Industrial valves have been around for over a century. As applications become more specific and complex, industrial valves evolve into nine main types to meet various needs.
These nine types cover all industrial applications and services. The categorization of industrial valves depends on several considerations. For this article, valves are categorized based on functionality. Considering valve design, some are single-use while most have dual functions.
Ball Valve
The ball valve is part of the quarter-turn valve family. A distinguishing feature of a ball valve is its hollow spherical disc, which acts to stop or start media flow. The ball disc is one of the fastest valves since it requires only a quarter turn to open or close.
Advantages of Ball Valve
- Excellent shut-off capability.
- Minimal leakage from wear and tear if used correctly.
- Low maintenance costs.
- Minimal pressure drop.
- Efficient time and labor for operations.
Disadvantages of Ball Valve
- Not suitable as a control valve or gas valve.
- Not suitable for thicker environments as it may cause sedimentation and damage the disc and seat of the valve.
- Pressure surge may occur due to rapid closing and opening.
Applications of Ball Valve
Ball valves are suitable for fluid, gas, and steam applications that require shut-off without bubbles. While primarily used for low-pressure applications, high pressure and high-temperature applications are applicable for ball valves with metal seats.
Butterfly Valve
The butterfly valve is also part of the quarter-turn valve family. What distinguishes the industrial butterfly valve from other valves is the flat plate to a concave disc that is connected to the valve stem. The disc, located in the center of the valve and attached to a pin, blocks the media flow when the valve is closed. The stem supports the disc. This design allows the butterfly valve to throttle gas flow gradually.
Advantages of Butterfly Valve
- Consistent design.
- Lightweight.
- Minimal pressure drop.
- Easy installation.
Disadvantages of Butterfly Valve
- Limited gas valve capability.
- Strong pressure may affect the movement of the disc.
Applications of Butterfly Valve
Industrial butterfly valves are often used in water and gas applications where media flow isolation or shut-off is needed. Butterfly valves are excellent for processes that utilize large diameter pipes. They are also suitable for slurries, cryogenic, and vacuum services.
Check Valve
The check valve relies on internal pressure instead of external force for opening and closing. Also known as a non-return valve, the main function of a check valve is to prevent backflow.
Advantages
- Simplistic design.
- No human intervention required.
- Effectively prevents backflow.
- Can be used as a backup system.
Disadvantages
- Not great for gas valve applications.
- The disc may get stuck in the open position.
Applications
Industrial check valves are used in applications where it is necessary to prevent backflow, such as pumps and compressors. Feed pumps in steam boilers often use check valves. Chemical and power plants have various processes that also utilize check valves. Check valves are used when a combination of gases is present in a pipeline.
Gate Valve
The gate valve is another member of the shut-off valve family. What makes this unique is that its disc movement is linear. The disc or gate is shaped like a wedge that has an effective shut-off mechanism.
Gate valves are primarily suitable for isolation. While they can be used as gas valves, this is not recommended as the disc may be damaged due to media vibration. When gate valves are used partially open in a gas valve application, media surging can damage the disc.
Advantages
- No media flow resistance as the valve does not block flow completely when fully open.
- Usable in bi-directional flows.
- Simplistic design.
- Suitable for large diameter pipes.
Disadvantages
- Not good as a gas valve since precise control is not possible.
- High media flow intensity can damage the gate or disc when used for gas valves.
Applications
Gate valves are excellent for any on/off valve applications. They are suitable for wastewater applications and neutral liquids. Gases that operate between 200 to 700 degrees Celsius with a maximum pressure of 16 bar can utilize gate valves. Knife gate valves are used for slurries and powder media.
Globe Valve
The globe valve resembles a globe with a plug-type disc. It is part of the linear movement valve family. The globe valve, besides being an excellent on/off valve, also has great gas valve capabilities.
Like the gate valve, the globe valve disc moves upward without obstruction to allow media flow. This is an excellent alternative valve for applications that do not require high pressure drops.
Advantages
- Better sealing mechanism than gate valve.
- Wear and tear is not an issue even for frequent usage.
- Easy to repair as disassembly of parts is straightforward.
Disadvantages
- High pressure loss may occur due to obstruction of the media flow path.
- Not great for high-pressure applications.
Applications
Globe valves perform well when leakage is the primary concern. High point and low point drain valves use globe valves. Additionally, globe valves work when pressure drop is not a concern. Applications involving regulated flow, such as cooling water systems, use globe valves. Other globe valve applications include feedwater systems, chemical feed systems, drain extraction systems, and similar.
Needle Valve
The needle valve derives its name from the needle-like shape of its disc. Its mechanism operates similarly to the globe valve. The needle valve provides greater precision and control in smaller plumbing systems. Still part of the quarter-turn family, needle valves operate better at low flows.
Advantages
- Increased precision compared to other types of valves.
- Excellent control for low flow applications.
Disadvantages
- Prone to clogging if fluids containing particulates are used.
- Limited flow capacity.
Applications
Needle valves are commonly used in applications requiring precise flow control, such as laboratory settings and instrumentation.
