The industrial valve market is an ever-growing one. As industrialisation increases, along with advances in automation, demand for some types of industrial valves is expected to rocket.
Experts forecast the global market size should reach $110.5 billion by 2031.

Here are three increasingly-used types of valves and the pros and cons of each.

Butterfly valves
Widely used in automation, oil and gas, the use of butterfly valves is expected to skyrocket in coming years. Butterfly valves regulate flow by rotating a handle, either electronically, manually or pneumatically. They can be found within gas and water supply, wastewater treatment and fuel handling systems. Butterfly valves are known for accuracy, their ability to throttle flow, their reliability and minimal maintenance. They can be installed without having to dislocate a pipe system. However, at least some of the metal disc on the valve’s body is always presented to the flow, sometimes resulting in pressure fluctuations.

Gate valves
Currently dominating the industrial valves market, this isolation valve can stop and start the flow of liquid. As such, they are found in many applications which have an on-off function. They have the advantage of being used both ways in a circuit while causing minimal pressure and friction loss. They can also help to save energy – a huge benefit in industry. But they do cause vibrations, as well as leaks in systems with high-temperature changes. Opening and closing them can be slow and they are complex to repair.

Check valves
Big increases are also expected for the check valve. Check valves allow liquid to flow in only one direction, preventing reverse flow which can disrupt or damage a system. They play a protective role and are used in many different industries, including chemical, water, steam and petrochemical. This prevention of backflow is one of their main advantages, along with the fact that they can sustain pressure well and perform as a good backup system. However, if this valve’s closing element fails, it can cause damage to the system. It also cannot be used within a pulsating system.