Valves are used as regulators in all industries and household devices and systems. Valves control, direct flow, and regulate liquids, fluidized solids, slurries, and gasses within a system.
The appearance and function of a valve are largely dependent on its characteristics and purpose. Most modern valves are multitasking fixtures that can perform any number of duties.
Valves can be simple devices or they can be as complex as is necessary. Even though their purpose may be similar, the mechanics of the valve can change.
Types of Valves
There is a wide range of valve types available that are ideal for certain applications. Some of the most common valves include:
Ball Valve
Quarter-turn ball valves are the most widely used valve type. A ball valve involves a ball under the stem, which controls the valve. The ball has a hole bored through the center. The stem rotates the ball to allow it to open or close.
Check Valve
A check valve regulates the flow direction of fluids. They are made up of two ports — an inlet and an outlet. Their primary function is to prevent backflow. Check valves depend on pressure differential to function properly. They are opened and closed by the pressure of the media passing through.
Wafer Valve/Butterfly Valve
A wafer valve, also known as a butterfly valve, uses a flat, disc-shaped piece for obstruction. A single seal ring creates a seal between the valve’s body and disc. If the disc is rotated 90°, the media travels around the disc. The flow is stopped when the disc returns to its perpendicular position.
Plug Valve
The plug valve’s construction is virtually identical to that of a ball valve. The difference is the shape of the obstruction. Instead of a ball under the stem, the plug valve has a tapered cylinder with a hole bored through the center, like a ball valve. Plug valves are also opened and closed with a 90° turn.
Stainless and Carbon Steel
Stainless steel valves are most commonly used in processing environments, including processes involving corrosive substances, stringent sanitization regulations, or processes involving extreme pressures or temperatures. Carbon steel offers flexible mechanical properties and excellent resistance to stress corrosion.
Forged Steel Valves
These valves are forged from solid steel blocks that are subjected to extreme thermal energy and mechanical pressure. The resulting valves are extremely strong. They are used in a variety of industries, including aeronautics, agriculture, automobile, brickworks, power and water industries, and many more.
Pressure Seal Valves
Pressure seals adjust to accommodate the internal diameter of the valve. They are used in processes that require intense pressure, such as refineries, pulp or paper plants, and power generation plants. The minimum operating pressure for these valves must be over 500 psi.
Cryogenic Valves
These valves are designed for applications involving extreme cold. They are most commonly found in mechanisms that use compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas.
Industrial Diaphragm Valves
Also called membrane valves, diaphragm valves control fluid movement. The valve has an entrance and exit. A flexible diaphragm is connected to a compressor. Instead of closure by pinching, the diaphragm is pushed into place to shut off.
Applications
Valves are important components of devices in virtually every industry. Some of the most prevalent valve applications include:
- Pharmaceutical: Valves in this industry must be corrosion resistant and sterile to process the harsh chemicals involved in pharmaceutical production.
- Food: In the food industry, valves facilitate the processing of food and must be nonabsorbent to prevent bacterial growth.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing processes require durable, heat resistant, and corrosion resistant valves.
- Chemical/Petrochemical: The chemical industry requires accurate valves with tight seals to prevent leakage and cross-contamination.
- High-temperature Applications: Ball valves are suitable for high-temperature applications as they can support temperatures up to 392°F.
- Oil & Gas: Valves in the oil and gas industry must meet industry regulations and be able to endure extreme pressure and temperatures.
- Marine: Valves on marine vessels serve many purposes from processing wastewater to regulating and storing the ship’s power supply.
- Media: Media is the substance passing through the valve and can include air, liquid, gas, steam, slurry, and much more. Certain valves are better suited for certain media.
- Pipelines: Valves are crucial in pipelines to transport media to their final destination. Pipeline valves must have the ability to be cleaned and inspected.
Benefits
Depending on the application, valves offer many advantages to applications in a diverse range of industries, including:
- Simple installation
- Reduced waste
- Environmentally friendly
- Financial gain
- Saves money
American Precision
American Precision Supply specializes in the distribution of industrial valve supplies. We offer full-service and cost-effective solutions for a range of applications and industries.
American Precision Supply is one of the Midwest’s most esteemed industrial valve distributors. Our list of brands is as full and diverse as our product line. We offer products from such quality suppliers as Cameron, Xomox, Crane, ChemPharma, Milwaukee Valve, Homestead, Keckley, and Orbinox. Our vast inventory and buying ability allow us to offer nearly any type of valve, for a wide range of needs. We also have custom automated valve packages. Contact us to see how we can help or request a quote today.
