Different Types of Valves & Which You Should Choose

Different Types Of Valves

There are so many different types of valves on the market, we understand if you’re feeling confused about what kind of valve is best for your budget, your industry, and your specific plant environment. Not all valves are made alike, but many can stand in for another, making it even more challenging to sort through all the different types of valves. We’re here to break it down for you, so you can find the valves you need and get to work.

Before we get into the different types of valves available and their applications, let’s talk about valves in general. These small pieces of industrial equipment perform a lot of important work despite their small size. Valves generally regulate flow or shut it off (and turn it back on again). The different types of valves are typically variations in how the flow is regulated or shut off. Some valves can do both. Keep that in mind as you consider what you need in a valve.

Ball Valves

We’ll start with one of the most common of the different types of valves. Ball valves are used for shut-off purposes, operated with a simple turning mechanism. These are named ball valves because the closure unit is shaped like a ball. It has a bore through the middle, which allows for fluid to flow through it when the valve is in the open position. That simple turning mechanism moves the bore, closing the valve.

You’ll generally find ball valves in applications where a tight seal is essential. They are not suitable for throttling applications; using a ball valve like this practically guarantees early failure.

Gate Valves

Gate valves also stop or start the flow of liquid. Like ball valves, their name comes from the valve mechanism itself. When users turn a handle, it opens a gate which allows flow through. If the handle is turned the opposite way, the gate closes, and shuts off the flow.

Again, like a ball valve, these are ideal for simple on and off usage. Different types of valves are better suited to throttling; a gate valve will wear out quickly in this position.

Butterfly Valves

Similar to a ball valve, a butterfly valve operates with a quarter-turn. A disc-shaped part of the valve, held in the middle with a rod, opens and closes the flow as the handle turns. However, unlike the ball valves, a butterfly valve does well at regulating or throttling flow.

In many applications, butterfly valves are a better choice than ball or gate valves. This is not only because they can regulate flow, but because they weigh less, take up less space, cost less, and are easier to maintain with fewer moving parts that can erode or break.

Globe Valves

Not to be confused with a ball valve, a globe valve also opens and closes a flow path as well as regulating it. The rate of flow changes as the valve plug lifts out of the seat. The higher the plug is from the seat, the faster the flow moves through an S-shaped passageway.

These valves offer a high degree of control but can be slow to operate; the valve stem has to be turned several times to open or close the valve. If you need a quick response from your valves, you should look at different types of valves to find one that better suits your requirements.

Everlasting Valves

We’ve saved the best for last! There are still different types of valves out there — pinch valves, plug valves, needle valves, and check valves, to name a few — but an Everlasting Valve is all you need to handle anything any valve promises, and then some.

Our valves are the original rotating disc valves. Our rotating valves operate differently than any other valve on the market, with an open body design, and a self-lapping rotating disc that clears and shears away process material, keeping the valve clean and achieving a tighter seal every time the valve is used. Unlike other valves that wear out and erode, even when used as carefully as possible, our valves get better the more you use them. That holds true in even the harshest, most challenging industrial environments.

When you choose an Everlasting Valves product, selecting the right valve for your needs is easy. Our valves, including boiler-blowdown valves, diverter valves, bulk-material valves, and process valves, can replace practically any other valve, including those listed above. For a quote or to talk about custom valves, use our online contact form, give us a call at 908-769-0700, or email us at [email protected].