Valves are used to control the flow of fluids. They can be operated by hand or automatically. It is used in many industries, such as the Oil and gas industry, the Manufacturing industry, the Chemical industry, the Pulp and paper industry, Food and beverage industry, and Agriculture. A valve typically consists of a cylindrical or cone-shaped body and a movable member called the “valve plug.”
Types of Valves
There are five major types of valves, namely:
- Gate Valves
- Butterfly Valves
- Ball Valves
- Globe Valves, and
- Pressure Relief Valves
There are a lot of valves with their specific functions. So here’s an explainer about the four most-used ones in detail:
Gate Valves
Gate valves are valves that control the flow of fluid by pivoting on a horizontal axis. The gate is mounted to the top of the valve and opens in either direction, depending on the pressure difference between the sides.
These valves have a flat, rectangular-shaped disc called a “gate” that moves up and down to open or close an opening in a pipe. The gate is connected to an arm that pivots at one end and is locked at the other with a pin.
The opening through which fluid flows can be adjusted by turning a screw mechanism or moving the arm along its length. The gate valve controls flow by varying both how wide it is open and how far it moves up and down.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are a type of valve used to regulate the flow of gas or liquid. They have two simple flat discs that open and close by rotating around a central axis (or pivot). Butterfly valves typically have multiple ports for inlet and outlet connections.
A butterfly valve is a type of valve that controls the flow of fluid by rotating around a central pivot. The valve is opened and closed by turning the disk-shaped head, which may be manual or powered.
The butterfly valves are used in various applications such as water supply and drainage systems, heating systems, air conditioning systems, and other industrial uses. The most common use of the butterfly valve is in residential plumbing to control water pressure and flow rates.
Ball Valves
The ball valve is a type of valve that controls fluid flow in one direction by rotating, thus allowing or preventing the passage of fluid.
A ball valve is a type of valve that controls fluid flow in one direction by rotating, thus allowing or preventing the passage of fluid. It can be operated manually or automatically and has many applications in the industry and at home.
They are typically used in rotating machinery to control fluid flow to a specific component or as an emergency shut-off device.
Pressure Relief Valves
A pressure relief valve is an automatic valve that releases excess pressure from a system or container. The purpose of the relief valve is to protect the equipment from being damaged by over-pressurisation.
Pressure relief valves are used in many industries, such as chemical plants, petroleum refineries, nuclear power plants, and food processing equipment. They are also used in car washes to prevent the water from spraying too forcefully and damaging other cars.
Conclusion
Material is the most important thing to consider when buying valves of two types: brass and cast iron; brass valves are typically less expensive than cast iron ones, but acidic substances like sulfuric acid can easily damage them. On the other hand, cast iron valves are more durable and resistant to corrosion, but they cost significantly more than brass ones.
Generally speaking, the price of a valve depends on its size, type, and quality. For example, most miniature brass valves cost about $2-$5, while large cast iron can range from $50 to $200 or even higher, depending on the manufacturer and style. Therefore, there is something available for every budget and requirement.
