What is a valve?

What is a valve?

A valve is a component of the piping network. It is a mechanical device, controlling or modifying the flow and pressure within a pipeline that convey liquids and gases. A valve stops, allows, control and modifies flow of a fluid media. It forbids the flow of the fluid in the opposite direction i.e. backwards.

A valve blocks a pipe either partially or totally, thereby regulating the amount of liquid or gas that flows through it. Valves are automatic too; they permit the flow of the inner substance in only one direction. Valves can be operated:

• Manually
• Automatically
• Pneumatically
• Hydraulically
• With the help of an actuator

Gas cooktop, toilet flushes, washing machine, taps, hot water geysers, boilers, public and private water systems, irrigation canals, sprinkler systems, etc. are a few examples of the daily machine we use that are regulated by valves.

Main function

The valve carries out the following functions –

• To enable and stop the flow of media (liquid or gas)
• To increase or decrease the flow of media
• To regulate the direction of media flow
• To regulate the pressure of media flow
• To relieve the pipeline of pressure

What is a valve made of?

A valve is made of plastic, rubber and metal.

The outer part of the valve, the seat, is made of a solid metal casting on the outside with a soft inner rubber or plastic seal. This metal-rubber-plastic combination helps the valve to have a tight end.

The inside part of the valve, called the body, fits into the seat when the valve is closed. It is the body that opens and closes.

Classification of valve

A valve is classified depending on its mechanical motion.

• Linear motion valve – In these valves, the closure member moves in a straight path, stopping or letting the flow.
• Rotary motion valve – In these valves, the closure member moves in a circular path, stopping or letting the flow.
• Quarter turn valve - – In these valves, the closure member requires approximately a quarter turn, to close or open in entirely.

To know more about valves visit http://www.steelagealloys.com /

As a budding writer, I'm trying to simplify jargons of the Steel industry by breaking them into small, lucid articles, in a Q&A format. I hope my content helps readers.