In industrial processes, the selection of the right valves is critical for ensuring optimal performance and safety. Different fluids and their nature demand specific valve functions and types to effectively control the flow. Here’s a comprehensive guide for selecting industrial valves based on the nature of the conveyed fluid:
- Liquid – Neutral (Water, Oil, etc.)
Valve Function:
On/Off: Gate, Rotary Ball, Plug, Diaphragm, Butterfly, Plug Gate
Control Valve, Modulating: Globe, Butterfly, Plug Gate, Diaphragm, Needle
Type of Disc: Gate, Rotary Ball, Plug, Diaphragm, Butterfly - Liquid – Corrosive (Acid, Alkaline, etc.)
Valve Function:
On/Off: Gate, Plug Gate, Rotary Ball, Plug, Diaphragm, Butterfly
Control Valve, Modulating: Globe, Diaphragm, Butterfly, Plug Gate
Type of Disc: Gate, Plug Gate, Rotary Ball, Plug, Diaphragm, Butterfly - Liquid – Hygienic (Food, Beverages, Drugs, etc.)
Valve Function:
On/Off: Butterfly, Diaphragm
Control Valve, Modulating: Butterfly, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch
Type of Disc: Butterfly, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch - Slurry
Valve Function:
On/Off: Rotary Ball, Butterfly, Diaphragm, Plug, Pinch, Squeeze
Control Valve, Modulating: Butterfly, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch
Type of Disc: Butterfly, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch, Gate - Fibrous Suspensions
Valve Function:
On/Off, Control Valve, Modulating: Gate, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch
Type of Disc: Gate, Diaphragm, Squeeze, Pinch - Gas – Neutral (Air, Steam, etc.)
Valve Function:
On/Off: Gate, Globe, Rotary Ball, Plug, Diaphragm Control Valve, Modulating: Globe, Needle, Butterfly, Diaphragm, Gate
Type of Disc: Globe, Needle, Butterfly, Diaphragm, Gate - Gas – Corrosive (Acid Vapors, Chlorine, etc.)
Valve Function:
On/Off: Butterfly, Rotary Ball, Diaphragm, Plug Control Valve, Modulating: Butterfly, Globe, Needle, Diaphragm
Type of Disc: Butterfly, Globe, Needle, Diaphragm - Vacuum
Valve Function: On/Off: Gate, Globe, Rotary Ball, Butterfly
Type of Disc: Gate, Globe, Rotary Ball, Butterfly - Solids – Abrasive Powder (Silica, etc.)
Valve Function: On/Off, Control Valve, Modulating: Pinch, Squeeze, Spiral Sock
Type of Disc: Pinch, Squeeze, Spiral Sock - Solids – Lubricating Powder (Graphite, Talcum, etc.)
Valve Function: On/Off, Control Valve, Modulating: Pinch, Gate, Spiral Sock, Squeeze
Type of Disc: Pinch, Gate, Spiral Sock, Squeeze
Conclusion
In the grand symphony of industrial processes, the role of valves is akin to that of conductors, orchestrating the harmonious flow of fluids. The importance of selecting the right valve cannot be overstated, and this guide serves as a beacon in the sea of options. From gate valves for slurry to butterfly valves for hygienic applications, each recommendation is a note in the melody of efficiency and safety.