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Controlling Valve - What are the Most Common Valve Types?

Numerous valve types are available for usage in a wide range of sectors and applications. When it relates to flow control valves, they come in a variety of configurations; some are clever enough to automatically adapt to pressure and temperature differences. Flow control valves, regardless of their structure, are used to restrict the flow or force of fluids, and they often respond to signals given by flow meters or temperature gauges.

What Is a Flow Control Valve's Purpose?

Flow control valves may perform a variety of duties in a hydraulic flow system, depending on the type utilized. A flow control valve is usually used to manage the speed of engines or cylinders inside a system. This function is achievable because a flow control valve has the capacity to alter the rate of energy transmission at any point in a system by altering the flow rate.

The Types of Valves

The most common types ordered by valves suppliers include:

1.  Gate Valves

Gate valves are general-purpose valves that are generally utilized in on/off, non-throttling applications. Gate valves are utilized in applications that need a straight-line flow of fluid with little turbulence. Gate valves are one sort of desirable control valve limitation. Gate valves are operated by rotating the stem clockwise to shut (CTC) or clockwise to open (CTO). When an operator adjusts the stem, the gate travels up or down on the threaded step, that is why it is a multi-turn valve; the valve must turn numerous times from open to closed, and this sluggish action eliminates water hammer effects. Additionally, engineers use gate valves where low-pressure drop and a free bore are necessary. Typical gate valves contain no obstructions in the flow stream, resulting in very little pressure loss.

2. Globe Valves

Globe valves are linear motion valves that stop, start, and control flow. Globe valves are closed by lowering a plug with a flat as well as convex bottom onto a horizontal seat located in the valve's center. When the valve is opened, the stopper is raised to enable fluid to flow. Globe valves are utilized for on/off and throttling applications since the valve's disc may be fully withdrawn from the flow stream or totally closed. While this form of flow control valve produces somewhat larger pressure dips than straight-through valves such as a gate, plug, or ball valve, it is useful in circumstances when the pressure is low through the valve is irrelevant.

3. Pinch Valves

Pinch valves are economical flow control valves that are appropriate for sludges or liquids containing considerable volumes of suspended particles. Pinch valves operate by pinching one or even more flexible parts, such as rubber tubes, to shut off the flow. These rubber sleeves are the only component of the valve that is wet, and their flexibility enables pinch valves to seal securely around entrapped particles. To activate pinch valves, air or hydraulic pressure is applied directly to the elastomer sleeve. The body of a pinch valve functions as an integrated actuator, obviating the need for costly hydraulic, pneumatic, as well as electric operators and enhancing the cost-effectiveness of this form of the flow controlling valve.

Conclusion

Flow control valves are utilized in a number of different applications, including plumbing, electromechanical, and gas dispensing. When selecting the right flow control valve for a purpose, several elements must be considered, including the fluid's characteristics, service conditions, the frequency with which the valve is used, as well as maintenance and environmental concerns.

With a number of valve types available, we at Meshkat Automation, one of the best valves manufacturers in Saudi Arabia, will help in evaluating the function and performance of different valves against the requirements of your application can assist you in selecting the most appropriate flow control valve for your applications.