Valve Selection based on Service Characteristics

Valve selection is dependent on the characteristics of the services as follows.

 Fluid type
 Fluid characteristics
 Pressure and temperature limitations
 Operation and maintenance requirements

1. Fluid Type:

The fluid being handled should be classified as follows,

 Liquid (including Two-Phase)

 Gas
 Steam
 Slurry
 Solids

2. Fluid Characteristics:

The characteristics and condition of fluids and slurries require careful identification since these are often the
most significant factors in selecting the correct type of valve.

Clean fluids generally permit a wide choice of valve types, for dirty fluids the choice is often restricted and may
require a specific type of valve.

The fluid is divided into the following characteristics.

(1) Clean Service

(2) Dirty Service

 Dirty service involves fluids with suspended solids that may seriously impair the performance of the
valve unless the correct type of design is selected. This type of service is often of major significance
since many valves are very sensitive to the presence of solids. Dirty service is further classified as
abrasive or sandy.
 Abrasive Service is a term used to identify the presence of abrasive particulate found in piping systems
and includes the presence of pipe rust, scale, welding slag, sand and grit which are damaging to many
valves. These materials can damage seating surfaces and clog working clearances in valves often
resulting in excessive force required to operate valves, sticking, jamming, and leakage through the
valves.
 Sandy service is a term identifying severe abrasive and erosive conditions and is used in oilfield
production to identify the production of formation sand with reservoir crude oil or gas.

(3) Slurry Service

 Slurry service involves liquids with substantial solids in suspension.

 Slurries vary widely in nature and concentration of solids, and hard abrasive solids of high concentration
can cause severe abrasion, erosion, and clogging of components.
 Soft, non-abrasive solids can cause clogging of components.
  In certain chemical processes, polymerization may block the cavities, preventing valve operation.

(4) Solids

 There are many other conditions where solids may be present in the form of hard granules, crystals, soft
fibers or powders.
 The transporting media may be liquid or gas. Air or fluidized bed systems may be used for some
particulate. Specialized valves are available for many of these services but development work may
sometimes be necessary.

(5) Hazardous & Flammable Service

 Hazardous and flammable material is normally specified in Fire Service Law and/or Client’s
specifications.
 Toxic substances such as chlorine, hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen sulfide, CO, phenol, etc..
 Highly corrosive fluids such as acids and caustic alkalis.

(6) Corrosive Service

 Corrosive service is a term generally used to identify clean or dirty fluids containing corrosive
constituents that, depending on concentration, pressure, and temperature, may cause corrosion of
metallic components. Corrosive fluids include sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrofluoric acid (HFA), wet
acid gas (wet CO2), sour gas (wetH2S) and chlorides. Many chemicals are highly corrosive.
 The choice of suitable corrosion-resistant materials for valve pressure retaining components (boy
bonnet) and trim is necessary to avoid corrosion that can impair the integrity or performance of the
valve.

(7) Viscous Service

 Viscous service is a term that generally identifies a wide range of dirty or clean fluids with pronounced
thickness and adhesive properties that, for the range of operating conditions(pressure, temperature, and
flow) may require high operating torques and cause a sluggish response affecting seating. Fluids include
high viscosity oils (lube and heavy fuel oil) and non-newtonian fluids e.g. wax crude, gels, and pastes.
 The choice of valves for viscous service can vary depending on fluid properties. Special attention should
be given to check valves where a sluggish response may cause operating difficulties and even hazardous
conditions.

(8) Fouling Service

 Fouling or scaling service involve liquids that form a deposit on surfaces. Such deposits may vary
widely in nature, with varying hardness, the strength of adhesion and rates of build-up. Valves for these
services require careful selection, particularly where thick, hard, strongly adhesive coatings occur. The
temperature of the fluid may be a vital factor and in some cases, valves may need tracing or be steam
jacketed or of purged design.

(9) Solidifying Service

 Solidifying service is a general term used to identify fluids that will change from liquid to solid unless
maintained at the correct conditions of temperature, pressure, and flow. It is a term generally associated
with fluids such as liquid sulfur and phthalic anhydride where valves of steam jacketed design may be
required or heavy fuel oil where valves often require tracing to maintain temperature and operability.
3. Pressure and Temperature Limitation:

Valves are normally allocated a rating according to the maximum operating pressure and temperature or
the ratings of the piping system and flanges.

