If you’re new to valves, you may not have realised that they come in various kinds designed for different uses. Here are five of the main valve categories to know and their purposes.
Ball Valve
These use hollow balls to rotate within the valve body, and these control the flow. The valve stock can be opened or closed by turning the handle a quarter rotation. Ball valves are great for applications that need quick use, excellent capabilities for shutting off and versatility, and they’re used across all kinds of industries and for an array of purposes. However, they are difficult to clean, which makes them risky for contamination, and they are also unsuitable for any situations that need continuous throttling.
Butterfly Valve
Another common type of Valve Stock is the butterfly valve. It uses a circular-shaped disc that rotates to regulate flow within the body. It sits vertically against the flow path to create a seal when closed, and when it’s open it rotates parallel. They’re great for lightweight space-saving designs and are ideal for managing large flows. However, they are difficult to clean, and they’re not great for throttling.
Globe Valves
These use a spherical body combined with a stationary seat and a movable plug which manages flow regulation and allows for a start-stop function. They’re ideal when you need precise flow control and protection against leaks, such as chemical feed systems and water cooling. However, they can experience turbulence and tend to be more expensive.
These are just three of many valve stock types available.
