ones that fit your industry’s pre-existing setups.
Valve End Connections
Compatibility of valve end connections with your existing pipelines is crucial for seamless integration.
Valve Materials
Prioritise materials capable of withstanding the substances flowing through your piping systems, ensuring both longevity and optimal performance.
Valve Standardisation
The last thing to consider before procuring valves is valve standardisation. Several specialised organisations have issued these standards, ensuring that quality meets industrial benchmarks. Here’s a list of them:
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- The American Society for Testing Materials International (ASTM International)
- The Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS)
- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- The Public Health and Safety Organization (NSF)
- NACE International (NACE)
- The American Petroleum Institute (API)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Final Thoughts
To conclude, there are options for valve types available. These different types of valves operate in different ways, yet they aim to achieve the same goal: to regulate the flow and pressure of substances flowing through the piping system.
Valves also find applications across varying industries, namely petrochemical, marine and offshore, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and general industries. With the right type of valve, the aforementioned industries can enhance operational efficiency and safety.
INKO Engineering Supplies: Your One-Stop Solution For Valve Procurement Needs
Procuring valves can be a challenging task for either procurement managers, engineering specialists, or anyone who’s in charge within the industry. This is especially true for some industries that have no prior experience of using certain valve types.
But worry no more, INKO Engineering Supplies is here to be your reliable partner. With exceptional experience in industrial piping and valve supplies, we’re ready to help you out on finding the right valve types that work for your industry operations.
Contact us today and our representative will keenly answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of valves?
There are different types of valves used across different industries. This includes ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, and gate valves, among other valve types.
What are the most commonly used valve types?
The most commonly used valve types differ depending on the industry. For example, globe and gate valves find the majority of their applications in the petrochemical industry. Meanwhile, other types of valves may find the most use in other industries.
How much do valves cost?
Valves cost will depend on the type and procurement quantity. For more information on valve cost, please contact us for a quote.