 The temperature also limits the materials used in the valve construction, particularly the internals, trims,
seals, rings or lubricants.
 These are normally defined in the “Piping Material Specification”.

4. Operation and Maintenance Requirements:

Operation and maintenance requirements can influence selection and design. Consideration should be given to:

 Fire Resistance: There may be a requirement for valves having non-metallic (soft) seating to include
‘fire-safe’ features so that in the event of the soft seat and/or seals being damaged or destroyed by fire
the valve will still be operational and any leakage will be within the acceptable limits laid down by a
particular standard or specification.
 Operability
 Leak tightness (internal and external)
 Maintainability
 Storage and commissioning
 Pipeline requirements (e.g. ability to pass cleaning pigs)
Valve Selection Based on Valve Function
There are two basic principles on which valves are constructed.
(1) The first principle is developed in three ways:
 Moving the stopper by direct thrust on to the orifice seating. This obturating movement is the
basis of globe type valves.
 Rotating the stopper. This is the basis for plug or ball-type valves.
 Sliding the stopper across the face of the orifice seating. This is the basis of gate type valves.
(2) The second principle, squeezing action, is the basis of all diaphragm type valves.

Globe valve Selection Criteria

The globe valve is used for flow regulation or as a block valve where resistance to flow is not critical and
positive closing action is required. They have a tortuous configuration which is typical of the closing method
and results in higher resistance to flow compared with other valves.
Gate valve Selection
Gate valves are used for on/off operation on hydrocarbon, general process, and utility services for all
temperature ranges.
They have straight through configurations which are typical of the sliding method, therefore, minimum
resistance to flow.
Disadvantages are that they have the slowest action of all valves because the gate has to be moved a distance
greater than the bore of the valve, which also means that the valve is of necessity bulky in height.
Selection of Plug valve
Plug valves have a quarter-turn operation, plugs are tapered or parallel plugs, and are suitable for most on-off
clean process and utility services, including non-abrasive slurries.
They have straight through configurations typical of the sliding method.
The disadvantages of the basic plug cock are two-fold.
Firstly, its quick action can lead to a water hammer on hydraulic installation when it is closed too rapidly, and
secondly, it is difficult to combine tight shut-off with ease of operation.
Ball valve Selection Guidelines
A low torque quarter-turn valve, with a low resistance to flow, suitable for many on-off utility and process
services.
It has a straight-through configuration typical of the sliding method of closure.
Butterfly valve Selection Procedure
A low torque, quarter-turn, rotary action valve with a straight-through flow configuration in which the disc is
turned through 90 degrees, close to open position, in axial turning bearings and is used as a control or block
valve. It is of compact design and may be obtained with or without flanges and linings. Seating arrangement
may be soft (use of body lining, trapped ‘O’ ring, etc.) or metal to metal.
When to select Diaphragm valve
Diaphragm valves have straight-through flow or weir configurations employing the flexing method and may be
used for low-pressure chemical plant process on-off or regulating operation of most gases and liquids, e.g.
slurries, viscous fluids and fluids which are chemically aggressive.
The inherent disadvantage is that the diaphragm has to be made from an elastomeric material, usually either a
natural or synthetic rubber, and this limits the application of the valve with respect to both temperature and
pressure. Also, because of the stresses induced in the diaphragm, the valve has a shorter working life than other
valve types.
Valve Selection Considering Cost of Valve
The costs of valve types cannot be simply compared because they vary depending on the countries where they
are produced, vendors and the balance of demand and supply.
In most cases, clients call for stress relieving, annealing, radiographic inspection, etc.of the valves, which
affects the cost of the valves. Therefore, it is necessary to ask the Procurement Division to inquire of suitable
vendors regarding these valves, based on the service conditions and the clients’ requirements, after they are
defined.
After a draft of P&ID is issued, the personnel in charge of the preparation of the P&ID should cooperate closely
with the piping design engineers in charge, during the in-house review period of the P&ID, and should
determine the valve types and prepare piping material specifications in parallel.
 Generally, gate valves are less expensive than globe valves of the same specification. However, the cost
of 1-1/2″ or smaller-dia. malleable gate valves are higher than that of the globe valves.
 Class 150 Gr.304SS TFE-seat 4”or smaller-dia. ball valves are less expensive than gate and globe
valves.
 Class 150 cast iron/malleable iron TFE-seat 2″-4″ ball valves are less expensive than gate and globe
valves whose rating and material are the same.
 In recent years, domestic vendors have developed and distributed light and inexpensive 2″ or smaller
wafer-type ball valves, which should be positively adopted in chemical plants.
 The cost of soft-seat butterfly valves, applied in the range of approximately 10 kg/cm and 80°C or
lower, is the lowest compared with other types of valves.
Metal-seat butterfly valves could be used in the same applicable range as general gate valves if the same
material is used for the metal seat. Also, as Class 600 and 900 butterfly valves have been developed and
distributed, they should be positively applied to process lines. If the butterfly valves are throttled in use, care
should be taken to avoid cavitation.
What is HVAC Piping? Types and Materials for HVAC Piping
HVAC piping or heating ventilation and air-conditioning piping deliver hot water, cool water, refrigerant,
condensate, steam, and gas to and from the HVAC components. HVAC systems provide thermal comfort for
the occupants accompanied by indoor air quality. They are used in industrial, commercial, residential, and
institutional buildings for different purposes like

