Valves

Valves isolate, switch and control fluid flow in a piping system. Valves can be operated manually with
levers and gear operators or remotely with electric, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, and electrohydraulic
powered actuators. Manually operated valves are typically used where operation is
infrequent and/or a power source is not available. Powered actuators allow valves to be operated
automatically by a control system and remotely with push button stations. Valve automation brings
significant advantages to a plant in the areas of process quality, efficiency, safety, and productivity.

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Types of valves and their features are summarised below.
Gate Valves have a sliding disc (gate) that reciprocates into and out of the valve port. Gate
valves are an ideal isolation valve for high pressure drop and high temperature applications
where operation is infrequent. Manual operation is accomplished through a multi turn hand
wheel gear shaft assembly. Multiturn electric actuators are typically required to automate gate
valves, however long stroke pneumatic and electro-hydraulic actuators are also available.
Recommended Uses:
1. Fully open/closed, non-throttling
2. Infrequent operation
3. Minimal fluid trapping in line
Applications: Oil, gas, air, slurries, heavy liquids, steam, non-condensing gases, and corrosive
liquids
Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. High capacity 1. Poor control
2. Tight shutoff 2. Cavitate at low pressure drops
3. Low cost 3. Cannot be used for throttling
4. Little resistance to flow
Globe Valves have a conical plug, which reciprocates into and out of the valve port. Globe
valves are ideal for shutoff as well as throttling service in high pressure drop and high
temperature applications. Available in globe, angle, and y-pattern designs. Manual operation is
accomplished through a multi-turn hand wheel assembly. Multiturn electric actuators are
typically required to automate globe valves, however linear stroke pneumatic and electrohydraulic
actuators are also available.

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Recommended Uses:
1. Throttling service/flow regulation
2. Frequent operation
Applications: Liquids, vapors, gases, corrosive substances, slurries
Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Efficient throttling 1. High pressure drop
2. Accurate flow control 2. More expensive than other valves
3. Available in multiple ports
oBall Valves were a welcomed relief to the process industry. They provide tight shutoff and high
capacity with just a quarter-turn to operate. Ball valves are now more common in 1/4"-6" sizes.
Ball valves can be easily actuated with pneumatic and electric actuators.
Recommended Uses:
1. Fully open/closed, limited-throttling
2. Higher temperature fluids

Applications: Most liquids, high temperatures, slurries

Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Low cost 1. Poor throttling characteristics
2. High capacity 2. Prone to cavitation
3. Low leakage and maint.
4. Tight sealing with low torque
Butterfly valves are commonly used as control valves in applications where the pressure drops
required of the valves are relatively low. Butterfly valves can be used in applications as either shutoff
valves (on/off service) or as throttling valves (for flow or pressure control). As shutoff valves, butterfly
valves offer excellent performance within the range of their pressure rating.