Do You Know About Valves?
Knowledge

Do You Know About Valves?

Valve is an important adjustment device in the fluid transportation system, which can basically control the on-off, flow and flow direction of the fluid. There are many types and specifications of valves, and the valves used for different work requirements are also different. The working principles, advantages and disadvantages of 5 common types of valves are described below.
Published: Sep 20, 2022
Do You Know About Valves?

The main function of the valve is to open, close and control the flow of the fluid, including water and hardware products such as faucets that are common in daily life, all of which belong to a type of valve; On various pipelines in semiconductor factories, mechanical devices that adjust the flow, direction, pressure and temperature of pipeline fluids, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, half-ball valves, ball valves, check valves, etc., are of various types, and are even closely related to their key processes. , so the price also ranges from several thousand yuan to several million yuan. According to the report of the research institute Grand View Research, the global industrial valve market will reach 85.6 billion US dollars (about 2.6 trillion Taiwan dollars) in 2022. The mainstream of the market is Germany, the United States, and Japan, followed by mainland China, Taiwan, and South Korea. and so on. Three minutes let you know what are the five common valves.

Ball Valve

It is a common main valve type, which is improved from a plug valve and replaces the plunger with a sphere. The ball is provided with a through hole, and the rotation of the ball can control the cooperation between the through hole and the flow channel to adjust the opening and closing of the valve. The valve seat can be made of suitable material according to the working conditions. It is widely used because of its good sealing performance, simple structure and easy operation and maintenance.

Advantages:

  • High sealing
  • Straight-through flow channel resistance is small
  • Various caliber sizes, wide range of fit
  • Can be used for porous applications such as 3-way ball valves

Disadvantages:

  • Metal spheres are expensive to manufacture
  • When the fluid contains impurities or large particles, the ball and valve seat are easily damaged

Globe Valve

It is called because its shape resembles a ball. It opens or closes the flow channel with the cooperation of the valve plate and the valve seat. It is often used for cutting off and throttling. The flow channel in the valve body is S-shaped, when the fluid passes through, the flow direction will be changed, which will increase the resistance and reduce the fluid pressure.

Advantages:

  • Small working stroke, short opening and closing time
  • Excellent fluid shut-off and flow control capabilities
  • The sealing surface has low friction and high durability

Disadvantages:

  • Fluid pressure decreases due to resistance
  • High force required for valve operation
  • Not suitable for sediments and viscous fluids

Gate Valve

The valve rod is used to drive the gate to make a linear motion, and the gate is lifted to open or close the flow channel. When the gate is half-opened, the fluid impacting the gate will easily cause the valve seat to vibrate and be damaged, so it is not suitable for throttling use. It is only suitable for fully open or fully closed occasions.

Advantages:

  • The distance between the two ends is short
  • Straight-through flow channel resistance is small
  • The fluid is perpendicular to the gate, and the force required for opening and closing is small

Disadvantages:

  • Only suitable for fully open or fully closed occasions
  • The gate travel is high, and the space above is required for operation
  • It takes longer to turn on and off

Check Valve

Also known as check valve and one-way valve, as the name implies, it only allows fluid to flow in one direction. Under the action of fluid pressure in one direction, the valve flap opens to make the flow passage unobstructed; on the contrary, when the fluid pressure in the other direction acts, the valve flap is closed. The effect of preventing backflow.

Advantages:

  • Simple structure, easy to operate and maintain
  • Prevent fluid backflow and maintain unidirectional flow

Disadvantages:

  • Pay attention to the fluid direction when installing
  • If the pressure is too small, it may affect the cut-off capacity
  • Instantaneous opening and closing may damage the disc impact

Butterfly Valve

The opening and closing and flow can be adjusted by controlling the rotation angle of the valve plate. Butterfly valves can be divided into elastic seals and metal direct seals. The elastic seals are protected by rubber rings, and the low pressure sealing performance is good, but the rubber rings have limitations on temperature and pressure; metal direct seals are direct contact with metal surfaces and have a wide operating temperature range.

Advantages:

  • Simple construction and easy installation
  • The volume and weight are smaller than other valves of the same diameter
  • Large flow caliber, small resistance

Disadvantages:

  • Large flow diameter, not suitable for small flow control
  • Gaskets are easily affected by operating temperature and pressure
Published by Sep 20, 2022 Source :medium