 To add or remove heat from the air inside the building.

 Control the humidity.
 Filter the air in the building.
 Bring fresh air into the building.

So, for this process HVAC Piping systems use chilled water, hot water, condensate water, condensate drainage,
refrigerant, steam, and gas to deliver from HVAC equipment using piping networks. Using HVAC piping in
HVAC systems is highly efficient and affordable.

The cooling system consists of chilled water and condensate water. Chilled water systems pump water in a
closed-loop and never get mixed with other condensate water. Heat is absorbed and passed off at three main
points in the chilled water systems. The first point is the fan coil unit which is located throughout the buildings.
The next one is the chiller which uses a refrigerator to cool the chilled water and acts as a heat exchange and the
next one is the condensate water system acting as an open loop. Which exposes the water to the atmosphere at
the cooling towers.

The heating system, which is capable of adding heat to the occupied space adds up both the steam system and
the hot water system. Which uses a boiler to produce the steam usually fired up by natural gas or fuel oil. Boiler
pressure is used to force the steam through the piping system to a heat exchanger. Inside the heat exchanger, the
heat is transferred into the hot water and is carried to the occupied space. Steam traps are used to collect the
condensate after the steam has given off its heat and allowed it to condensate back to a liquid state. condensate
pumps are used to pump the condensed water back to the boiler to proceed again. The next one is the hot water
system which is also a closed-loop system. Which gets its heat from the heat exchanger and is pumped into the
spaces within the buildings which are to be heated. These cooling and heating piping networks are collectively
called HVAC piping systems.

Types of HVAC Piping System

HVAC Piping system can be classified into two parts; the piping in the central plant equipment room and the
delivery piping. The central plant equipment room consists of the pipe networks connected to the rotating
equipment and tanks. They are connected to different types of equipment like heat exchangers and pumps over
the pump room from these regions the piping network transports the process liquid to the other parts of the
building using the delivery piping.

HVAC Piping Materials

The effectiveness of the piping gets influenced by the materials used to make it. Copper and steel are the two
major types of metals used for HVAC piping. Copper is used mostly for smaller piping, transporting water in
ac unit with a maximum commercial size of about 12 “as the use of copper is very expensive than that of other
materials available. So that the piping used in HVAC is 3 “and smaller.

Steel on the other hand is much cheaper and is used for large sizes. It can also withstand higher pressure than
copper and is ideal for both hot and cold water. It usually allows for a range of temperature and pressure. Sch 40
and Sch 80 pipes of the same are acceptable for several HVAC applications.
For chilled and heating water services 8” and above, ASTM A53 or A135 (light wall black steel pipe) are used.

ASTM A120 and A53 (black steel pipe Sch. 40) are used up for services like

1. Chilled and heated water piping

2. Miscellaneous drains and overflows
3. Emergency generator exhaust
4. Safety and relief valve discharge
5. Chemical treatments
6. High- and low-pressure steam
7. Steam vent

ASTM 120 and A53 Sch. 80 (black steel pipe) get used for pumped and gravity steam condensate return.

ASTM A120 Sch. 40 (galvanized steel pipe) can be used up for miscellaneous indirect wastewater pipes.

ASTM B88 (copper pipe) used for,

1. Industrial cold water (above grade-type L) for piping 4 “and smaller.

2. Refrigerant piping (type L, hand-drawn) below 6“
3. Chilled and heating water (type L and hand-drawn) below 3”.

Underground pipes need to go cathodic protection to prevent corrosion from dirt. Which is coating it in a thin
layer of some other metal such as zinc to absorb the corrosion. Flanges used are per ANSI B16.1. Cast iron or
steel are used for screwed pipe and forged steel welding necks are used for welded line sizes.

