10 Different Types of Valves and Their Uses

Does your industry also require regular regulation of fluid flow rates or restriction of intensity through pipelines? If yes, then valves are the one-stop solution. Each type of valve has certain specifications, applications, and efficacy. This article will provide you with detailed information about different types of valves, its uses, and its features.

Overview of Valves

A valve is a compact device used to regulate flow and pressure within a system. These are important for industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, water treatment, etc. Choosing the right valve will allow businesses to save power, decrease energy usage and stabilize system reliability.

Different Types of Valves and Their Uses

Valves regulate the fluid flow in a system through a flap, disc or a plug. Each valve has its own characteristics which are discussed below. These valves are an essential component of various industrial processes. The types of valves are as follows.

1. Gate Valve

Gate valves are like doors, permitting fluid flow to start and stop. They have gate-like flaps that open or close the valve by moving up and down, making them ideal for on/off control without pressure drop.

Features

• Operation: Linear motion with a rising or non-rising stem.
• Flow Control: Full flow access when completely open with less pressure loss.
• Durability: Works well in high-pressure & temperature environments.

Uses

• Primary Use: Ideal for on/off control with low-pressure drop.
• Common Applications: Used in water supply systems, wastewater treatment, and oil and gas pipelines.

Advantages

• Efficient Flow Control: Offers low resistance to fluid flow.
• Durable Construction: Withstands harsh conditions.
• Versatile: Can handle a wide range of fluids.

Disadvantages

• Not for Flow Regulation: Not ideal for throttling or regulating flow.
• Slow Operation: Requires time to open or close fully.

Suitability

• Best for applications where full open or closed position is required, such as water supply systems and oil pipelines.

2. Ball Valve

Ball valves control fluid flow when it is rotated at an angle aligning with the fluid flow using a spherical ball. Once the ball hole aligns with the flow of fluid the valve opens, and at 90 degrees it closes making it easy to control flow.

Features

• Operation: Rotary motion with a 90-degree turn.
• Sealing: Tight sealing, ideal for shutoff applications.
• Material Compatibility: Available in various materials to handle different fluids.

Uses

• Primary Use: Provides reliable sealing and quick shut-off.
• Common Applications: Widely used in natural gas and oil pipelines, as well as in manufacturing and chemical processing.

Advantages

• Quick Operation: Simple and fast to open or close.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal wear and tear due to fewer moving parts.
• Excellent Sealing: Prevents leakage effectively.

Disadvantages

• Not for Throttling: Can cause erosion if used for regulating flow.
• Limited Temperature Range: May not be suitable for extreme temperatures.

Suitability

• Ideal for systems requiring reliable and fast shutoff, such as chemical processing and water treatment.

3. Globe Valve

Globe valves are majorly used to control flow in pipelines. They are spherical in shape, with an integrated baffle to easily control flow using a moving plug. 

Features

• Operation: Linear motion with a movable plug.
• Flow Control: Provides good throttling and flow regulation.
• Sealing: Tight shutoff capability.

Uses

• Primary Use: Best for regulating flow and providing precise control.
• Common Applications: Common in HVAC systems, oil and gas, and water treatment plants.

Advantages

• Precise Control: Excellent for regulating flow rates.
• Durable: Handles high pressure and temperature conditions.
• Leakage Prevention: Effective sealing mechanism.

Disadvantages

• Pressure Drop: Higher resistance compared to other valves.
• Complex Design: More parts, leading to higher maintenance.

Suitability

• Best for applications requiring precise flow control, such as steam systems and cooling water circuits.

4. Check Valve

Check valves are one way valves that prevent backflow of fluid to avoid any equipment damage. They are automatic and work on pressure differences in the system.

Features

• Operation: Non-return valve with automatic function.
• Design: Available in various designs, including swing and lift types.
• Flow Direction: Ensures unidirectional flow.

Uses

• Primary Use: Prevents backflow in a system.
• Common Applications: Used in water and wastewater systems and in pumping applications.

Advantages

• Automatic Operation: No manual intervention required.
• Protects Equipment: Prevents backflow and potential damage.

Disadvantages

• Flow Restriction: Can create some resistance to flow.
• Not for High Pressure: May not work well for high-pressure systems.

Suitability

• Ideal for systems where backflow prevention is critical, such as in pumps and compressors.

5. Butterfly Valve

These valves control the fluid flow by using a rotating disk. The rotation is around the axis to permit, block or throttle flow. Butterfly valves are suitable for large-scale applications.

Features

• Operation: Rotary motion with a 90-degree turn.
• Design: Easy to install, compact & lightweight.

Uses

• Primary Use: Ideal for large-volume water, gas, and airflow control.
• Common Applications: Utilized in water treatment plants, HVAC systems, and food processing.

Advantages

• Space-saving: Compact design, requiring less space.
• Cost-Effective: Economical for large-scale operations.
• Versatile: Handles a wide range of fluids and glasses.

