Different Kinds Of Water Valves

Whether in a commercial building or your residential property, water valves play a significant role in controlling water flow throughout the building. These valves are essential for regulating the flow or changing the supply flow in a building; they are also used to shut down the flow. 

Industrial valves can be of different designs and types based on their functions; however, one thing common among all these types is their ability to control the flow of water supply in a building. Water valves have an uncomplicated design; they can be easily turned on and off depending on the requirement. These valves may appear small, but their mechanism is very powerful. 

What Is A Water Valve?

A kind of fitting installed in a pipeline to control the water flow is recognized as a water valve. Water valves are installed in pipelines for the purpose of maintaining the water flow or stopping it temporarily. There are different types of water control valves for industrial and residential use; their size and designs vary, and so does their purpose. 

Residential valves are the most common valves installed for circulating and controlling the water flow throughout the building. On the other hand, in an industrial setting, a valve provides t different facilities, it controls the flow of various liquids and gasses. 

Water valves play another significant role in both commercial and residential settings; they prevent backflow and, at the same time, help adjust the pressure of the water supply.

Kinds Of Water Valves Based On Their Design

There are different kinds of water valves that are differentiated based on their designs and features. Each of these valves is designed differently and has different mechanisms to deal with excess or low-pressure supply lines. Based on the types of water valves and their functions, they are used in residential and commercial locations. 

Here are the most common types of water valves that everyone must have come across.

Industrial Ball Valve

The name ball valve derives from the ball that rotates to control the flow of water. This rotational ball is located at the center of the water valve and rotates at an angle of 90°. Now the question is, how does the ball inside the valve get rotated? Is it automatic? Actually, the ball inside the valve gets rotated with the help of a metal handle attached at the top. 

Ball valves for water supply are ideal for both commercial and residential purposes; they are most important for settings where there is always an emergency for the immediate cut-off of water supply. The powerful mechanism of the floating ball valve can prevent the flow of water instantly by sealing the pathway. The best part about an industrial ball valve is that they have no complaints regarding any failure or leaks; they are very efficient in controlling water flow.

Gate Valve

As the name suggests, gate valves have a unique design and include tiny wedge-shaped metal gates to stop the water flow immediately. This valve is also recognized as a common shut-off valve ideal for locations requiring sudden water flow cut-off. Just like metal gates stop or release the water flow in a dam, these tiny metal gates in the valve follow a similar function.

Now the question remains, how reliable is the mechanism of a gate valve? Does it get stuck? The answer is no; gate valves are very powerful and efficient; they do not affect the pressure of water flow in any way and are operated through an external knob that rotates clockwise. There is one thing to take care of; gate valves are ideal for locations that include a straight line of water flow, and too many curves can make the mechanism stuck. A gate valve for water supply is ideal for locations that need large supply lines. 

Globe Valve

The name globe valve derives from the shape of the valve’s body, which resembles a sphere or a globe. These valves are equally effective in regulating the water flow and are controlled through a handwheel or rotating knob. Globe valves can be used for controlling the flow of both gas and liquids. They are also sometimes recognized as throttle valves because they allow throttled flow and maintain the water pressure ideal for household faucets. Globe valves are most commonly used in residential water supply lines, but that does not mean they are not appropriate for industrial uses. 

Butterfly Valve

A valve that looks quite different from regular water valves, the butterfly valve can be used to stop and regulate the water flow. These valves include a rotating disc which helps maintain the flow of fluids. Precisely, butterfly valves are ideal for controlling the flow of liquids; they are not that useful for gasses. Also, such a type of valve is inappropriate for high-pressure supply lines, such as a rushing flow from the main supply line. This is because it will damage the rotating disc inside the valve. Abutterfly valve manufacturer takes great care in building its rotating disc because the whole mechanism largely depends on it. 

Water Diaphragm Valve

Diaphragm valves can control the flow of all types of liquids, even the ones that are corrosive and require low pressure to maintain the flow. Water diaphragm valves are mainly used for their throttling function and are known for their bi-directional design. The name of this type of valve is so interesting because the interior of these valves contains a thin layer that can be termed as a thin membrane that is used for opening and closing the flow. These valves can be controlled both automatically and manually. They are very safe, easy to operate, and are also leak-proof. 

Plug Valve 

The name plug valve derives from a cone-shaped plug fitted inside the valve, which allows the stop or continuation of water flow. Plug valves are cylindrical in shape and are easy to operate. They can be used with multiple ports to direct water flow into multiple channels simultaneously. Plug valves can only be used for controlling the flow of fluids; they do not go well with gasses. Experts suggest that plug valves can be an excellent substitute for ball valves. 