Plastic piping, which is much cheaper than copper and steel is another common material used for HVAC
applications. They are thinner and weaker and won’t be able to withstand much pressure. It doesn’t get corrode
which makes it suitable for underground uses. PVC and CPVC are the two types of plastic piping commonly
used. They won’t be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures as metal.

HVAC Piping Insulation

Depending upon the existing code conditions they may or may not be insulated. Usually, they are insulated with
closed-cell elastomeric foam pipe insulations due to their closed cell structure and built-in vapor barrier. They
range from -297°F to +220°F HVAC pipe services.

They are also different type of insulations like mineral fiber insulation (glass fibers bonded with thermosetting
resin) which includes

1. Preformed pipe insulation (comply with ASTM C547)

2. Blanket insulation (ASTM C553)
3. Fire-resistant adhesive
4. Vapour retarder mastics
5. Mineral fiber insulating cement (ASTM C195)

Prefabricated thermal insulating fitting covers (ASTM C450) and elastomeric cellular thermal insulations
(ASTM C 534).

Buried HVAC piping parts are wrapped in accordance with AWWA C209 and C214.
Analyzing HVAC Piping Systems

Analysis of the system includes checking the piping system for its compliance with code requirements in
stresses under different loading conditions. Operating conditions will be design temperature, ambient
temperature, operating temperature, design pressure, and hydro test pressure. Materials required are selected
accordingly as per the process parameters. Sometimes, expansion compensators are used to accommodate the
expansion and contraction of the HVAC piping network.

In these cases, mostly ASME B31.9 (utility service piping) is used, sometimes B31.3 and B31.4 for
underground piping.

Verifying the displacement and loads on supports in the overall systems. usually, the plastic piping will have
more displacements due to its elastic properties. Quality assurance must also be made sure. The piping material
and installation shall meet the requirements of the local building codes and service utility requirements.

Support Spacing of HVAC Piping System

The usual support span for horizontal HVAC piping systems are provided in the table below:

Maximum Support Common Hanger Diameter if supported using

Pipe Size
Spacing Rigid hangers

1/2 to 1-1/4 inches (12.7 to 31.75

6 feet 6 inches (2 m) 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
mm)

1-1/2 to 2 inches (38.1 to 50.8

10 feet (3 m) 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
mm)

2-1/2 to 3 inches (63.5 to 76.2

10 feet (3 m) 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
mm)

4 to 6 inches (101.6 to 152.4

10 feet (3 m) 5/8 inch (15.9 mm)
mm)

8 to 12 inches (203.2 to 304.8

14 feet (4.25 m) 7/8 inch (22.2 mm)
mm)

14 inch (355.6 mm) and over 20 feet (6 m) 1 inch (25 mm)

PVC (All sizes) 6 feet (1.8 m) 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)

C.I. Bell and Spigot (or No-Hub) 5 feet (1.5 m) at joints 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)

Table 1: Support Span for HVAC piping systems

Horizontal Cast iron HVAC pipes are supported adjacent to each hub, with 5 feet (1.5 m) maximum spacing
between supports/hangers. Vertical HVAC pipes are generally supported on every floor. Vertical cast iron pipes
are supported at each hub.

Joining HVAC Piping

Usually, the following guidelines are followed for joining HVAC piping during installation:

 HVAC piping systems are joined using the method suggested by the manufacturer in accordance with
applicable codes and standards.
 For copper HVAC piping Soldered joints are used.
 For steel HVAC piping, Screwed, Flanged, or Welded joints are used.

HVAC Piping Frequently Asked Questions with Answers

What is HVAC piping made of?

HVAC piping is usually made of Steel, Copper, or PVC. For smaller pipes, Copper is used. In general, copper
as an HVAC piping material is selected for lines below 3 inches.

What type of pipe tubing is most common in the HVAC industry?

The most widely used HVAC pipe tubing is made up of copper. They are widely used in both refrigerant and
heating systems. However, recently, PEX tubing is replacing copper tubing in cold and hot water applications.

What is a two-pipe HVAC system?

Two pipe HVAC systems is a cost-effective HVAC piping solution that uses the same piping system alternately
for chilled water cooling and hot water heating.

