Introduction

Valves are designed to start, stop, and regulates the flow, pressure of gases , liquids, and sometimes solids within pipelines and other containers. They can be manually operated or automated, the design varies depending on the specific application. This article will explore the valve functions and types to help you make the right choice when selecting valves.

Valve Functions Types

The many valves available today serve five primary functions.

On/Off. This is the most basic type of valve function. On/off valves start or stop the flow of fluid, and there are many different types of  valves to choose from:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Diaphragm-Sealed Valves

Bellow-Sealed Valves

High Purity Ball Valves

    Flow control. These valves help adjust the flow through a system, providing functionality from simple regulation to fine metering. Needle valves are commonly used to control flow, and they can also provide switching functions when necessary. The flow rate will depend on the orifice size, valve stem type, and valve stem position, which are controlled by rotating the valve handle.

Directional flow. This valve function ensures that flow is headed in the desired direction and can change the direction of flow in the system. High Purity Check Valves and multi-port ball valves are commonly used for directional control. Importantly, directional valves provide on/off functionality when changing flow; they do not throttle flow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Over-pressure protection. This function prevents system pressure buildup beyond a prescribed limit. Unloading devices are very important in any system operating under pressure, serving as the last line of defense against overpressure conditions.       Relief valves can be calibrated to automatically open when a predetermined pressure level is reached. They protect your plant while also ensuring that production can continue in the case of overpressure.

Excess flow control. The excessive flow valves helps to limit the uncontrolled release of system media, so that when the flow through the valve increases to a predetermined value, it will be activated to prevent the rapid escape and leakage of fluid. If an excessive flow condition occurs downstream, the lifting valve core of valve will quickly move to disconnected or fully forward position, thereby preventing the uncontrolled release of most of the system media.

Conclusion

With a fuller understanding of flow and how different types of valves can help control it, you will be better equipped to make the proper selection in your fluid system design.

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