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Views: 45 Author: Amy Xiong Publish Time: 2024-10-20 Origin: www.wktipvf.com
Industrial valves play a crucial role in various applications,and understanding their different types is essential. To ensure quality and reliability,industry-standard certifications are necessary.These certifications guarantee that valves meet specific performance and safety standards.When selecting valves,factors such as material compatibility,pressure ratings,and temperature limitations should be considered.Proper installation and regular maintenance are also vital to ensure optimal valve performance.By staying informed about the latest trends and best practices,industries can make informed decisions and enhance their operations.Valve categorization depends on several considerations.For this article,valves are categorized according to the functions.Some take only one while most have two,depending on the valve design.If you're looking for industrial valve manufacturer in China,you can get more information by check our guide for Chinese valve manufacturers.
Valve Type | Applications | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Gate Valve | 1. High temperature and pressure conditions 2. On-off applications | 1. Low friction loss 2. Can be used in both directions | 1. Cannot be opened/closed quickly 2. Cause vibrations |
Globe Valve | 1. Throttling purposes 2. High-temperature applications | 1. Good throttling and full-closing characteristics 2. Short opening-closing time | 1. Higher pressure loss 2. Require larger force or torque to close under high pressure |
Ball Valve | 1. Flow and pressure control 2. Corrosive fluids, gases, and liquids | 1. Compact and low-maintenance design 2. Cost-effectiveLeak-proof service | 1. Not suitable for permanent throttling 2. Particles in fluid can cause leakage and abrasion |
Butterfly Valve | Water supply, wastewater treatment, gas supply, chemical and oil industries | 1. Accurate and reliableLow maintenance 2. Throttling capabilityEasy installation and removal without dislocation | 1. No tight shut-offs 2. Pressure drop across the valve, regardless of the setting |
Check Valve | Pump and compressor protection | 1. Prevent backflow 2. Sustain pressureServe as backup system | 1. Not suitable for pulsating systems 2. Closing element may cause damage and wear |
Learn about most 5 common type of industrial valves: gate valves,globe valves,ball valves,butterfly valves and check valves as well as their respective advantages,disadvantages,and applications.
Ball valve is part of the quarter turn valve family.The distinct feature of a ball valve is its hollow ball-shaped disc that acts to stop or start media flow.The ball disc is one of the quickest valves because itonly needs a quarter turn to open or close.
Advantages
● Great shut on/off capability.
● Minimal leakage through wear & tear if properly used.
● Low maintenance cost.
● Minimal pressure drop.
● Time & labor effective to operate.
Disadvantages
● Not suitable as control or throttling valve.
● Not suitable for thicker media as sedimentation could occur and damage the valve disc & seat.
● Surge pressure could occur due to rapid closing and opening.
Applications
Ball valves are suitable for fluid, gaseous and vapor applications that need bubble-tight shutting down. While primarily for low pressure uses, high pressure and high temperature applications apply to ball valves with metal seats.
Butterfly valve is also part of the quarter turn valve family. What makes butterfly valve distinct from the other valves is the flat to a concave disc that attaches to the valve stem.
Positioned in the middle of the valve with the stem bored into it or attached at one side, the disc blocks media flow when the valve is closed. The stem adds support to the disc. This design allows butterfly valve to throttle when there is incremental opening of the valve.
Advantages
● Compact design.
● Lightweight.
● Minimal pressure drop.
● Easy to install.
Disadvantages
● Limited throttling capabilities.
● Strong pressure may affect disc movement.
Applications
Butterfly valves are often used in water and gas applications where there is a need to isolate or interrupt the flow of media. Butterfly valves are great for processes that use large diameter pipes. They are also suitable for slurries, cryogenics, and vacuum services.
Check valve relies on internal pressure,instead of outside action,for opening and closing.Also known as non-return valve,prevention of backflow is the main function of a check valve.
Advantages
● Simple design.
● No need for human intervention.
● Effectively prevent backflow.
● Can be used as a backup system.
Disadvantages
● Not great for throttling.
● The disc may potentially get stuck in the open position.
Applications
Check valves are used in applications that need backflow prevention such as pumps and compressors.Feed pumps in steam boilers often use check valves.Chemical and power plants have a variety of processes that also utilize check valves. Check valves are also used when there is a combination of gases in one pipeline.
Gate valve is another member of shut off/on valve family.What makes this unique is its disc movement is linear.The disc is either gate or wedge-shaped,which has an effective shut-off and on mechanism. Gate valve is primarily suited for isolation.
While it is possible to use it as a throttling valve,this is not advisable as the disc may get damaged by media vibration.The surge of the media can damage the disc when gate valves are used half-closed in a throttling application.
Advantages
● No media flow resistance since the gate does not obstruct the flow when fully opened.
● Can be used in bi-directional flows.
● Simple design.
● Suitable for pipes with large diameters.
