Valves
Valves are mechanical devices that control the flow of liquids and gases. They are used in a variety of applications, from water supply systems to process piping, to plumbing systems and automobiles. Valves can be either on/off, flow-regulating, or pressure-regulating. They can be manual (meaning controlled by a user), automated (electronically controlled) or self-actuating (responding to a change in pressure, temperature or flow).
Valves can be divided into two categories: non-return valves and control valves. Non-return valves are designed to allow fluid to flow in only one direction, while control valves are used to control the flow of pressure, rate, and direction of fluid flow.
Check Valves
Check valves are non-return valves that allow fluid to flow in only one direction. They are typically used to prevent backflow or pressure build-up in fluid systems. By preventing backflow, check valves prevent the system from operating in the wrong direction and prevent potential damage to the system components as a result.
Swing Check Valves
Swing check valves are check valves that use a swing-style disc that is opened and closed by the flow of the fluid. They are typically one-directional valves that permit flow from one point to another, and are commonly used in applications such as fuel tanks, chemical lines, and air compressors.
Globe Valves
Globe valves are on/off control valves. They are designed to control, start, stop, or throttle flow and regulate pressure, temperature, or level in a process. A globe valve consists of a movable disk-type element and a corresponding seat upon which the disk seals. Globe valves come in many different configurations, including angle patterns, ports, and bonnets.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are another type of on/off control valve. Butterflies are quarter-turn valves, meaning they are opened or closed by rotating the valve a quarter turn. Butterfly valves are comprised of a disc or rotary element mounted on an axle or shaft, which passes through the center of the valve.
Ball Valves
Ball valves are commonly used in applications requiring on/off control. Ball valves are quarter-turn valves that feature a two-piece design, with a rotating ball inside the valve which is used to start and stop flow. They are often also used for controlling flow pressure and rate.
Diaphragm Valves
Diaphragm valves are pressure-regulating valves that use a flexible diaphragm to control the flow rate and pressure. They are used for several different applications, including water treatment, chemical process industries and food and beverage processing.
Needle Valves
Needle valves are flow-regulating valves that are used to manually control the flow of a fluid. They feature a needle-shaped valve stem that is used to control the flow rate of the fluid. They are very effective at controlling the pressure, rate, and direction of flow and are often used in pneumatic, hydraulic, and fuel systems.
Control Valves
Control valves are used to regulate the flow of pressurized fluids, gases, and steam. They are designed for use with high-pressure systems and are typically used to control temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Control valves come in a variety of styles and configurations, and can be manually operated or automated.
Pilot Valves
A pilot valve is a type of control valve that is used to control the flow of one fluid by the pressure of another. It consists of a small valve that is used to adjust the pressure of the fluid or gas in a larger valve. Pilot valves are often used in applications where the pressure needs to be regulated or a slow change in pressure is required.
Relief Valves
Relief valves are pressure-regulating valves that are used to protect equipment and pressure systems from excessive pressure. Relief valves are designed to open a bypass in a pressurized system when the pressure reaches a certain limit. A relief valve is usually used in conjunction with a regulator, which is used to control the pressure and maintain it at a safe level.
