Valve Types and their Functions in Piping System

Valves are mechanical devices that direct or regulate the flow of fluids. They are used in industries to some extent, where we want to transfer any liquid from one place to another. It controls the flow and pressure of fluid within a system. Valves are the crucial components of a piping system that conveys liquids, gases, vapors, slurries and more.

There are different valve designs, types & models depending upon the type of industrial applications. Valves are the costly piping items in a process plant. So, it is essential to use the correct material for its construction. The selection of the right valves is crucial to the economics and operation of the plant.

Let’s have a look at some common types of valves:

Gate Valves

Gate valves are the most common types of valves used in industrial piping. It is a linear motion type valve used to allow or stop the fluid flow. For the plant process service, these valves are kept in a fully open or fully closed position.

Applications:

In fluid services such as air, fuel gas, steam, hydrocarbon, and more.

They are commonly used in water distribution piping systems and sewage pipes.

Types of Gate Valve:

Solid Wedge Gate Valve

Flexible Wedge Gate Valve

Parallel disk Gate Valve

Knife Gate Valve

Rising Stem Valve

Non-Rising Stem Valve

Globe Valve

It is a linear motion type valve used to stop, start and regulate the fluid flow. Global valves are usually used in piping systems to control more viscous fluids such as oil. They are appropriate for both on-site/off-site functions and flow rate control. It provides better shut off as compared to gate valves.

Applications:

In high point vents and low point drain where leak tightness are significant concerns

They are usually used in the feed water, chemical, air, oil and other services where pressure drop is not an issue.

Types of Globe Valve:

Z-type globe valve

Y-type globe valve

Angular globe valve

Check Valves

Check valves are designed to stop backflow in pipes. It is also known as a non-return valve (NRV). The pressure of the fluid passing through the pipe automatically opens the valve, while any reversal flow closes the valve.

Applications:

Used in the piping system to restrict the reverse flow

In discharge line of rotary equipment such as pump and compressor

Types of Check Valve:

Swing check valve

Titling disk

Lift type

Piston check valve

Ball-type

Stop check valve

Plug Valve

Plug valve is a quarter-turn rotational type of valve. It used a tapered or cylindrical plug to start or stop fluid flow. The disk is in plug shape with a route to pass the flow.

Applications:

In high pressure and high-temperature services

In fluid services such as air, gaseous, vapor, hydrocarbon, mud and sewage treatment

Types of Plug Valve:

Rectangular Port

Round Port

Diamond Port

Lubricated Plug Valve

Non-lubricated Plug Valves

Multi-Port Plug Valves

Conclusion:

The other valves can be used in different applications depending on their make and configuration. The nomenclature of valves is based on their design or shape or their function in fluid flow. Suppose you’re considering using valves in piping engineering design. In that case, it is paramount to outsource a multi-discipline engineering company to provide you the best option for your specific application.

Judith Morrison is an expert in the field of industrial engineering and writes articles related to piping, civil, equipment engineering related articles.