Most people beyond the industry experts are unaware of the importance industrial pipe valves play in running our modern society. A grim reminder came recently when failed pipe valves in Texas caused some 315,000 families to lose power for days. Valves have a valuable and important job to do, wherever they are installed.
Industrial valves are used in every major industry from submarines to nuclear power plants. Do you know the pipe valve types and their applications? Keep reading as we explain in detail different types of valves and what they are used for.
Types of Pipe Valves
A pipe valve is a mechanical or electrical device that regulates, directs, and controls the pressure and amount of substance flowing in a pipe. The type of valve used depends on the job it must do. Valves are categorized into the following types by their operating principle:
- Ball valve: 90° shut off/on without pressure drop
- Butterfly valve: control flow and pressure
- Choke valve: high-pressure drops with cylinders
- Diaphragm: used in pharmaceutical applications
- Gate valve: low pressure drop on/off control
- Globe valve: used to regulate flow through a pipe
- Knife valve: same as a gate valve but smaller
- Needle valve: Allows for accurate flow control
- Pinch valve: Regulation and control of slurry
- Piston valve: regulates fluids that carry solids
- Plug valve: a slim valve for on/off control (some pressure drop)
- Solenoid valve: used for pneumatic or hydraulic fluid control (electric)
- Spool valve: similar to a choke valve used for hydraulic control
All valve types fall into one of the above categories, but perhaps a better way of understanding different valve types is to name them by their function. Valves are grouped into the following functions:
- Check valve: non-return valve that only allows fluid to pass in one direction
- Flow control valve: controls and maintains the flow rate
- Poppet valve: regulates fuel mixture
- Pressure reducing valve: regulates fluid pressure
- Safety valve or relief valve: automatic release of access pressure
As you can see there are many types of valves for many different applications and there are dozens more specific types of valves we didn’t mention above. Let’s look at some industry-specific valves next.
Valves Used in Cement Production
Concrete is the most used building material in the world. Concrete is made according to different ratios of cement, sand, and aggregates. In cement factories, where ready mixed concrete is made, valves control the amount of each to the mixer or truck.
Diverting/converging valves control the flow of powder cement to silos and hauling trucks. Valves used in cement production must be able to handle dry solids and abrasive materials. Our patented bulk material valves use rotating disc valve technology to outperform and outlast inferior gate valves.
Valves Used in Power Generation
Power generation plants rely on a variety of valves including shut-off and control valves to operate and operate efficiently. The conditions in a power plant’s systems include excessive heat and wear.
Valves used in power generation often leak, size, and fail to shut off due to the harsh conditions. The impact of a failed valve in power generation is immeasurable. The entire plant needs to shut down to repair or replace even one valve.
Valves Used in Petroleum Production
Working in oil and gas production is one of the most dangerous jobs, with 1,566 workers losing their lives in America from 2008 to 2017. When valves fail or leak in a drilling operation lives are at stake, not to mention millions of dollars in high-tech equipment.
Nothing but long-lasting and reliable valves should be used for the critical sealing applications of petroleum production. The tough and long-lasting design of everlasting valves is perfect for the hard and dirty job of removing contaminants from crude oil.
Valves Used in Chemical Manufacturing
Another industry that can little afford leaking or failing valves is the chemical industry. The ball and gate valves often used to control the flow of chemicals in the factory, are prone to wear as they open and close. Due to the nature of chemical processing, valves that can withstand high-cycling abrasive environments and high temperatures are a must.
What Kind of Valves Does Everlasting Valve Manufacture?
We manufacture valves that are used in the harshest conditions. When reliability for the long haul is a must, our clients know where to get valves that will stand the test of time. We have four valves with endless applications.
Process Valves
Built on our original revolutionary self-lapping and rotating disc-valve technology our process valves are able to withstand anything you throw at them. Everlasting valves outperform ball valves in handling chemicals, slurry, heated liquid, and dry solids.
Diverter Valves
These valves are specifically designed to handle the harshest environment and abrasive media modern manufacturing plants have to offer. Downtime created by faulty valves is a thing of the past when you choose Everlasting Valves. Our Diverter Valves outlast the competition by decades and the reliability of clog-free operation with our self-cleaning design will keep your operation going till your next planned shutdown.
Bulk Material Valves
Industrial pipe valve fittings that can withstand dirty, extremely abrasive, high temperature, and high cycling applications are hard to come by. In fact, you can really only find a bulk material valve that is up to the job at Everlasting Valves. Our patented Bulk Material Valve is the best-performing and longest-lasting on the market.
Boiler Valve
Industrial steam applications are brutal on traditional globe valves. We have been selling or boiler valve for over a century and the reputation we built on its performance speaks for itself. Our boiler blowdown valve is designed to handle the harsh conditions of steam-boiler operation, effectively clearing sludge and impurities with a valve seat that wears in not out.
Industrial Pipe Valves that Last
Piping is only as reliable as the line’s weakest link. When it comes to industrial pipe valves, you can’t afford to comprise on quality. Everlasting Valve Co. is not just our company name, it’s what we do. Request a quote from our industrial piping specialists and valve experts today.