Common Types of Pipeline Valves [Complete Guide]

The importance of different types of valves in the pipeline system can not be overlooked these days. This complex network of pipes transports various liquids and gasses we need in our everyday lives. The industrial valves control the flow of liquids and gasses moving in these pipes in different ways and techniques. The diverse types of valves offer unique functions, pros, and cons that match different industrial needs. Ball, butterfly, gate, globe, pinch, and check valves are standard selections of valves used in pipelines. Keep reading this blog to make the best decision.

What Is an Industrial Pipeline Valve?

According to specialists at SlurryTuff, the primary function of industrial valves is to control fluid flow. These special mechanical devices can monitor the flow and pressure of liquids or gasses in pipes. Experts can use these industrial valves to determine how strong the fluid flows. There are many different types of valves for this purpose, as explained below.

What Are Common Types of Valves Used in Pipeline Networks?

About 20% to 30% of the money you invest in the piping system is related to the valves. This means you need to choose the right valves based on your project needs and budget to prevent wasting time and money. That is why you must comprehensively know the most common types of piping valves.

Ball Valves

They are designed with a hollow ball that can control fluid flow. Experts can quickly pivot these industrial valves using a valve handle. When the valve is locked, the handle is vertical to the flow direction. The ball must turn 90° using the handle to unblock the flow. Their shut-off function is so quick that professionals consider ball valves for different projects. Different types of ball valves are listed below.

3-Way valve
Floating valve
Trunnion mounted valve
Top entry
Side entry or split body
Three-piece body

Pros

Quick Function: As explained, a 90-degree turn is all you need to open or close the ball valve. It is a fantastic feature when you need to control the flow precisely.
Compact Size: Ball valves have a more compact design than other types of pipeline valves, saving more space in your piping system.
Fast Shut-Off: Leakage is the last problem you want in your pipeline network. Fortunately, ball valves can be closed tightly and quickly to prevent this issue.
Low Maintenance: Due to their simple design, they require a lower level of maintenance.

Applications

Ball valves are generally used in water, oil, and gas pipelines, HVAC systems, and chemical processing plants.

Globe Valves

Globe valves are spherical in shape, and their disc is movable to better control fluid flow. They are used in pipelines when professionals want to control the flow of gas or liquid with greater concentration on a regular basis. They can regulate the flow in pipelines and prevent the risk of leakage. There are three common types of globe valves in piping systems.

Z types
Y types
Angle types

Pros

Throttling Properties: There is a helpful space between the disk and seat ring in the globe valves. This space can control the flow more carefully in critical projects.
Lower Pressure Drop: Sudden pressure drops are one of the most common problems in pipeline systems. Fortunately, globe valves reduce this risk and are suitable for high-pressure and severe services.
Flow Regulation: As explained, the ability to regulate the flow of globe valves is admired. They offer precise control and adjustment over fluid in the pipelines.

Applications

Globe valves are widely used in steam services, water and gas pipelines, as well as viscous services.

Check Valves

Check valves only provide one-directional flow and prevent it from returning. The pressure of the flow is the main reason these valves open. That is why these industrial valves do not need external control; their one-way flap design allows them to perform automatically. Check valves are offered in four prevalent designs.

Swing type
Lift type
Dual plate type
Stop check valve

Pros

System Efficiency: Fluid backflow can damage the piping system and disturb its performance. Check values can prevent this problem and guarantee the system’s efficiency. They also protect the equipment and save money by decreasing the chance of costly repairs.
Easy Maintenance: The design of check valves is simple and they have only a few moving components. It explains why they require lower maintenance compared to other types of pipeline valves.

Applications

Experts use check valves to protect the pumps and control the pressure zones. They are also used when experts need to break the vacuum or where gravity factors matter in the piping system.

Pinch Valves

They are also known as clamp valves, which provide linear motion flow in pipelines. These valves are designed with elastic tubing and a pinching device to limit the flow directly. Depending on the expert’s opinion, they can also minimize turbulence and friction whenever needed.

Pros

Gentle Flow: The smooth, full-bore design of pinch valves enables them to minimize friction.
Cleanliness: The elastic tubing of these pipeline valves can completely separate the fluid from the body. This is a critical factor for special fluids requiring a high hygiene level.

Butterfly Valve

Among all pipeline valve selections, butterfly valves are significantly popular. They have a rotating disc installed on a rod to adjust and monitor the flow. The body is also short and circular, making the butterfly valve versatile. There are many different types of this mechanical device.

Flanged ends
Wafer type ends
Lug type ends
Butt-welded types end
Zero offset butterfly valve
Double offset butterfly valve
Triple offset butterfly valve

Pros

Quick Performance: The quick and ingenious quarter-turn operation of butterfly valves makes them a suitable selection when rapid control matters.

Applications

Butterfly valves are widely chosen for cooling water devices, compressed air or gas pipes, fire protection, slurry, vacuum service, and high-pressure / high-temperature water and steam services.

Gate Valves

It is one of the most common types of valves used in pipelines. Gate valves use a wedge to control fluid flow along a linear path. They are fully closed or opened, so they do not offer a precise level of flow adjustments and control. There is a wide range of gate valves to consider for your project needs.

Different types of gate valves are listed below.

Solid wedge gate valve
Flexible wedge gate valve
Split wedge or parallel disks gate valve
Os & y gate valve or rising stem valve
Non-rising stem gate valve or insider screw valve

Pros

Quality Sealing: The wedging feature of gate valves make them a superior option when absolute flow control is needed.
Bi-directional Flow: Unlike other types of pipeline valves, gate ones offer bi-directional flow. If the flow direction changes, this valve function can be beneficial.
Low Flow Resistance: There is almost no abstract on the way when the flood flows through the gate pipeline valves. Their straight design makes the fluid flow high-resistant to friction.

Applications

Gate valve applications are extensive. These devices are used in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing since they can flawlessly handle high levels of pressure. They also play an important role in irrigation systems and municipal water networks. Finally, experts consider these industrial valves to control the flow of oil, gas, and refined outcomes in pipelines.

How to Invest In the Right Type of Pipeline Valve?

Experts at HardHat Engineer explain the need to know critical factors before investing in a pipeline valve. This information helps you understand which valve selection can meet your demands.

Factors / Valves	Ball Valve	Globe Valve	Check Valve	Butterfly Valve	Gate Valve	Pinch Valve
Rate of Temperature and Pressure	High pressure & temperature	Moderate pressure & temperature	Depends on the design	Moderate pressure & temperature	High pressure & temperature	Low pressure
Flow Quality	Excellent	Fair	One-direction flow only	Good	Excellent	Good
Material	Metal	Metal	Metal	Metal	Metal	Rubber, elastomers
Maintenance	Simple	Moderate difficulty	Simple	Simple	Moderate difficulty	Needs specialized tools and knowledge
Durability	High	Moderate-high	Moderate	Moderate-high	High	Moderate
Design	Compact, lightweight	Compact, medium weight	Compact, lightweight	Compact, lightweight	Bulky, heavy	Depends on size
Cost	Moderate	Moderate-high	Low-moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate

Final Words

As you can see, pipeline valves have many unique features. Pipeline valves are critical for projects as they can monitor the flow of gas or any liquid. Besides the benefits a valve offers, you must consider your project needs and circumstances to make the best decision!

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Common Types of Pipeline Valves [Complete Guide]