Industrial Pipe Valves: 6 Types Explained

By Author: Aira Euro
Total Articles: 2
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A valve directs or regulates flow by opening, closing, or partially blocking passageways. The valve is used in everything from pumping soap out of a dispenser to starting a jet.

You also need to be familiar with industrial valves and fittings in order to be a pipe expert. Without valves, you cannot control the flow of your pipes. We will discuss some valve types and their applications below.

Gate Valves
In the industry, gate valves are the most common form of valve. They open by lifting a gate out of the path of the fluid. Gate valves are designed to be fully open or closed; they are usually used as block valves to isolate pipes.

When a gate valve is open, there is no obstruction in the flow path, which results in little or no friction loss. Gate valves are used when a straight-line flow of fluid and minimal restriction are desired.

Typically, these are controlled by a hand-wheel, an air-powered diaphragm, an electric motor, or a piston mechanism.
Globe Valves
A globe valve is used to control the flow of fluid in a pipeline, rather than having the all-or-nothing functionality of ...
... a gate valve. Globe valves are regulated by the position of a movable disk (or plug) in relation to a stationary ring seat.

There are two types of globe valves: those with ports that run straight across and those pointed at an angle. In general, this type of angled supply valve is used for corrosive or thick, viscous fluids that tend to solidify. When outlets on an angled supply valve point downward, the fluid can drain off to prevent corrosion and impediment.
Needle Valves
A needle valve is essentially a variation of the globe valve used to regulate flow very precisely. The needle valve has a slender, tapered plug, unlike the globe valve's larger and less accurate disk.
Butterfly Valve
Butterfly valves are also designed to regulate flow, but with limited control. In this case, a handle is rotated 90 degrees in order to operate an industrial valve and fitting. Butterfly valves are not typically thought to offer positive shut-off, but modern technology has facilitated the production of a bubble-tight shut-off.
Check Valves
Check valves, also referred to as NRVs (non-return valves), allow fluid to flow in only one direction. Their purpose is to prevent backflow. There are many types of "stoppers" that stop backflow in check valves. Ball check valves and piston check valves operate by requiring a minimum amount of inbound flow pressure; backflow isn't strong enough to drive the ball or piston back up to travel in the opposite direction. Fluid in a swing check valve passes through a hinged flap that can only open in one direction, ensuring the fluid cannot travel in the opposite direction.
Relief Valves
A relief valve, also known as a safety valve, is an industrial valve and fitting installed to limit the amount of pressure in a system. An angled supply valve of this type is strictly for preventing over-pressure that could damage the system.
Ball Valves
Ball valves provide excellent shut-off capabilities. Just a quarter-turn 90 degrees opens or closes the valve completely. As a result, the valve operation time is minimized and the likelihood of leakage due to wear of the gland seal is minimized.

Ball valves in the industrial sector can be divided into two categories: reduced port ball valves and full port ball valves. Reduced port ball valves have valve openings that are smaller than the diameter of the piping; full port ball valves have valve openings of the same size as the diameter of the piping. The benefit of full port ball valves is that they minimize the pressure drop across the Valve Suppliers in Jordan.

Aira Euro Automation is a leading Valve Manufacturing Company in India. They have a wide range of valves that are operated by pneumatic and manually.