Check Valve

One of those types of valves can only operate the flow direction in a single way; hence, check valves are recognized as single-directional valves. Check valves are the most convenient solution for those seeking relief from backflows. They can be equally efficient in commercial locations and households. One of the essential qualities of a check valve is its ability to prevent drainage or sewage water from entering the clean water supply; there is no risk of backflows during irregular water pressure. Check valves are most common in homes that use sump pumps to circulate water flow. 

Materials Used In Making Water Valves

Water valve manufacturers care for many things while manufacturing high-quality water valves. During the manufacturing process, particular importance is given to the materials used, and this is because a lot of factors depend on them. Trusted manufacturers and water valve suppliers know how much risk is involved while dealing with high-pressure water supply or the supply of any other form of liquid or gas. In other words, many risk factors depend on these valves; therefore, they are made with care, sustainable materials.

Mostly, all well-recognized water valve manufacturers use high-quality stainless steel, cast steel or cast iron, ductile iron, brass or bronze, or other unique materials like alloy steel. These materials are proven durable, non-corrosive, and safe for installation in pipelines with ample supplies. 

Materials like stainless steel ensure there is no rust formation in either the body or the internal parts like the gates or balls. Other alloys like cast iron, cast steel, or ductile iron are equally efficient, non-reactive, and non-corrosive. 

Apart from metals and alloys, water valves are also made with high-quality plastic. When you come across a water valve made of plastic, it must be made of good-quality materials like Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Chlorinated PVC, Acetal Polymers, Polyvinyl Chloride, and many more. 

Components Of Water Valve

A water valve may seem to be a small mechanical instrument either to be operated automatically or manually, but deep down, this instrument comprises many vital components. Usually, all water valves consist of the following components:

• The Body- By the body, it means the whole external structure of a water valve. Like the human body comprises many organs and parts within and without, so does a valve. 
• Bonnet- An integral part that supports and covers the opening part of the body. Bonnets are also connected with and provide support to many internal parts of water valves, including actuators, stems, or discs. 
• Handles- It is that part by which you manually operate the valve. The handle is connected with integral internal parts such as slab gate valves or balls that stop or open the flow. 
• Discs- These are an integral internal part of valves that help in controlling the flow. The mechanism of valves greatly depends on disks for instance, when the disc is closed, it means the flow is experiencing full pressure.
• Handwheels- Those valves that do not include a handle have a handwheel that can be manually operated. Handwheels are powerful and can stop the function of the valve and the flow of water at a time and vice versa. 
• Seat and Stem- A seat is known to provide the disk inside the valve with a surface. On the other hand, the movement of the disc entirely relies on a stem. The stem gives support to the disc to open or close the flow.
• Actuators- Another essential part that enables the mechanism of a valve to open and close the flow, actuators are adjustable and are found in fully-automated or semi-automated systems. 
• Packing- One can say that the packing is a part responsible for the safety of the valve’s stem. It helps prevent damage and leaks. 

Applications Of Industrial Valves Used In Water

Sometimes, industrial water valves or valves used in households can serve the same purpose; the difference lies in the mechanism and the supply volume. Water valves have been used for decades in industrial settings and they have served various purposes. Industrial water valves deal with flows of extreme temperatures and are responsible for the safety of the whole supply lines; they prevent leaks and damages. 

Water Valves Can Be Used In：

In an industrial setting, different types of water main valves can be used for different purposes. Usually, they are used in these four types of plumbing scenarios. 

Used In Chilled Water System

When dealing with a chilled water system such as an HVAC system, only certain plumbing water types with appropriate mechanisms are used. Usually, a globe, gate, or metal-seated butterfly valve is the most common types of valves used in a chilled water system. Now the question arises, why only these types of valves are used in the chilled water system? Usually, only valves that allow throttling functions and can deal with thermodynamics are chosen.

Since, in chilled water systems, the temperature of the water or any form of liquid can be extremely cold, these particular types of valves make sure the pressure is even, there are no leaks or damages, and safety is assured. Especially in industrial settings, safety plays a vital role, and these small valves take up a massive responsibility of preventing any malfunction of water supply systems. 

Hot Water System

Many different types of water valves can be used in hot water systems. Usually, in industrial settings, you come across globe valves, steam ball valves, butterfly and gate valves, different types of check valves for water supply, industrial plastic valves, and many other types of pressure-release valves. 

In an industrial setting, the water temperature can be extremely high; as a result, many safety responsibilities fall upon the valves. They are responsible for releasing and maintaining pressure and closing or opening the water supply. If not controlled through pressure-control valves, the pipelines can get damaged or worse, burst, causing a massive accident.

