Throttling Valve Types: The Best Types Of Valves For Throttling

07-16-21

throttling valve and wrench

We get it; determining the best types of throttling valves can be a daunting process. We’ll go over in detail the different throttling valve types and their uses. No matter that industry, we are confident that the most appropriate valve is here.

Let’s get started by going over the basics, then conducting a deep dive into the world of throttling valves.

An Overview of Throttling Valve Types

A throttling valve, by definition, is a valve that can start, stop, and regulate the amount of fluid going from Point A to Point B.

Typically, there will be a higher amount of pressure on one side of the throttle valve with a lower amount of pressure on the opposite end. With a throttling valve, you’re able to control the amount of pressure going through. The more restricted a valve is, the more pressure will go through.

These valves are controlled with various methods. For example, a ball valve utilizes a wrench as a method of control versus a handwheel.

Ball Valves

The name says it all. A ball valve is just that, a metal ball with a hole going through its center sitting between two placeholders. Ball valves are a great option if a budget is at the top of the list. To get the best use of a ball valve, we recommend using it for throttling gases in low-flow circumstances.

A ball valve design allows it to close and hold fluids that are generally harder to contain, such as gas and vapor. It provides a minimal drop in pressure thanks to its nonsticking design when the valve is fully open. The wrench method to control the valve is a simple 90° turn to open and close. It’s good to keep in mind when going with a ball valve that there are two types; the full-bore and the RBbore.

A full bore valve has an equal internal flow of the entire area, while an RBbore valve’s flow area is less than the inside diameter of the pipe.  A full bore valve should be used for a quick, complete release of flow and is required for the upstream and downstream of pressure safety valves.

Globe Valves

globe valve uses a hand wheel as its control method and is used to control the flow of commodities. The overall design looks very similar to a gate valve, which we’ll cover next, but it does have its own specific distinctions.

A globe valve regulates flow, pressure and can completely shut off flow as needed. In a fully opened position, when compared to the ball valve, it has a much higher loss of pressure due to the flow of the fluid changing direction. This is due to the design of the valve forcing the flow of the fluid to change direction within the valve itself.

The most significant benefit of this valve is the seat sitting parallel to the flow, ensuring a minimal amount of seat and disk erosion.  When needing to throttle commodities, a globe valve might be the throttling valve you need.

Gate Valves

While similar in design to a globe valve, a gate valve is restricted in its use. It’s a block valve meaning that it cannot control flow. Because it can’t control flow, erosion begins right when the valve opens.

If a gate valve is not fully closed or open, the flow of fluids can cause damage to the seating surface by vibrating the disk, preventing a tight seal when needed. In a constant low pressure, high-temperature environment, gate valves are used to regulate gas, air, oil, water, or steam.

Butterfly Valves

Like a globe valve, butterfly valves can throttle flow and be in a fully open or closed position.

Despite being available in large and small sizes, limited space is perfect to use a butterfly valve. Contrary to when butterfly valves first appeared on the market, they are effectively watertight even after prolonged use. A controller can operate a butterfly valve with a gearing mechanism, hand wheel, or wrench.

Process Valves

A butterfly, gate, and globe valve are all that we would call process valves. Our process valves exceed ball valves when taking on heat, chemicals, and slurry.

The open body is designed with seats that create a tighter seal by wearing inwards, not outwards, leading to better performance. This leads to overall reduced costs and peace of mind that there’s a tight shut-off.

Diverter Valve

The easiest way to picture a diverter valve is to imagine a shower that’s doubled as a bathtub. In a fully opened position, the water flows directly into the tub, whereas when the valve is closed, it creates pressure forcing the flow of water into the showerhead. In essence, a diverter valve is used to divert the flow of water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead as needed.

That’s a very simplistic use of a diverter valve. Our clients typically use our diverter valves to pump multiple vessels or silos, leading to cutting production time, labor costs, and parts.  Our diverter valves are built on self-lapping, rotating disc-valve technology, making it last decades in the harshest conditions reducing downtime in production.

Bulk Material Valves

Plants whose operations result in a lot of dirt and dust use our bulk material valves. These plants range from silos to dry solids to dust collectors. Our bulk material valve’s open body design allows for free movement, easy cleaning, and expulsion. Similar to our process valves, this valve has a unique shearing movement that creates a tighter seal.

Choosing the Best Types of Throttling Valves

There are a variety of throttling valve types on the market, each with its unique use and purpose. Need to discuss the best types of throttling valves for your operation or need some more information? Get in contact with one of our specialists to discuss the best throttling valve for you.

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