Disadvantages

• Flow Interruption: Disc remains in the flow path even when fully open.
• Potential Leakage: May not seal as tightly as other valves.

Suitability

• Best for large pipes and systems requiring moderate flow control, such as HVAC systems and water distribution networks.

6. Diaphragm Valve

These valves use a flexible diaphragm to control the flow. The diaphragm is raised or lowered to open or close the valve. Diaphragm valves are suitable to handle corrosive or abrasive fluids.

Features

• Operation: Linear motion with a flexible diaphragm.
• Sealing: Provides good sealing, preventing contamination.
• Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for corrosive fluids.

Uses

• Primary Use: Suitable for handling corrosive and abrasive fluids.
• Common Applications: Chemical industry, pharmaceutical production, & food processing.

Advantages

• Good for Abrasive Fluids: Handles abrasive and corrosive materials effectively.
• Leak-Proof: Tight sealing, reducing the risk of leaks.

Disadvantages

• Limited Pressure: Not suitable for high-pressure applications.
• Diaphragm Wear: Frequent replacement of the diaphragm may be needed.

Suitability

• Pharmaceuticals and food processing industries need a sterile and contamination-free environment.

7. Needle Valve

Needle valves are designed for precise flow control. They use a small, needle-shaped plunger that fits into a conical seat, allowing fine adjustments to fluid flow.

Features

• Operation: Linear motion with fine adjustment capability.
• Flow Control: Excellent for precise flow regulation.
• Compact Design: Suitable for small pipes and systems.

Uses

• Primary Use: Provides precise flow control, especially in small systems.
• Common Applications: Used in fuel systems, vacuum systems, and delicate instrumentation controls.

Advantages

• Precision Control: Ideal for applications requiring fine adjustments.
• Low Flow Rates: Suitable for low-flow, high-pressure environments.
• Minimal Flow Disruption: Smooth operation with low turbulence.

Disadvantages

• Slow Operation: Requires careful adjustment for precise control.
• Not for Large Flows: Limited capacity for high-flow systems.

Suitability

• Ideal for laboratories and systems requiring exact control over fluid flow.

8. Pinch Valve

Pinch valves control the flow of fluid by pinching a flexible tube or sleeve, completely closing off the flow path when necessary. They are commonly used for handling slurries, powders, and other abrasive materials.

Features

• Operation: Pinching mechanism with a flexible tube.
• Flow Control: Good for both on/off and throttling applications.
• Material Compatibility: Handles a wide range of materials.

Uses

• Primary Use: Ideal for handling slurries, powders, and other particulate media.
• Common Applications: Found in wastewater treatment, mining operations, and food processing.

Advantages

• Non-Clogging: Ideal for abrasive and slurry materials.
• Simple Design: Few moving parts, leading to low maintenance.
• Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for corrosive fluids.

Disadvantages

• Limited Pressure Range: Not suitable for high-pressure applications.
• Tube Wear: The flexible tube may need regular replacement.

Suitability

• Best for industries dealing with abrasive materials or slurries, such as mining and wastewater treatment.

9. Plug Valve

Plug valves use a conical or cylindrical plug to regulate the fluid flow in a system. The plug has one or more hollow passageways that align with the flow path when the valve is open, providing quick and reliable flow control.

Features

• Operation: Rotary motion with a 90-degree turn.
• Flow Control: Provides quick shutoff with minimal pressure drop.
• Design: Simple construction, easy to maintain.

Uses

• Primary Use: Provides fast and easy operation with a simple design.
• Common Applications: Frequently used in pipelines carrying gas, oil, and chemical products.

Advantages

• Quick Operation: Fast and reliable on/off control.
• Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of fluids and glasses.
• Low Maintenance: Simple design with minimal parts.

Disadvantages

• Not for Throttling: Limited use in flow regulation.
• Sealing Issues: May not seal as tightly as other valves under certain conditions.

Suitability

• Ideal for systems requiring quick and frequent on/off control, such as oil and gas pipelines.

10. Solenoid Valve

Solenoid valves are electrically operated valves that control the flow of liquids or gasses. They are often employed in automated systems for precise control.

Features

• Electrically controlled for automated operation.

Advantages

• Fast and precise operation.
• Easily integrated into automated systems.

Disadvantages

• Requires a power source.
• May be more expensive than manual valves.

Suitability

• Ideal for automated systems requiring precise fluid control, particularly in applications where remote operation is needed.

Uses

• Primary Use: Provides automated fluid control
• Common Applications: Irrigation systems, HVAC systems, automotive industry, medical industry, etc.

Comparison and Analysis

Conclusion

A wide range of designs and configurations are available for valves. The task of choosing a valve is challenging due to the abundance of possibilities accessible. When selecting a valve for a certain application, it is important to take into account the desired level of safety and dependability, maintenance requirements, frequency of operation, fluid service conditions and features, isolation or regulatory requirements, and required function. Visit Industrybuying to choose from a diverse range of best-quality valves.