What are the different types of valves that are commonly used in systems?

Linear Motion Valves

Linear motion valves operate by moving a disc in a linear motion, restricting the flow.

  • Gate
    Gate Valves are actuated by a threaded rod, this rod is fixed to the gate and rises and lowers to actuate the valve.
  • Globe
    Similar to the gate valve, the globe valve rises and lowers a spherical plug into the flowing media.
  • Diaphragm
    Similar to the globe valve, the plug presses down through a flexible elastomer membrane, which causes the seal.
  • Pinch
    Pinch valves squeeze a pipe of made with a flexible membrane closed by closing a gate around the outside of it.
  • Safety
    A safety valve automatically opens to rapidly reduce pressure from a system as a fail-safe to prevent loss of life from a failure. Safely valves usually reclose after normal conditions have been restored.
  • Relief
    Similar to a safety valve, the relief valve regulates pressure in a system to maintain an optimum level.

Multi Turn Rotary Motion Valves

Multi turn valves need many complete turns of an actuator or handle to move the valve from fully closed to fully open, or vice-versa. This approach sacrifices speed of operation for precision of control.

  • Swing Check
    Swing Check valves operate by pivoting a plug into the flowing media, restricting the flow.
  • Needle valve
    A needle valve uses a small needle like plunger that gets inserted into the flowing media, restricting the flow.

Quarter Turn Rotary Motion Valves

Quarter turn valves move only a quarter of a turn of an actuator or handle to move the valve from fully closed to fully open, or vice-versa. This approach sacrifices precision of control for speed of operation.

  • Plug
    Plug valves have a cylindrical plug with a hole that rotates inside the valve body to restrict the flow.
  • Ball
    Similar to the plug valve, the ball valve has a spherical plug with a hole that rotates inside the valve body, when fully open, Ball valves offer no obstruction to the flow resulting in negligible friction.
  • Butterfly
    Butterfly valves use a pair of semicircular plates to restrict the flow.


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