9 Popular Types of Industrial Valves: Pros, Cons & Applications of Each
According to a market study, the global industrial valves market is predicted to exceed a whopping $77 billion by 2022. The demand for industrial valves is expected to rise steadily, as these valves are used across a wide range of sectors including automation, industry 4.0, commercial construction and many more. With rapid industrialisation, the growth of technological innovations and commercial construction there is a pressing need for reliable and high-quality industrial valves in all industries.
In this guide, we walk you through the popular types of industrial valves, highlighting the pros and cons of each, so that you can make a smart purchase decision.
1. Ball Valve
What is it?
It’s a rotational valve that has a ball-shaped disk to start or stop fluid flow. The distinct feature of this valve is the hollow, ball-shaped disk that regulates fluid flow. It’s one of the fastest valves and requires only a quarter turn to close or open.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Minimal leakage | Not suitable to be used as a throttling valve |
No wear and tear if used properly | Not suitable for highly viscous fluids as it causes sedimentation |
Low maintenance cost | Could lead to surge pressure due to rapid opening and closing of the valve |
Easy turn on/off | |
Easy to operate | |
Minimal pressure drops |
Applications
Ball valves are primarily used in low-pressure settings and high-temperature applications that require bubble-tight sealing.
2. Butterfly Valve
What is it?
It’s a rotary motion valve that starts, stops and regulates fluid flow. They are easy to operate and come with a 90° rotation handle that moves the disk from fully open to fully closed with a single swift move. What makes it distinct from other valves is that it has a flat or concave disc that attaches to the valve’s stem.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to install | Strong fluid pressure can affect the disc movement |
Compact lightweight design | Limited throttling |
Easy to operate | |
Minimal pressure drops |
Applications
They are primarily used in gas and water applications, where there is a need to isolate the flow of the fluid. They are best suited for cryogenic, slurries and vacuum services.
3. Check Valve
What is it?
As the name implies, these valves prevent the reversal of fluid in piping systems. These valves are opened by the pressure of the fluid. On reversal of the flow, the valve gets closed. They rely on the pressure of the fluid for opening and closing, instead of external action. They prevent backflow of the fluid.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Simple design | Not suitable for throttling |
Operates automatically without human intervention | The disc may get stuck in the open position |
Prevents backflow | |
Primarily used as a backup system |
Applications
Check valves are primarily used to prevent backflows. They are mostly used in chemical and power plants, feed pumps in steam boilers, water pumps and compressors.
4. Gate Valve
What is it?
It derives its name from the appearance of gate-like disc structure in the flow stream. It’s a linear motion valve that starts or stops fluid flow. However, it doesn’t help in throttling or regulating the flow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Can be used for bi-directional flows | Not suitable for throttling |
Suitable for pipes with large diameters | Heavy flow intensity could damage the disc or gate |
Simple design | |
No flow resistance since the gate doesn’t obstruct the flow |
Applications
They are suitable for all applications that require on/off function. They are mostly used in slurries, neutral liquids and other wastewater applications.
5. Globe Valve
What is it?
It’s another linear valve that stops, starts and regulates fluid flow. It resembles a plug-type disc and it moves up to allow the flow of media. It’s a great choice for applications that do not require high-pressure drops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Provides better shutting control compared to a gate valve | Not suitable for high-pressure applications |
Doesn't show signs of wear and tear, even when used frequently | |
Easy to repair as it's easy to disassemble | |
Applications
They are primarily used for applications where leakage is a major concern. These valves prevent leakage and are used in chemical feed systems, feedwater systems, and extraction drain systems.
6. Needle Valve
What is it?
It’s used to fine-tune the amount of fluid flow. It has a long, tapered needle-like point that act as the disc. The design of this valve permits minute increase or decrease of fluid flow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Can control fluid media effectively | Requires several turns to completely close or open the valve |
Requires minimal mechanical force to seal the opening | Used only in sophisticated shut-off applications |
Ideal for vacuum services and other systems that require precise fluid flow |
Applications
They are mostly used in calibration applications that require precise flow of fluids.
7. Pinch Valve
What is it?
It’s the simplest of valve designs. It works just like a pinch cock used in laboratories to control the flow of fluids. It’s also known as the clamp valve and is great to start, stop or throttle fluids.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Simple design – has no internal moving parts | Not suitable for high-pressure applications |
Prevents media contamination | Works only with liquids and not gases |
Ideal for viscous fluids, slurries and even corrosive media | |
Low maintenance |
Applications
They offer unrestricted fluid flow. They are used in a variety of industrial applications like cement handling, chemicals processing, wastewater treatment and several others.
8. Plug Valve
What is it?
It’s a rotational valve that is used to start or stop fluid motion. The shape of the valve resembles a plug. When open, the passage in the plug aligns with the inlet and outlet ports. To stop the flow, the valve handle should be turned to a 90-degree position.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to maintain | Not suitable for throttling |
Simple to operate | Requires power |
Minimal pressure drops | High friction |
Offers a tight seal | |
Requires only a quarter turn to open or close |
Applications
You can spot these valves in several applications like slurries, gas pipelines, sewage systems and more.
9. Pressure Relief Valve
What is it?
It’s a valve that limits or releases pressure from the pipelines. The main purpose of this valve is to protect the equipment when there is an over exposure to pressure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cost-effective | The spring mechanism of this valve is not suited for corrosive materials |
Suitable for high pressure and high temperature applications | Back pressure could impact the function of the valve |
Can handle all gases and liquids | |
Applications
They are primarily used in boiler applications and pressure vessels.
Wrapping Up
The valves mentioned above are the 9 popular types of industrial valves used in leading industries. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can find the right valves for your industrial requirements. For the best industrial valves suppliers in India, reach out to EuroIndustriel. We connect you with the top industrial valve suppliers in India, helping you find the best products at the best prices.
