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What Are the Categories of Valves And How Do They Work?

Mar. 08, 2022

At their most basic, valves are devices that control, regulate or direct flow in a system or process. They typically have a range of features that help determine their ideal application.

Valves have a variety of functions, including.

Starting or stopping flow depending on the status of the valve

Regulating the flow and pressure within the piping system

Control the direction of flow within the piping system

Moderating the flow rate within the piping system

By relieving the pressure in the piping system


Types of valves

Valves come in a range of features, criteria and groupings that help give you an idea of their intended application and expected performance. Valve design is one of the most basic ways to classify the large number of valves available.


Categories of Valves



Ball Valves

These ball valves are primarily equipped with a quick acting 90 degree rotating handle that uses a ball to control flow to provide easy on/off control. Generally accepted by operators as faster and easier to operate than gate valves.


Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves feature a compact design and are a fast acting rotary motion valve ideal for confined spaces due to their clamp-on design. Butterfly valve bodies are available in many different configurations.


Check Valves

Used to prevent backflow, these valves are usually self-activating and open automatically when the medium passes through the valve in a predetermined direction, or close if the flow is reversed.


Gate Valves

One of the most common types of valves, gate valves use linear motion to start and stop flow. These valves are not typically used for flow regulation. Instead, they are used in the fully open or closed position.


Shut-off Valves

Stop valves are typically used in regulating control operations. Three body types are typically available: T-body, Y-body, and angle-body.


shut-off-valve


Needle Valves

Needle valves are typically used in small bore piping systems when fine, precise flow control is required. Needle valves get their name from the point on the conical disc used in them.


Pressure Relief Valves

Used to help improve safety, these valves are automatically controlled by a spring and help restore the system to the desired pressure in the event of an overpressure event.


Valve Materials

Stainless steel valves are a good choice in a range of process environments, including those involving corrosive media, environments with strict sanitary standards, and processes involving high pressures or temperatures.

However, if you are working with solvents, fuels or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), choosing valve materials that are non-sparking - such as brass, bronze, copper or even plastic - is often a better choice. In addition to selecting the correct valve body material, the chemical compatibility of the internal (wetted) trim should be evaluated. If your valves contain elastomers, they should also be evaluated for chemical compatibility as well as pressure and temperature limitations.


stainless steel Valve


Final Thoughts

Whether you are designing a new process system or looking to upgrade or maintain an existing system, PIPEFUN's selection of valves and fittings can help you find the ideal solution for your application and usage environment. As a leading supplier of stainless steel alloys, valves, flanges and more, our experts have a wealth of experience. Pipefun Pipe keeps more than 2000 tons stocks at hand, we offer one stop buying and fast delivery. Full sizes and full standards products are available. We also have ISO and API 5L certificates. 


Need help or have questions? Please contact us for personalized assistance.



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