Disadvantages
● Not good throttlers since accurate control is not possible.
● Media flow intensity could damage the gate or disc when used for throttling.
Applications
Gate valves are great shut off/on valves for any application.They are suitable for wastewater applications and neutral liquids.Gases that range between -200C and 700C with a maximum 16 bar pressure can use gate valves.Knife gate valves are used for slurries and powder media.
Globe valve looks like a globe with a plug-type disc.It is part of the linear motion valve family.Aside from being a great turn off/on valve,globe valve also has great throttling capabilities.
Similar to gate valve,globe valve disc moves up unobstructedly to allow the flow of media.This is a great valve alternative for applications that do not require high-pressure drops.
Advantages
● Better shutting mechanism than gate valve.
● Wear & tear is not an issue even for frequent use.
● Easy to repair as disassembly is easy.
Disadvantages
● High-pressure loss could occur from obstructions of the media flow path
● Not great for high-pressure applications.
Applications
Globe valves perform well when the major concern is leakage.High point vents and low point drains use globe valves.Also,globe valves work when the pressure drop is not a concern.Regulated flow applications such as cooling water systems use globe valves.Other applications for globe valves include feedwater systems,chemical feed systems,extraction drain systems and the likes.
When selecting industrial valves for specific applications,several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure optimal performance,safety,and efficiency.Here are some key factors to consider:
1:Operating Conditions: Evaluate the operating conditions,including fluid type,temperature, pressure,and flow rate.Choose valves that are compatible with the characteristics of the fluid and can withstand the operating conditions without compromising performance or integrity.
2:Valve Type:Select the appropriate valve type based on the intended application and process requirements.Consider factors such as shut-off capabilities,flow control,and regulation needs.Common valve types include gate valves,ball valves,butterfly valves,globe valves,and check valves,each offering unique advantages and functionalities.
3:Material Compatibility:Consider the compatibility of valve materials with the fluid being handled and the surrounding environment.Ensure that the valve materials are resistant to corrosion,erosion,and chemical exposure to maintain long-term durability and reliability.
4:Size and Connection:Determine the required valve size and connection specifications based on the pipeline or system parameters.Choose valves with compatible sizes and connection types to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance within the existing infrastructure.
5:Operational Requirements: Assess the operational requirements,such as actuation method (manual, pneumatic, electric),control mechanisms,and automation capabilities.Select valves that align with the desired operation mode,control precision, and system integration needs to achieve efficient and reliable performance.
6:Compliance and Standards:Verify that the selected valves comply with industry standards, regulations, and certifications relevant to the application,such as API, ANSI, ASME, ISO, and NACE standards. Ensure that the valves meet quality,safety,and performance requirements to minimize risks and ensure compliance with regulatory mandates.
7:Maintenance and Serviceability:Consider the ease of maintenance, repair, and servicing requirements when choosing industrial valves.Select valves with accessible components,clear maintenance instructions,and readily available spare parts to facilitate routine maintenance and minimize downtime during servicing or repairs.
8:Lifecycle Costs:Evaluate the total lifecycle costs associated with the selected valves,including initial purchase price,installation costs,maintenance expenses,and potential energy savings.Choose valves that offer the best value proposition over the entire lifecycle,considering factors such as reliability, durability,and operational efficiency.
By carefully considering these factors when choosing industrial valves, engineers and professionals can make informed decisions that align with the specific application requirements,operational needs, and performance objectives, ultimately ensuring optimal performance, reliability,and safety in industrial processes.
| Certificate | Required Area | Issuing Agency/Organization |
| API 6D | Oil and gas industry | American Petroleum Institute |
| API 600 | Bolted bonnet steel gate valves | American Petroleum Institute |
| API 607 | Fire-safe ball valves | American Petroleum Institute |
| ASME B16.34 | Valves for pressure-temperature ratings | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| ASME Section VIII | Pressure vessels | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management systems | International Organization for Standardization |
| ISO 14001 | Environmental management systems | International Organization for Standardization |
| ISO 15848 | Industrial valves for fugitive emissions | International Organization for Standardization |
| EN 1984 | Industrial valves for general purposes | European Committee for Standardization |
| PED 2014/68/EU | Pressure equipment directive | European Committee for Standardization |
| CSA Z245.15 | Steel valves for petroleum and natural gas industries | Canadian Standards Association |
| CSA B51 | Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code | Canadian Standards Association |
| AS 1210 | Pressure vessels | Standards Australia |
| AS 2683 | Industrial valves – Copper alloy gate, globe, and non-return valves | Standards Australia |
Note:This is not an exhaustive list,and there may be additional certifications and organizations specific to other regions.
To prolong the life of your industrial valves, regular maintenance is essential.This includes inspections,lubrication, cleaning,and replacing worn or damaged components.It’s also important to monitor valve performance and follow a preventative maintenance schedule.By staying informed and following these guidelines, you can ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your industrial valve systems.
