Industrial valves are a vital component in any piping system. They regulate and control the flow of the substance the pipe is carrying, which is essential for maintenance and cleaning. Here we look at the three main types and their pros and cons.

Gate Valve.

These are probably the most common type of industrial valves. Most people will recognise them as the type of valve they use to turn off the water when installing new appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers or when plumbing work needs to be done. They work by turning a handle, usually painted red for ease of identification, which throttles the supply of liquid going through the pipe. The downside to them is they are slow to turn off. A similar-looking and closely related valve is the Globe valve. These are faster to close down but can be harder to operate if there is great pressure in the system. They work by using a movable disc or plug against a rubber ring seal. Detailed analysis of the gate valve can be seen here:

Ball valves.

These are the most economical type of industrial valves. They work by using a ball to seal against an inner rubber seal. They are compact and thus ideal for use in places where space is tight. When the pipe is being used for Gases, a ball joint will provide a better seal, but the downside is they are not suitable for a permanent closure as the joint can degrade and leak over time. They are, however, faster to shut off than a gate valve. A range of them can be seen here industrial valves.

Check valves.

This is a specific type of industrial valve that can regulate the flow through the system in either direction, as backflow can often cause problems, especially with components such as pumps and compressors further up in the system. These are commonly known as NRVs or non-return-valves. They can cope with high pressure and are ideal as a backup in the system. On the downside, the closing element can suffer excess wear if frequently used.