Wastewater System

Industrial wastes are often of extreme temperatures, and particular valves are used in wastewater pipelines to deal with high pressure and temperatures. The most common water valves used in wastewater systems are plug valves, butterfly valves, and ball or gate valves. 

For wastewater systems, mainly, single-directional valves have proven to be the most effective, and this is because they prevent unwanted backflows. This is why plug valves are most common in such systems, to maintain a single-directional flow in pressure and close the system whenever necessary. 

Industries hate unnecessary maintenance because it not only is time-consuming but also expensive. Plug valves ensure the safety standards of wastewater systems are maintained and the operations are handled safely. 

Water Distribution System

For a water distribution system, water valves play an integral role. Without these valves, it is impossible to regulate the flow of water, shut it down, direct or change it, and even prevent backflows. In a water distribution system, primarily valves of metal such as stainless steel or brass, copper, and other similar materials are used. 

The most common types of water valves used in water distribution systems are water ball valve, gate and globe valves,high performance butterfly valve and needle valves, and plug valves. All these valves are designed ideally to fulfill the purposes of huge water distribution systems. 

How To Select The Right Types Of Valves For Water?

Since every water line valve types has its own set of pros and cons, it becomes very challenging to choose the right one. Different water valves have different mechanisms and serve their purposes differently. Therefore, there will be no regrets by considering these significant factors while making the final choice. While choosing a water system valve for an industrial setting, you must take care of the following factors:

Determining Your Purpose

Before determining what are the different water valve types and uses, it is crucial to determine the purpose. Whether the valves are to be used in water distribution systems, wastewater systems, hot water, or chilled systems. When you have sorted out the purpose, it becomes easier to choose the right one. 

Materials Used

The most crucial factor to consider while making a choice between water valves are the materials used in its manufacture. A lot of times, valves are used in systems that handle liquids with extreme temperatures, and for that, taking care of the materials used in valves is essential. Otherwise, the valves can either damage, react with liquids, or corrode. Experts suggest that valves made of stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum are safer than any other materials. 

Size Of Valves

Depending on the size of your supply system, the size of the valve needs to be decided. If the supply and the pressure are huge, a small water valve will be ineffective in regulating the flow. For large systems, you need more powerful and bigger valves. 

Type Of Maintenance They Require

Usually, every valve type has different requirements for maintenance; some valves do not require much maintenance, while others require a lot. Maintenance is one of those key factors that factory owners need to consider in order to maintain a safe working environment for their workers. 

Temperature Conditions

Since supply lines in industries pass fluids with extreme temperature conditions, you will have to make sure the valves are able to withstand such temperatures. For extreme temperatures and pressures, specially-designed valves, such as butterfly valves, can deal with such extreme conditions.

Professional Water Valves Manufacturer – Dombor

Finding a trusted water valve manufacturer can be a very challenging task, but the moment you find one, more than half of your problems are solved. A trusted China valve manufacturer and supplier like Dombor take care of the requirements of all types of locations, be it for residential or industrial. From helping households to get a safer water supply line to maintaining the safety of industrial supply lines, Dombor is known for its advanced technology used in production, its quality consciousness, and super-fast deliveries. 

Dombor is a leading manufacturer and supplier of actuated valves, industrial ball valves, butterfly and check valves, gate valves, and every other type of industrial valve. For more than 20 years, the company has been relying on the most modern technologies to produce a wide array of industrial valves that have uncompromising quality. Dombor’s industrial valves are customized according to client needs and offered at wholesale rates if purchased in bulk. 

When it comes to thorough inspections, Dombor inspects each of its materials used in manufacturing, from raw materials to finished products. These thorough inspections ensure no client ever receives a defective product. Whether your requirement is a water swing check valve or regular ball valve, or customized gate valve, the company takes a lot of care in customizing and inspecting industrial valves for clients. 

Final Words

No matter if the requirement is for industrial use where liquids and gasses of high or very low temperature need to pass through pipelines, or households where the faucets offer a 24*7 water supply in high pressure, water valves are extremely necessary for every location with a pipeline system. While at home or dealing with liquids and gasses of extreme temperatures, during the process of regulation of the flow, these different types of water valves play a significant role in maintaining the safety of the pressure and avoiding any leaks.

Without valves, it is impossible to shut down the water supply all of a sudden during emergency scenarios. Even the flow cannot be controlled when the water pressure from the main supply is extreme, which can prove to be dangerous. Today, the options are not restricted to manually-controlled valves, you also come across those that are automated. Electric valves for water flow are equally efficient and easy to operate. These valves made with advanced technology are more than sufficient for industrial uses. If you wish to know more about industrial valves or how to purchase them in bulk, contact us here and solve all your queries.