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
Smart Healthcare Uncovered:How AI Is Transforming Clinical Practice?
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the healthcare industry is undergoing a disruptive transformation. AI is significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency while profoundly redefining healthcare professionals’ roles and patient experiences. A comprehensive understanding of the core technologies and clinical applications behind this transformation is essential for grasping the future trends and strategic directions of smart healthcare.
Headline
Knowledge
Principle and Applications of Laser Cutting Machines
As the global manufacturing industry advances toward higher precision and efficiency, laser cutting technology has become a key enabler of industrial upgrading. Compared with traditional shearing, stamping, and mechanical cutting, laser cutting offers non-contact processing, higher accuracy, and greater flexibility. It significantly improves productivity while reducing secondary finishing. Today, it is widely adopted in metalworking and increasingly applied in electronics, aerospace, medical, and architectural design industries.
Headline
Knowledge
Why Are High-Quality Cutting Fluids Critical for Machining Quality?
In CNC and metalworking, cutting fluid is no longer just a coolant—it plays a critical role by providing lubrication, chip removal, and corrosion protection. With the right formulation and concentration, it can reduce cutting heat, minimize friction, extend tool life, and maintain workpiece accuracy. High-pressure cooling further enhances efficiency in deep-hole and high-speed machining. The pairing of tool material with the proper cutting fluid is equally crucial; correct selection and maintenance ensure process stability, prolong equipment life, and improve the overall work environment. Cutting fluid has become an indispensable investment in modern precision manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
Introduction to Emerging Printing Technologies: Opening New Horizons for the Future of Printing
With rapid technological progress and increasingly diverse market demands, traditional printing techniques are no longer sufficient to meet modern industry’s requirements for precision, efficiency, and sustainability. As a result, emerging technologies such as UV printing, 3D printing, and Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) have risen to prominence, offering solutions with higher precision, broader applications, and lower production costs. These innovations have already demonstrated value across packaging, advertising, healthcare, semiconductors, and construction. In the following sections, we will explore their technical features and real-world applications, highlighting the advantages and future potential of these cutting-edge printing technologies.
Headline
Knowledge
The Core Standard for Life-Critical Systems: A Complete Guide to IPC Classification
In high-risk fields such as medical, aerospace, and automotive, IPC classifications determine PCB reliability and safety. Class 3 represents the highest standard, requiring zero tolerance for defects, complete via filling, adequate copper annular rings, and rigorous inspections to ensure operation under extreme conditions, while Class 2 suits long-term use in non-critical equipment with minor cosmetic flaws allowed. Class 3’s strict criteria cover component placement, soldering, plating thickness, and environmental testing—adding cost and production time, but far outweighing the risks of failure in life- or safety-critical systems. Thus, defining high-risk equipment as Class 3 during design is essential, making IPC classification a core safeguard rather than an option.
Headline
Knowledge
The Power of Color: How the Printing Industry Protects Brand Quality
In the printing industry, color has always been a core element influencing both quality and sensory experience. Whether in packaging, advertising, or publications, color accuracy directly affects consumer perception and trust in a brand. With the rise of digitalization and globalization, companies increasingly demand brand consistency, making color management more than just an aesthetic concern—it is a safeguard for printing quality and brand value. This article explores the importance of color management, the application of ICC color calibration, and Pantone’s role in brand identity, providing a comprehensive overview of the core knowledge and practical value of color management in printing.
Headline
Knowledge
Is Your Paper Box Truly Recyclable? The Secrets of Composite Packaging
Imagine a typical morning, a warm drink in your hands, held in what looks like an eco-friendly paper cup. You think to yourself, "At least it's not plastic. It must be better for the environment." But have you ever wondered how that paper container holds a hot liquid without leaking? Can it really be recycled with ease? The truth is, there are hidden secrets about packaging materials you may not know.
Headline
Knowledge
How CNC Technology Ensures the Invisible Safety of Flight
The aerospace industry demands extremely high standards for component precision, lightweight design, and durability, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology is a key enabler to meet these requirements. It is widely used in the production of critical parts such as turbine blades, airframe structures, and landing gear. With the global aerospace market expected to grow from USD 900 billion in 2023 to USD 1.2 trillion by 2030 (CAGR ~4.2%), CNC technology, with its micron-level precision and automation capabilities, not only helps improve aircraft fuel efficiency by around 10% but also ensures all components comply with the stringent AS9100D certification standards, making flight safer and more reliable.
Headline
Knowledge
Why Are Smartphones Getting Thinner Yet More Drop-Resistant?
Have you ever wondered why smartphones are becoming increasingly thinner? Driven by user convenience and portability, devices are shrinking while still retaining the functionality of previous generations, or even upgrading it, all while becoming lighter and slimmer. The key behind this lies in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine technology, which plays a central role in consumer electronics manufacturing. The consumer electronics industry encompasses smartphones, laptops, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), and various household appliances. These products demand extremely high standards for aesthetic design, structural precision, and functional performance. CNC technology is primarily applied in precision component machining, casing production, thermal management components, and customized designs.
Headline
Knowledge
When Car Windows Meet Technology: Beyond Isolation—Protection, Intelligence, and Electrification
Traditionally, a car window’s main function is to shield occupants from wind and rain. Today, however, modern automotive windows have evolved to incorporate multiple convenience and safety features. High-end vehicles often feature acoustic glass, which uses multi-layer structures with sound-dampening films to effectively block wind and road noise, allowing passengers to enjoy a quiet cabin even at high speeds. Meanwhile, tempered glass undergoes specialized manufacturing processes to ensure that, upon impact, it shatters into small, uniform pieces, reducing the risk of injury and complying with the latest safety regulations. This integration of precision engineering relies heavily on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery. From maintaining uniform glass thickness and precise curvature to ensuring perfect adhesion between layers, even the slightest deviation can compromise noise insulation, thermal performance, and safety. Automakers therefore demand exceptionally high-quality standards from window manufacturers, as these components directly impact brand image and, more importantly, driver and passenger safety.
Headline
Knowledge
Soft PE/PP Waste Recycling Technology in the Circular Plastic Economy
Soft polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) waste are widely used in modern plastic industries, including packaging films, agricultural coverings, garbage bags, and logistics materials. Due to their high usage volume and recycling challenges, the effective recovery and processing of these materials have become a critical aspect of sustainable plastic management.
Headline
Knowledge
Machine Tool Lubrication and Cooling Systems: Components and Technologies
Machine tools are the cornerstone of modern manufacturing, enabling precise cutting, forming, and machining of metals and other materials. During operation, these machines generate significant friction and cutting heat, which, without proper management, can lead to tool wear, workpiece deformation, and reduced machining accuracy. Lubrication and cooling systems are essential for mitigating these issues, with lubrication reducing friction and wear, and cooling dissipating heat to maintain thermal stability. Together, these systems enhance machining efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and improve surface quality. Research indicates that effective lubrication and cooling can boost machining performance by up to 30%. This article explores the critical components—lubrication pumps, pipes, coolant pumps, and filters—while highlighting advanced techniques and future trends.
Agree