What type of pipe is used for chilled water?

For chilled water piping systems, Steel pipe is the most widely used material.

What type of copper pipe is used for HVAC?

Type L Copper pipe that is available in rigid as well as flexible forms are used in HVAC piping systems.
Different Types of Valves used in Piping – A Complete Guide of Pipe Valves
Different types of valves are used in piping. In this article, I have covered valves’ classifications and their
functions. Let’s start with Valve’s definition.

What is Valve?

Chances are there that you already know this. But there is no harm in refreshing the memory.

A valve is a device that regulates, controls, or directs the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially
obstructing fluid flow. A sound bit complicated? Ok, let me further simplify this. A valve is a mechanical
device that controls the flow and pressure of fluid within a system or process. So basically, it controls flow &
pressure.

Types of Valves

In piping following types of valves are used depending on the requirements. The cost of valves in the piping
system can be up to 20 to 30% of the overall piping cost. And the cost of a given type and size of valve can vary
100%. It means that if you choose a ball valve over a butterfly valve for the same function. It can cost you
more. So, the selection of valves is essential to the economics and operation of the process plants.

 Gate Valve
 Globe Valve
 Check Valve
 Plug valve
 Ball Valve
 Butterfly Valve
 Needle Valve
 Pinch Valve
 Pressure Relief Valve

Gate valve

A gate valve is the most common type of valve in any process plant. It is a linear motion valve used to start or
stop fluid flow. In service, these valves are either fully open or fully closed. Gate valves are used in almost all
fluid services such as air, fuel gas, feedwater, steam, lube oil, hydrocarbon, and almost any services. The gate
valve provides a good shutoff.

 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
Globe Valve

A Globe valve is used to stop, start, and regulate the fluid flow. Globe Valves are used in systems where flow
control is required, and leak tightness is also necessary. A Globe valve provides better shut-off than the gate
valve and is costlier than a gate valve.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Globe Valves.

 Z types
 Y types
 Angle Types
Check Valve

The check valve prevents backflow in the piping system. The pressure of the fluid passing through a pipeline
opens the valve, while any reversal of flow will close the valve.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Check Valves.

 Swing Type
 Lift Type
 Dual Plate Type
 Stop Check Valve

Plug valve

A plug valve is a Quarter-turn rotary motion Valve that uses a tapered or cylindrical plug to stop or start the
flow. The disk is in plug shape, which has a passage to pass the flow. Plug valves are used as on-off stop valves
and are capable of providing bubble-tight shutoff. The plug valve can be used in a vacuum for high-pressure &
temperature applications.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Plug Valves.

 Rectangular Port
 Round Port and
 Diamond Port
 Lubricated Plug Valve
 Non-lubricated Plug Valves
 Multi-Port Plug Valves
Ball Valve

A Ball valve is a quarter-turn rotary motion valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start the flow. Most ball
valves are quick-acting, requiring a 90° turn of the valve handle to operate the valve. The ball valve is Smaller
and lighter than a gate valve of the same size and rating.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Ball Valves.

 3-Way Ball Valve

 Floating Ball Valve
 Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
 Top entry
 Side entry or split body
 Three-piece body
Butterfly Valve

A Butterfly valve is a quarter-turn rotary motion valve used to stop, regulate, and start the flow. The butterfly
valve has a short circular body. Butterfly Valve is suitable for large valve applications due to its compact,
lightweight design that requires considerably less space than other valves.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Butterfly Valves.

 Flanged Ends
 Wafer Type Ends
 Lug Type Ends
 Butt Welded Types Ends
 Zero offset Butterfly Valve
 Double Offset Butterfly Valve
 Triple Offset Butterfly Valve

Needle Valve

Needle valves are similar to a globe valve in design, with the biggest difference being the sharp needle-like
disk. Needle valves are designed to give very accurate control of flow in small diameter piping systems. They
get their name from their sharp-pointed conical disc and matching seat.

Click on the image given below to learn about Needle Valves.

Pinch Valve

The pinch valve is also known as a clamp valve. It is a linear motion valve. Used to start, regulate, and stop
fluid flow. It uses a rubber tube, also known as a pinch tube, and a pinch mechanism to control the fluid. Pinch
Valve is ideally suited for handling slurries, liquids with large amounts of suspended solids, and systems that
convey solid material pneumatically.

Click on the image given below to learn about Needle Valves.

Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure Relief valve or pressure safety valve is used to protect equipment or piping system during an
overpressure event or in the event of a vacuum. This valve releases the pressure or vacuum at a pre-defined set
pressure.

Click on the image given below to learn about the following types of Pressure Relief Valves.

 Reclosing-type pressure relief devices

 Non-reclosing type pressure relief devices
 Safety Relief Valves
  Pressure Relief Valve
 Vacuum Relief Valve
 Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve

Valves Types based on Functions

The valve serves various functions within the piping system. Such as

 Stopping and starting a fluid flow. Depending on whether a valve is open or closed, it lets pass the
process fluid or halts the fluid.
 Throttling the fluid flow. Some of the valves let you throttle the fluid depending open % of the total
opening. Lesser the opening, higher the throttling and otherwise.
 Controlling the direction of fluid flow. The multiport valve lets you decide the way fluid will go.
 Regulating a flow or pressure within the piping system. Some of the automatic control valves maintain
the flow and pressure within the system by adjusting opening and closing.
 Relieve pressure or vacuum from the piping system and equipment. Pressure and vacuum relief valves
safeguard the processing system from overpressure and during vacuum conditions.

Different types of valves serve these functions. These valves can be classified or categorized based on;

 Function
 End connection
 How it operates
 Types of Actuator it used.
Classification of Valves Based on Function

In the above chart, you can see the types of valves and their function.

An isolation valve isolates or cuts the supply of fluid when needed. Gate, ball, plug, piston, diaphragm,
butterfly, and pinch valve fall under this category.

A control valve that regulates the flow of fluid falls in the regulation category. Globe, needle, butterfly,
diaphragm, ball, plug, and pinch valve are used as control valves. You can see that; some valves serve dual
purposes, such as the globe, and the ball valve can be used as an isolation as well as a control valve.

Pressure and vacuum relief valves are used to prevent overpressure and vacuum with the system that can
damage the piping and equipment. Non-return valves such as swing and lift check valves prevent backflow
within the system. Whereas some valves are designed to serve a special purpose. Such as multiport, knife, and
line blind valve.

Classification of Valves Based on End Connections

Based on the end connection, valve ends can be

 Screwed or threaded that connect with matching thread on the pipe. A small-bore valve used in
instrument connection or as a sample point has a threaded end.
 The majority of the valve used in piping has Flanged type ends.
 Butt-welded valves are used in very high pressure and temperature services.
  Socket Welded valves are used in low-pressure.
 Check valve and butterfly valves are available in wafer and lug end construction. These types of ends
are used when space is constrained.

You can see the images of all these types of valve end above.

Classification of Valves Based on The Way it Open and Closed

Valve type Linear motion Rotary motion Quarter turn

Gate valve X

Globe valve X

Swing check valve X

Lift check valve X

Tilting-disc check valve X

Folding-disc check valve X

In-line check valve X

Stop check valve X X

Ball valve X X

Pinch valve X

Butterfly valve X X

Plug valve X X

Diaphragm valve X

Safety valve X

Relief valve X

Another way to classify the valve is the way it opens and close. Each valve opens and closes by either Liner or
rotary motion or by the quarter turn, which is nothing but a rotary motion.

In the image below, you can see the difference between the opening methods of the valve.
Linear motion valves use a closure member that moves straight and cuts the flow to start, stop, or throttle the
flow. The closure device could be a disc or flexible material like a diaphragm. Linear motion valves are slower
in operation, but they provide a higher level of accuracy and stability in the position of the closure member.

Rotary motion valves rotate or swing a disc from the hinge pin that holds the disk.

A 90° turn of the stem in Quarter-turn valves fully open or fully closed the valve. Because of this quick turn, the
operation of the Quarter turn valve is much faster than linear motion valves. Some rotary motion valves are also
known as the Quarter turn valve.

In the table, you can see that the ball valve, butterfly valve, and plug valve are both rotary and quarter-turn
valves. Whereas swing check, tilting disk, and other rotary motion valves are not quarter-turn valves.

Classification of Valves Based on Types of Actuator it Used

The last way to classify the valve is the type of actuator used to transfer the motion to operate the valve. The
valve can be operated manually with the help of a handwheel, lever, chain, or gear wheel.
An external power source such as an electric motor, air, hydraulic fluid, or solenoid is used to operate a valve
from the control room. The check valve works automatically when subjected to the backflow.