With advances in the field of materials and alloys, industries can implement high quality and long-lasting materials in their valves. However, one valve can’t be applicable for different types of operations, which is why we have a wide range of shapes and types of Valves to choose from. This article will give you a brief overview of valves and types of valves.
What are Valves?
Valves are certain components usually used in the intricate piping systems of industries or your houses. These equipment are basically used to control the flow of liquid inside the pipes and maintain a reasonable liquid force throughout the piping systems. Nowadays, the most common type of valves used are called actuated valves.
These valves have similar functions as any normal valves. However, their movements are controlled by electricity or, in some cases, even air pressure. Moreover, you can also find cheaper alternatives to these valves, which you have to operate manually.
The materials used in the valve are also quite crucial as it determines the durability of the valves. Various individuals prefer aluminium valves, as they tend to be more durable. If you’re looking for aluminium valves, you should contact an activated alumina manufacturer.
The most prevalent valves can be divided into three basic categories: linear valves, rotating valves, and actuated valves. Then we have some subtypes of these valves, which have their own characteristic features.
- Rotational Valves
These types of rotational valves work best when they deal with smaller volumes of liquids or water supply. The water flow is controlled by the rotational motion of the flow obstructing equipment placed inside the valve.
In the majority of the rotational valves, the equipment can be tuned only up to 90 degrees; however, specially manufactured valves made for the industrial piping system can be rotated more than that. Then we have another variety of rotational valves called quarter-turn valves. These valves tend to obstruct the flow of the liquid at zero degrees completely and have now obstructed when it is turned ninety degrees.
- Linear Valves
Now that we have a good amount of knowledge about rotary valves let’s talk about the types of linear valves. Usually, the linear valves can be divided into two basic types: axial linear and rising stem valves. As the name suggests, these types of valves tend to control the flow of the liquid through the linear movement of the mechanism inside the valves. This type of valve can be good for handling large volumes of liquid. However, the construction and functionality of these lines can be quite different from each other.
In the case of a rising stem type of linear valve, the flow of liquid is controlled by the turning motion of the threaded rod, which is connected to the main obstructor. Some common types of these valves are globe valves, gate valves, pinch valves, etc.
Similarly, in the case of axial kinds of valves, a force generated by electromagnetism is utilized to control the main obstructor of the valve. As it can be completely controlled by electricity, it has a very low reaction time.
Some Common Subtypes of Valves
Let’s see some of the most widely used valves in the present market:-
- Ball Valves
Ball Valves are an important subgroup of quarter-turn valves, which are mostly used in the factory to control the flow of various types of liquids. These types of valves can be used as two-way valves. The basic mechanism of this type of valve features an obstructor, which is placed between two oval-shaped cups.
Moreover, a bore is made through this Ball, which allows the liquid to flow through the valve. And it functions as a quarter-turn valve, which implies the flow of any liquid can be turned off if an angle of night degrees rotates the valve. At this right-angled position, the Ball properly covers the valves and restricts the liquid to flow through.
- Butterfly Valves
The butterfly valves are also a special variant of quarter-turn valves. This type of valve has an obstructor, which is disc-shaped placed in the middle of the valve. These valves are ideal for various types of utilities and can be ideally used for medium to low volumes of liquids. They can be mainly seen among the intricate domestic piping systems.
And, the rotational motion of the disc-shaped obstructor controlled the flow of the liquid by turning it ninety degrees. The inner region of a butterfly pipe is comparatively more narrow than any other quarter-turn pipe. These are ideal valves for oil and gas.
They are generally controlled by on and off switches. As these valves are used in factories, they have to deal with a huge electricity supply, so you should consider installing a vacuum circuit breaker in your switches. Contact some vacuum circuit breaker manufacturers to get one for yourself.
- Globe Valves
Globe valve is a kind of rising stem valve that works ideally for intermediate to large volumes of liquids. As the name suggests, these valves have a globe-shaped body, which is generally equipped with a plug, which has a disc-shaped structure.
The movement of the plug controls the flow of the liquid. First, the liquid enters into the lower part of the globe-shaped body, and then it passes to the upper part, and finally, it goes out from the outlet. In various factories, they are even used as three-way valves, with two entrances and one outlet for the liquid.
Final Thoughts
It is undeniable that valves are an integral part of the industrial and domestic pumping system. Especially in the factories where they have to handle gallons of water or other liquids every day, the durability of the valves also becomes quite a crucial part.
This article gives a great insight into some of the main types of valves and their advantages. Make sure to go through them before any valves. Each of the valves has a certain special, so have a look at their features thoroughly before buying any valves.
