Valve Selection and Structure Principles
Valves are used as a switch to regulate the passage of liquid and gases in pipes. Depending on what pressure or heat the liquid or gas is comprised of, the valve used must be able to withstand it. There are numerous options for valves on the market, and the choice of valve depends on the gas or liquid that is being controlled and the amount of the pressure or the range. Pressure valves are the most common types of valves and they come in many shapes and sizes.
Valves are typically classified according to the various fields in which they are used. They can be further classified according to the primary applications of a particular valve. Valves are designed for specific purposes and for specific settings. The adoption of a particular type of valve depends upon certain factors that include its suitability for the particular working environment and the support it requires. Valves used in industrial applications inevitably need to be rugged and reliable, while those used in scientific installations may not require the same level of ruggedness but be more precise.
Valves are made of steel, cast iron, bronze, plastic, and aluminum. Materials used also depend on the type and pressure levels of the fluid being handled. Steel valves are strong and are used in applications such as steam, hot water, and oil pipelines while plastic valves are suitable for low-pressure gas and water applications. Bronze and cast iron valves are used on high-pressure gas and water pipelines, respectively. Aluminum is suitable for low and medium pressure applications.
The structure of a valve consists of the stem, the seat, and the disc. The stem is the part that transmits movement to the valve’s disc. It is typically made of stainless steel, brass, or plastic depending on the pressure rating and use. The seat is a component that makes sure the seal of the valve is tight, and is made of durable materials such as brass, stainless steel, or plastic. The disc is the component that is activated by the stem and provides free or limited passage through the valve in order to control the flow of the fluid. The disc is often made of brass, bronze, stainless steel, or plastic.
Valves must be chosen keeping in mind the environmental conditions and their application in the system. It is important to consider the pressure rating, working temperature, size, and the intended use of the valve before making a purchase. The physical properties of the fluid or gas being handled must also be taken into account. The choice of valve should be based on application, performance, and cost.
To sum up, valves are used to control the passage of liquids and gases through pipes and are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Valves are typically categorized according to the type of gas or liquid they control and their pressure rating. The materials used in valves depend on the pressure levels, temperature, and type of fluid. The typical structure of a valve consists of the stem, the seat, and the disc. When choosing a valve, certain environmental conditions, physical properties of the fluid, and the intended use must be taken into account.
