Industrial valves are a critical part of many manufacturing processes. They are available in a wide range of styles and materials, with some being suited to specific applications. It’s important to choose the right type of valve for your application, as a wrong choice could damage the equipment or create unsafe conditions.
The most common industrial valves are gate, globe, and ball valves. These are all members of the shut off/on valve family and offer good flow control for liquid and gas applications with adequate leak tightness. They can also be used for isolation purposes. When you need Valve Manufacturers, consider https://orseal.com
Other types of industrial valves include check, needle, pinch and sanitary valves. These are mainly used in applications requiring fuller control for fluid surge, higher precision of fluid flow or handling slurries. These are typically associated with distribution points in pipe systems, where the flow needs to be controlled.
For highly sensitive chemical processing applications, it is vital that you source valves that are fit for purpose. This means ensuring that they are capable of withstanding high temperature and pressure and are made from chemical resistant materials that promise safe operation.
Valves are classified as manual or actuated depending on how they are operated. They can also be grouped into categories by their functions, with some being suitable for performing multiple functions while others perform only one function.
Actuated valves are powered by an actuator, which is the primary energy source that drives and positions the flow control element within the valve body. The actuator can be powered by mechanical, pneumatic or electric means. Some of the more common types of actuators include hydraulic, rotary and linear actuators.
Valve specifications vary significantly, from the size of the bore to the material from which it is constructed. For example, valves that require a high resistance to corrosion and a high degree of accuracy in their opening and closing often have forged bodies, while those with smaller bore sizes or higher rates of operation use cast body materials.
Before you buy industrial valves, make sure they are certified by an industry organisation that sets standards for various mechanical engineering applications. This guarantees that the valves are safe and reliable for use in oil refineries and pipelines. Their guidelines cover aspects like design, materials and testing methods to ensure that the valves are of a high quality and fit for their intended use.
