Gate valves are primarily used as shut-off devices to control the flow of a medium by allowing full flow or completely blocking it. Their design allows for minimal pressure loss when fully open, as the medium flows straight through the valve. These valves are typically not intended for frequent operation and are best suited for applications where they remain either fully open or fully closed. They are not recommended for use as flow regulators or throttling devices. When partially open, especially with high-speed media, gate valves may experience vibration, which can damage the sealing surfaces and lead to erosion from the flowing medium.
The main difference between various types of gate valves lies in the shape and structure of their sealing elements. Common types include wedge gate valves, parallel gate valves, parallel double gate valves, and wedge double gate valves. Among these, wedge and parallel gate valves are the most widely used.
Globe valves, on the other hand, feature a stem that moves perpendicular to the seat, allowing for a shorter stroke and reliable shut-off action. They are ideal for both shutoff and flow regulation. Once the disc is lifted off the seat, there is no contact between the sealing surfaces, reducing wear and making repairs or replacements easier without removing the entire valve from the pipeline. However, globe valves introduce more flow resistance due to the change in flow direction.
Common types of globe valves include angle globe valves, which reduce pressure drop by changing flow direction only once; DC (Y-type) globe valves, which have a streamlined flow path to minimize turbulence; and plunger globe valves, which use a plunger-style disc sealed by two elastic rings. These valves are often used for precise flow control.
Butterfly valves feature a disc that rotates within the pipe, requiring only a 90-degree turn to open or close. They are compact, lightweight, and offer excellent flow control characteristics, with minimal pressure drop when fully open. Sealing options include soft (elastomeric) and metal seals, each with its own advantages in terms of temperature range and durability. Butterfly valves are commonly used in large-diameter applications and are found in industries such as oil, gas, water treatment, and power generation.
Ball valves, derived from plug valves, use a spherical body with a bore that aligns with the flow path when fully open. They require only a 90-degree rotation and offer tight shutoff with low flow resistance. Modern ball valves can also be designed for throttling applications. They are suitable for a wide range of media, including corrosive substances and flammable gases.
Check valves are automatic devices that allow flow in one direction while preventing backflow. They include swing check valves, which use a hinged flap, and lift check valves, which operate by lifting a disc off a seat. Swing check valves generally have lower pressure drops compared to lift check valves.
Control valves are used to regulate pressure, flow, and other parameters in industrial processes. They can be self-actuated, such as pressure relief or regulator valves, or powered by electricity, air, or hydraulic systems. These valves adjust the flow area between the disc and seat to achieve the desired control, making them essential in process automation and system management.
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