Valves are mechanical devices that enable the regulation or diversion of liquids or gases (and sometimes slurries) within a pipe or system of pipes. They are used in a variety of settings and across industries.
How and where are valves used?
One place where we all have valves is in the bathroom. There are valves in taps to regulate the amount of water that flows out, and valves in the toilet – one to empty and one to refill. The kitchen may well have one as gas hobs use valves to allow and stop the flow of gas. There will also be a valve in your washing machine which controls the supply of water for each cycle.
Another, perhaps less obvious valve, is found on top of sports drinks bottles. This is called a poppet valve and lets the drink in and out when you push or pull it with your teeth.
At the other end of the scale to poppet valves are industrial valves. Industrial valves are essentially those used in industry as opposed to domestically. They can be extremely large and are often made of more robust materials to cope with harsh environmental conditions. These are used in the huge water, oil and gas pipelines that supply our utilities. Industrial Valves from Orseal are regarded as some of the best around.
Main types of valves
There are many different types of valves. The most common are probably the butterfly, the gate, the cock/plug, the globe, the needle, the poppet and the spool.
Safety valves are also commonly used in industries where dangerous gases or liquids are commonplace. These are designed to open when the liquid or gas reaches a certain pressure, otherwise being held closed by sturdy springs. They can also be opened manually. They protect other parts of the system from being damaged by opening and relieving pressure.
Valve materials
Depending on their application, valves can be made from plastic, steel (carbon, alloy or stainless), cast copper alloy, aluminium alloy, ductile iron, titanium alloy, or brass. All of these have their own advantages and disadvantages.