Valves play a vital role in engineering by controlling flow, pressure and direction of flow in fluid systems. Whether in industrial production, municipal water supplies, chemical processes or building facilities, valves undertake the important task of regulating, controlling and protecting fluid systems. So, what exactly does the valve control? Let's take a deeper look.
Flow
Valves can control the flow of the fluid system, that is, the liquid or gas flow through the pipeline within a unit of time. By adjusting the degree of opening of the valve, the flow of fluid can be increased or decreased. This is essential for regulating the fluid velocity in a process and controlling the distribution of flow in a pipework system. For example, in chemical production, valves regulate the flow of raw materials to ensure accurate proportions of mixtures, and in water supply systems, valves regulate the flow of water to balance water pressure and quality.
Pressure
Valves also control the pressure in a fluid system. By adjusting the degree of opening and closing of a valve, the pressure in a pipework system can be increased or decreased. Controlling pressure is critical in situations where there is a need to ensure stable system operation. For example, in the petroleum industry, valves control the pressure in oil wells to ensure the safe and stable delivery of oil and gas to the surface, and in chemical processes, valves regulate the pressure in reactors to ensure stable reaction conditions.
Flow direction
Valves can also control the flow direction in a fluid system. By adjusting the position of the valve, the flow direction of the fluid in the pipeline can be changed. This is important in situations where the direction of fluid flow needs to be changed in a pipework system. For example, in a heating system, valves can control the flow of hot water to different areas to achieve zoned control of heating; in chemical production, valves can regulate the direction of fluid flow at different locations in the reactor, affecting the way the reaction proceeds.
Safety Protection
In addition, valves also bear the responsibility of protecting the safety of the fluid system. By setting safety valves, relief valves and other devices, they can be automatically activated when the system pressure or flow rate exceeds the safety range, preventing the system from dangerous situations such as overpressure or overflow. This is essential to ensure the safe and stable operation of the fluid system.
Common valve classifications and applications:
- Classified according to the control method:
Electric valves: use an electric motor or stepper motor to control the opening and closing and adjustment of the valve.
Pneumatic valve: the use of compressed gas to control the valve switch and adjustment.
Manual valves: the use of manpower to control the valve switch and adjustment.
- Classified according to the spool structure:
Ball Valves: Use a spherical spool to control the flow of fluid.
Gate Valve: Use the gate spool to control the flow of fluid.
Butterfly valve: the use of butterfly spool to control the flow of fluid.
- Classified according to the type of fluid:
Water Valves: Valves used to control the flow of water.
Gas Valves: Valves used to control the flow of gas.
Oil Valve: Valve used to control the flow of oil.
- Classified according to the application scene:
Industrial valves: used for industrial production process fluid control.
Municipal valves: for fluid control in municipal engineering, such as water supply and sewage treatment.
Architectural valves: for fluid control within buildings, such as air conditioning and heating systems.
Valves are used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Water treatment and supply systems
- Thermal power generation and heating systems
- Oil and gas transmission systems
- Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
- Construction and municipal engineering
- Aviation and aerospace industry
