Valves: Types and Applications

Valves are important control components in fluid conveying systems, with functions such as cutting off, regulating, directing, preventing reverse flow, stabilizing pressure, diverting or overflowing and relieving pressure. There are many types of valves, and they can be classified into the following categories according to different classification methods:

By function

According to the function of the valve, it can be divided into the following categories:

• Cut-off valves: Used to cut off or connect the fluid flow in the pipeline, mainly including gate valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, plug valves, ball valves, etc.

• Regulating valves: Used to control the parameters of fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc., mainly including throttling valves, pressure reducing valves, check valves, safety valves, and regulating ball valves.

• Diverting valves: Used to change the direction or direction of fluid flow, mainly including three-way valves, four-way valves, and butterfly valves.

By transmission mode

According to the transmission mode of the valve, it can be divided into the following categories:

• Manual valves: Valves driven by manual devices such as hand wheels, handles, and wrenches.

• Automatic valves: Valves driven by power devices such as electric motors, pneumatic motors, and hydraulic motors.

By structural form

According to the structural form of the valve, it can be divided into the following categories:

• Gate valves: Valves with a valve disc moving in a straight line along the centerline.

• Plug valves: Valves with a valve disc moving in a rotary motion along the centerline of the pipe.

• Ball valves: Valves with a ball-shaped valve disc moving in a rotary motion along the centerline of the valve stem.

• Butterfly valves: Valves with a butterfly-shaped valve disc moving in a rotary motion along the centerline of the valve stem.

Applications of valves

Valves have a wide range of applications in industrial production, construction, transportation, and civil life. Specific applications are as follows:

• Industrial production: Valves are used to control fluid flow in industrial production to meet the requirements of production processes. For example, in the petroleum, chemical, metallurgical, and power industries, valves are used to control the flow of raw materials, fuels, and products.

• Construction: Valves are used to control fluid flow in water supply, drainage, heating, and ventilation systems in construction. For example, in water supply systems, valves are used to control water flow, pressure, etc.

• Transportation: Valves are used to control fluid flow in oil and gas pipelines, water conservancy projects, etc. in transportation. For example, in oil and gas pipelines, valves are used to control oil and gas transportation.

• Civil life: Valves are used to control fluid flow in tap water, natural gas, and heating systems in civil life. For example, in tap water systems, valves are used to control water flow and water temperature.

Valves are indispensable components in industrial production, construction, transportation, and civil life. When selecting valves, you should choose the appropriate valve type and specification according to different operating conditions and requirements.