Valves

Overview

Valves are those that are used to control the flow of liquid or gas, which is manually controlled by pedals, levers, hand wheels, or power. The most common type of valve is a simple hand wheel valve. Valves are used in a wide range of applications including industrial, military, residential, commercial, and more. Most people have these sorts of valves in their homes to open and close natural gas lines and water lines. The chief users of valves are oil and gas, mining, power production, water reticulation, and sewage and chemical industries.

Plumbing valves in an industrial environment are also similar to those used in homes that include flush valve used on toilets, faucet valves, and stops. Other common types include butterfly, ball, gate, globe, relief and solenoid valves. Magnatrol Valve, Marcworks, Simco, and Dwyer are some popular industrial equipment and valve manufactures, though most companies that make industrial supplies also make valves and piping equipment.

How it Works

The working mechanisms of valves are very simple. The turning of a handle, lever, hand wheel or the flipping of a switch causes the valve to close or open. When the valve closes, whatever has been traveling through the pipe is blocked from going further at the point of the valve. Opening removed the valve's apparatus from the pipe and allows the flow to start or continue. Some of the most common types of valves operate in a similar way. Ball valves contain a ball in the pipe with a hole that runs through it, allowing the flow. When the hand wheel or handle is turned, the ball rotates so that the holes face the sides of the pipe rather that the flow of liquid or gas, blocking the pipe.

Butterfly valves usually contain a disk within the pipe. By turning the handle for about 45 degrees, you spin the disk so that it blocks the flow. Gate valves are very straightforward in operation, with a flat "gate" that lifts and lowers as the handle is turned and it spins through the threads. Globe valves contain a spherical shape that when lowered, the flow of liquid is simply plugged.

Benefits

When you need to purchase new valves or replace old ones, it is not only beneficial to choose the right type but also crucial. Just as when choosing pumps and pipes, you will need to make sure that any liquid that will be traveling through the valve will not corrode the materials. Valves design for use with a water pipe might not be something you could use for a pipe that carries certain chemicals or liquids with certain chemical properties.

The temperature of the liquid or gas to be sent through the pipe is also a factor. Some valves cannot stand up to hot temperatures; some will not work as well with cold liquids. The thickness or viscosity of the liquid will also be a factor in choosing valves constructed from certain materials.

Costs

Small hand wheel valves can cost $10 or less, while power-operated valves can easily cost a few hundred dollars. Large manually operated valves can reach into the hundreds of dollars too. You can select valves that best suits your requirement.

Timing

The requirement of valves has been increased considerably due to expansion of industrialization. It is very essential for any building construction, piping, and more. You can install valves at any time.