Industrial control valves are standard when it comes to the regulation of oil or gas flow in professional environments. These devices are used to control several factors including temperature, pressure, flow, and levels of liquid. Valves work as stops within pipes or passageways, regulating flow by opening partially or entirely when given the signal from the controls. It is estimating that demand for industrial valves will reach $98.5 billion by 2019 worldwide and will climbing 4.3 percent each year.
Below we will provide a brief overview of the 5 different types of industrial control valves available on the market. For more information about available valves in the market and what industrial control valve is right for your system, you can contact industrial control valves supplier with any questions.
Type 1: Gate Valves
When affixed to pipelines these valves work to start and stop any liquid throughout the passage. They are called isolation valves due to their ability to restrict the path of water or any other fluid that runs through the pipes. Used in both commercial and home settings one of the main advantages this valve can offer is its ability to save energy and reduce costs. Gate Valves work to completely or partially obstruct pipelines using either a circular or rectangular gate. For these valves opening and sealing is not a quick process; however, this ensures minimal pressure escapes. Another factor to consider is their repair and maintenance costs as these valves can be quiet expensive due to their complex surfaces.
Type 2: Ball Valves
Rather than using a gate, these valves work to control flow using a hollow, pivoting ball. These valves work well in industry for their air-tight sealing meaning the flow of gas can be safely regulated. The Ball Valve also offers visual confirmation to its status as it will lie flat when open and up when closed. Balls valves are the industrial control valve choice when it comes to flow shut-off, due to their durability and reliable sealing. They are also the most cost-efficient and offer lower maintenance costs due to their simple design. However, they are not suitable for throttling liquid and are still prone to leaks due to any residual fluid build-up.
Type 3: Globe Valves
Glob Valves probably came to mind when you first started reading this article, as this type of valve is the most popular due to its versatility and ability to throttle flow. By aligning the ring on the Globe Valve a plug or disc is positioned against the stream in the pipeline rather than across it. While this resistance causes a sustainable drop in pressure, it’s less likely to spring leaks than other valves. Compared to the Gate Valve it also opens and closes faster, and offers positive shut-off. This industrial control valve is best used for high-temperatures and for controlling large amounts of flow.
Type 4: Butterfly Valves
Like the Ball Valve, Butterfly Valves offer easy visual confirmation to whether it’s in the open or closed position. The handle attributes to the valves quick opening speed as all it takes is a simple 90-degree turn (or quarter turn) of the handle. They are a lighter and cheaper choice when it comes to large industrial pipelines and can save on space and repair costs. These valves work to control flow using a rotating disk making them the most accurate of all the industrial control valves. They can also be programmed to operate electronically. Used for pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processing services the main disadvantage when it comes to Butterfly Valves is the lack of tight shut-off and pressure switching due to the disc always being present in the pipeline.
Type 5: Check Valves
Unlike the other valves we’ve covered in this list, Check Valves or Non-Return Valves (NRV) allow the liquid to only flow in one direction. They function to prevent back flow in pumping liquids or compressed gas systems to protect the pump or compressor from any damage. Due to the simple design and purpose allows it to work free of automation or human operation. Check Valves as the name suggests check when to open based on the velocity of the substance. When the flow rate is at its highest, the valve will fully open. These valves work as a backup system and as a preventative measure against backflow. Frequently these valves are found within waste-water management and manufacturing systems based on their ability to maintain pressure.
There are many different types of industrial valves are available in the market and they are one of the necessary components for different types of industries. Depending on needs, determine which flow control valve type is best for you. For more information on what industrial control valve is right for your system, contact your local manufacturers with any questions.
Contributed by https://www.metaval.com.au/
