Valves
Valves are mechanical devices that help in controlling the pressure and flow within a process or system. They are important components of the piping system that helps in conveying vapors, gas, liquids etc.
Valve and its types
This article will help you provide a good understanding between the types of valves. Different types of valves include gate, globe, butterfly, plug, check, diaphragm, control, pinch valves etc. each type of valve has model numbers with different functional capabilities and features. Some of the valves are self-operated or they are operated with hydraulic, pneumatic or actuator.
Following are the types of valve that can be used according to the requirements:
· Gate valve
· Globe valve
· Check valve
· Plug valve
· Ball valve
· Butterfly valve
· Needle valve
· Pinch valve
· Pressure relief valve
· Pressure regulating valve
· Diaphragm valve
· Angle valve
· Pinch valve
· Flush button valve
· Solenoid valve
· Piston valve
· Y-type valve
· Control valve
Valve parts
There are many valves parts that are used to construct the valves:
1. Body
The body is the key element. It contains the moving components. They are in contact with the fluid. It has to withstand the pressure that exists in the piping system.
2. Bonnet
Bonnets are very important components of globe and gate type. By dismantling the bonnet the maintenance staff has access to the internal mechanisms. It can replace components like seat, stem etc.
3. TRIM
The trim is the collective name for the internal parts. It can be removed and they are replaced and are called wet. They are in direct contact with the conveyed fluid. The trim includes components as the seat, stem, glands, disk, sleeves, and the bushings.
4. Disc
The disc closes and opens or modulates the flow of the fluid. In the case of the gate valve and gate wedge is the disc of the valve. After the body and the bonnet, the disc is the third most important element for the good performance of the valve.
5. Seats
Seats accommodate the movement of the disc. Globe or the swing check valves are then lifted with one seat. It opens and closes the passageway of the fluid. Gate valves generally have 2 seats, one is on the upper side and the other is on the lower side.
6. Stem
The stem of the valve is used to close and open the fluid as it moves the disc. The stem is linked to the valve actuator or to the manual hand wheel. Stems are made of forged steel and connected to the disc by threading and other means.
7. Packing
Valve material and its packing material is actually installed between the packing box and valve material which helps in preventing the outer leakage. There are many kinds of valve packaging materials such as flexible graphite pickings, vegetable fiber packing etc.
8. Actuator
A hand operated is generally equipped with the hand wheel and it rotates clockwise. Ball, plug and butterfly are actuated using a lever. There are many types of valve actuator are also available:
