Types of Valves Used in Chemical Industry

Home Types of Valves Used in Chemical Industry
05/11/2021
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Valves can work for many functions in pipelines and production lines of many different industries. They can be used to monitor flow, pressure, stroke, and more. They can also act as protective equipment which can prevent hazardous issues. Valves could be dealing with gases, fluids, and semi-fluids. Their function is to give direction and regulations to these elements. 

There are various types of valves. Butterfly Valve, Globe Valve, Gate Valve, Cryogenic Valve, Check Valve, Control Valve, and much more. Additionally, their materials can be different as well. For example, you can have certain valves with cast iron materiel, while for others you can have stainless steel as a material.

Top 7 Types of Valves for Chemical Industry

Image of valve 1
Source: Pixabay

With the understanding of valves and their various types, the question arises: which of these valves are the valves for chemical industry.   

The chemical industry can involve various processes. There is control established through the means of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatical, and sometimes through manual basis. The valves used should be able to handle the pressure, and prevent any leakage. Different valves are known for their different functions.

1. Butterfly Valves

Image of a butterfly valve
Source: DomBor Valves

For open/close actions that can take place easily; Butterfly valves are the ideal option. Their installation requires less effort, and they can work with various actuators. Moreover, their maintenance will not take a toll on your expenses, because that requirement is minimal. 

Butterfly valves are also important because they can slow the flow of the substance. Another advantage is that they are light in weight. They are also very precise. However, if proper sealing is your main concern, then you might want to consider another valve because butterfly valves can have poor sealing functionality.

2. Ball Valves

Image of ball valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Another option is the use of a chemical ball valve. Chemical ball valves can be used in situations where the flow is low. They can work well with gases and vapors. There can be a single body, split body, three-piece body, welded, and top entry style present for the ball valves.

They are known for forming a good seal and are also trusted for longevity. Ball valves have the capacity to open and close, easily. Chemical resistant ball valves have their own crucial role to play along with the other valves present for the chemical industry.

3. Gate Valves

Image of gate valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Gate valves are useful for shutting off the flow of fluid, completely. It can also work with a fully open position. Therefore, it can either be completely open or shut off. They can be of parallel and wedge shape types. Through a barrier lifted, gate valves are able to give a path to the fluid. 

Gate valves ensure that there is no obstruction while the flow of substance is going through them. Gate valves also provide an advantage by taking as little space in the axis of pipes.

4. Globe Valves

Image of globe valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Globe Valves can be ideal for manual operation. They can work for automatic operations as well. They can be used to regulate flow and pressures. Furthermore, they can also function as completely shut or open flow valves. These sphere-shaped valves have two divisions on the inside. They operate in a linear movement.

5. Check Valves

Image of check valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Another operator is a chemical valve.  For a chemical check valve, it can be important to avoid backflow. The flow in a check valve is usually free of any restrictions because there is only one way in the valve. In case, the flow turns to the other direction, the check valve will block itself to prevent damage to the other system. Therefore, they are very important to avoid backflow.

6. Plug Valves

Image of plug valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Plug Valves have plugs inside them that can rotate to change the control flow. They are usually in cylindrical and conical shapes. The valves can be used to stop or start the flow of the fluid. They can regulate the flow of gas and fluids even with a high-pressure intensity, in the system.

Plug valves are also considered cost-effectivity. Therefore, they are ideal for buyers with economic concerns. They are observed in many households functioning for natural gas.

7. Actuated Valves

Image of actuated valve
Source: DomBor Valves

Actuated Valve requires a 90-degree turn to completely shut off or open. There can be a pneumatic actuated valve, electric actuated valve, and hydraulic actuated valve. Actuated valves have their own set of functions just like the other valves described above.

These valves are said to be adaptive to various pipe systems. The piping pressure is required to be low in the case of actuator valves.

Valves and their Applications

With a vast variety of valves to choose from, they can work in various ways. Their use can be used for:

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Water management
  • Gas management
  • Food processing
  • Beverage processing
  • Nuclear power
  • Slurry management
  • Refinery management
  • Biofuels, and more.

Conclusion

Valves are a crucial component for many systems. With the ever-growing industry of chemical processing, certain types of valves flourish well in this work. Butterfly valves, ball valves, gate valves, check valves, globe valves, plug valves, and actuated valves, are all crucial valves for this particular industry. 

They all serve their own functions and purposes, and certainly, each and every one of them has a crucial role to play for the well functioning and the safety of the many systems that exist for fluids, gas, and semi-fluids. For more information on these valves, you can visit Dombor and can gain more knowledge and clarification.

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