Valves

Valves are devices that regulate the flow of fluids and gases in various industrial systems. They have many applications in different sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, power generation, mining, food manufacturing, and more. Valves can be classified into different types based on their function, design, material, and size. Some of the most common types of valves are Control valves, Safety relief valves, Pressure release and vacuum relief valves, Gate valves, Globe valves, Check valves, Plug valves, Ball valves, Butterfly valves, Hydraulic valves, Needle valves, Pinch valves and Disc valves. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the process requirements. Choosing the right valve for a specific process requires a good understanding of the process conditions and the valve characteristics.

Control valves are used to regulate the flow of fluids or gases in a system. They are used to control the pressure, flow rate, temperature, and liquid level by opening or closing the valve.

Safety relief valves are designed to protect equipment and personnel from overpressure situations. They are used to prevent explosions or other catastrophic events that can occur when pressure builds up in a system.

Pressure release and vacuum relief valves are used to protect tanks and vessels from overpressure or vacuum conditions. They are designed to open when the pressure or vacuum reaches a certain level and release the excess pressure or vacuum^.    

Gate valves and check valves are two types of linear motion valves that are commonly used in fluid systems. 

Gate valves can be fully opened or fully closed to control the flow of air, fuel gas, feedwater, steam, lube oil, hydrocarbon and more. They provide good shutoff and are suitable for most fluid services.  

 Check valves, on the other hand, allow fluid to flow in one direction only and prevent backflow in the piping system. They are also suited for high-pressure applications and can protect the equipment from damage.

Globe valves, plug valves, ball valves and butterfly valves are four types of rotary motion valves that are also used to regulate or isolate the fluid flow.

Globe valves have a spherical body with a movable disk that can adjust the flow rate and provide a better shutoff than gate valves. They are also more expensive and require more force to operate.

Plug valves have a cylindrical or tapered plug that rotates to align or block the flow. They are efficient for providing bubble-tight shutoff and can handle high-pressure and temperature applications.

Ball valves have a spherical ball with a hole through the centre that can be turned to open or close the flow. They are easy to operate and have low pressure drop.

Butterfly valves have a disk-shaped closure that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the flow. They are used for isolating or regulating flow and have low cost and weight.