Identifying the Six Most Common Types of Valve
It is not every day that you encounter valve – unless you’re an engineer. If you are not into mechanical works, valve means nothing to you but it doesn’t have to be that way. For the sake of learning, it is time to know things about valve especially the different types of valve. Who knows one of these days you will end up buying one.
A valve is described as a tool that can direct, adjust and control the stream of liquid by partly or fully opening/closing the passageway. Valve is rom the Latin word “volve” which means to roll or turn. A valve is used in industrial processes like water processing, sewage processing, oil processing, power generation, petroleum, gas, and chemical manufacturing.
Dishwashers, washing machines, plumbing, hot water systems and tap water use valves as well. A valve can be operated manually or automatically. Manual uses a wheel, pedal, lever or handle. An automatic valve is determined by pressure, flow or pressure fluctuations. These fluctuations will activate the piston.
There are different types of valve. To give you insight, here are the common types of valve:
Ball
The ball valve is described as a hollowed sphere that is placed securely inside the pipe. This can entirely block the flow of liquid. If you turn the handle, the ball will rotate to ninety degrees permitting the flow of fluid in the middle of it.
Butterfly
In the case of the butterfly valve, it looks like a disk that is placed securely in the middle of the pipe. If the liquid is admitted, it will twist sideways. If there is a need to totally block the flow, it is in a straight position.
Plug
Plug valve is also known as cock plug. In this kind of valve, the stream is jammed by a cone-shaped lump that moves sideways when you turn the handle or wheel.
Gate
The gate valve is also called sluice valve. As the name suggests, it is a valve that can open and close the pipeline by dropping metallic gates across. This valve is intended to be either completely closed or completely open. You can see this valve used in water supply system.
Globe
A familiar example of a globe valve is water faucets. There is a handle that you can turn. This will move the valve upward allowing water to flow through the spout. Globe valve can allow less or more stream of fluid depending on your discretion.
Needle
For accuracy, the needle valve is used. This kind of valve utilizes a long and sliding needle to control the stream of fluid. It is seen in car engines and central heating systems.
Now that you are familiar with this, it is not hard to go to a supplies store and buy the thing that you need most. If you know how to tackle a valve, you can save a great deal of money. Instead of paying it to other people, you can keep it. If things are complicated, do not compromise your ease just call an expert.
