A mechanical device used in a variety of sectors to regulate the flow of fluids (such as liquids, gasses, or steam) inside a system is a control valve. These valves are essential for regulating temperature, pressure, flow rates, and other variables to satisfy operating requirements or maintain specified conditions. Control valves are crucial to attaining precision and control, which are critical objectives in industrial operations.

Industries that use control valves

The valve business provides services to a diverse variety of sectors, each of which has its own set of requirements and limitations. Although the fundamental sorts of valves are the same across all industries, the materials and designs of these valves are quite different.

Seven of the most important industries employ valves in the following ways:

Power Industry

For the purpose of performing on/off tasks in steam and fossil-fuel plants, power plants make use of valves, such as gate valves. Because of its high level of efficiency, high-performance ball valves are becoming more popular for use in critical applications. When it comes to power plants, valves are required to be able to tolerate high pressures, temperatures, and heavy cycling.

Water Works

The pressures and temperatures at which the valves in water distribution systems work are lower than those at which power plants operate. As a means of preventing leaks, they often make use of rubber seals and elastomers that are adequate for water temperatures that are ambient. The pressure requirements are often lower than 200 pounds per square inch (psi), however some places, like as dams or aqueducts, demand greater pressures instead.

Industry Offshore

In order to effectively regulate flow in difficult circumstances, offshore oil rigs and production facilities make use of a wide range of valves. These include ball valves, check valves, and API 6D gate valves, all of which are intended to withstand the pressures and conditions that are present in deep-sea environments.

Wastewater

In order to route waste to treatment facilities, wastewater systems make use of valves such as check valves and Iron Gate valves. With a greater emphasis on dependability and durability, the requirements are not as strict as those for clean water systems.

Oil and Gas Production

Valves in oil and gas wells and facilities must be able to tolerate high pressures and severe environments in order to be efficient in oil and gas production. Christmas trees that are positioned on top of wells make use of choke valves and gate valves in order to control the flow of high-pressure water. In addition, the process equipment makes use of sturdy valves that are pressure-resistant.

Pipelines

Underground pipelines use emergency shutdown valves at regular intervals to separate parts of the pipeline for the purpose of maintenance or in the event of leakage. It is necessary to have full-opening valves in order to launch inspection and cleaning equipment at facilities that are located along pipelines. These facilities employ ball and gate valves.

Commercial Buildings

In order to provide proper water distribution, wastewater treatment, hot water, and fire prevention systems, commercial buildings need to accommodate a wide range of valves. Fire water systems are subject to strict criteria, including high pressure and permission from regulatory agencies, while other water systems have less stringent requirements.

For the purpose of guaranteeing dependable performance in a wide range of situations, each industry modifies valve designs to match its own unique operating requirements.