Valves are mechanical devices that regulate the flow and pressure of fluids inside a system or process. They’re crucial parts of piping systems that transport industrial liquids, gases, vapors, and slurries. Valves have to deal with high pressure and temperature. That’s why steel is used to manufacture industrial valves due to its excellent tensile strength and impact value.
Various types of steel valves are available in the market. Some of these include gate, globe, ball, check, pinch and control valves. There are several models of each of these categories, each with its own set of features and functional capabilities. Steel valves can be classified into various different categories. In this article, we will discuss such categories in detail.
Function of Valves
Valve designs, types, and models are diverse, serving various industrial applications. They often work in conjunction with hydraulic hoses, such as those from hoseshop.com, that facilitate the seamless transport of fluids within complex systems. While hydraulic hoses ensure the fluid’s smooth flow to and from valves, other integral components such as pumps, actuators, and pressure regulators collaborate to precisely control fluid flow, maintain optimal pressure, and dictate its direction within the system.
The meticulous selection and harmonious coordination of these components are paramount in achieving efficiency and reliability across various industrial processes. Given the substantial cost associated with valves, it’s imperative to specify the correct valve for the job, crafted from materials suitable for the specific process requirements. Here, we delve into some fundamental functions of valves:
- Stopping or starting the flow
- Controlling the rate of flow
- Controlling the direction of flow
- Regulating a flow or process pressure
- Relieve a pipe system of excess pressure
Steel Valve Components
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Body
The major boundary of a pressure valve is the valve body, often known as the shell. Since the body is the framework that keeps all of the elements together, it is the most important portion of a valve assembly.
The body of a valve acts as the initial pressure boundary. It helps in resisting fluid pressure loads from connecting pipe systems.
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Bonnet
The bonnet is the second most essential component of a valve, as it covers the opening in the body. Bonnets are usually available in a variety of styles and models.
The bonnet, which serves as a cover for the valve body, is made of the same material as the body and is cast or forged. A threaded bolted, or welded joint is often used to link it to the body. The internal components of the valve, such as the stem and disk, are inserted into the body during production, and the bonnet is then affixed to hold all of the parts together within.
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Trim
Valve trim refers to the replaceable internal parts of the valve that come into contact with the flow medium. Valve seat, disc, glands, spacers, guides, bushings, and internal springs are among such parts. Valve trim does not include the valve body, bonnet, and other parts that come into contact with the flow medium.
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Disc
The disc is the component that enables, throttles, or stops the flow. The disc is called a plug or a ball in the event of a plug or a ball valve. The disk is the primary pressure boundary’s third most essential component. It is a pressure-related component because when the valve is closed, the full system pressure is exerted across it.
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Seat
The seating surface for the disk is provided by a part called seat or seal rings. One or more seats can be found in a valve. There is usually only one seat in a globe or swing-check valve, which creates a seal with the disc to halt the flow. There are two seats in a gate valve, one on the upstream side and the other on the downstream side.
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Stem
The stem transmits motion to the disc from the handle or controlling device. When the bonnet is present, the stem usually goes through it. In some circumstances, the stem and the disc, as well as the stem and the handle, can be integrated into one piece.
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Actuator
An actuator is a device that allows you to control a valve manually from outside the valve body. Automatically controlled valves often do not have handles, however, some, such as stop-check valves, may have a handle (or an actuator) to manually override automated control. In a nutshell, an actuator is a mechanism or device that controls a valve automatically or remotely from outside the body.
Types of Steel Valves
Not only does the way a valve opens and closes affect its overall effectiveness, but it also determines how much control you have over the flow and how rapidly it can operate. On the basis of their operation, valves can be classified into the following two categories:
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Multi-Turn Valves
These valves act like a screw or a piston. When you turn the handle, a plate, membrane, or other controlled barrier moves into the pipe’s route, obstructing access. These can have higher or lower differentials depending on the valve, allowing you to open or close them at different speeds.
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Quarter-Turn Valve
With a 90-degree rotation of the handle, quarter-turn valves provide a full range of motion. This makes them perfect for circumstances when speed and ease of opening and closing are more critical than precision.
Consider the manner of actuation in addition to the mechanical motion involved with a valve. Valves are usually classified into one of three groups:
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Manual Valves
Handwheels, hand levels, gear wheels, or chains are used to activate these valves, which are often adjusted by hand.
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Actuated Valves
These valves, which are frequently linked to electric motors, air or pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, or solenoids. This makes them suitable for remote control and automation procedures for high-precision and large-scale applications.
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Automatic Valves
When a specified flow condition is reached, automatic valves open. High-temperature check valve, an example of an automatic valve, closes during fluid backflow and is capable of dealing with high temperatures, click here for more information. Their tolerance to a temperature usually depends on the material they are made up of.
Conclusion
There is a lot we can learn about steel valves. They are an essential component of house plumbing systems and industrial processes. Hence, robust material like steel is used to manufacture them. This article focussed on explaining some of the aspects and types of steel valves
