A control valve, also referred to as the final control element of a system, is generally used to tune the flow of a fluid. The adjustment gets implemented by modulating the path and the size of the fluid. The degree of modulation depends upon the signals perceived from a controller.

In other words, these valves are used to keep a check on the temperature, fluid level, and pressure of a system, by closing it entirely or partially, as derived from the controller’s signals.

Now, since we have explained how these valves work, let’s come to the various types of these valves:

Types of control valves

When we classify these valves based on their stem movement, there are two types of valves- linear and rotary. However, once we further classify them based on their services, they can be classified into several types of valves. Let’s explain them one by one:

Based on linear motion

#1. Globe Valves

The path of the fluid flow in globe valves adheres to an altering course that causes a drop in pressure and an increase in the resistance of flow. Named after its globular structure, globe valves are suitable for throttling flow. However, excessive throttling must be avoided when the pressure drop surpasses the limit of 20 percent.
These valves consist of a full closing feature and are comparatively faster than gate valves in terms of opening and closing time as their strokes are smaller.

#2. Gate Valves

Gate valves are the best match for those applications that require the regulation of high pressure and temperature of fluid flow. These valves can be used in either way of the circuit and are equipped with a quality closing feature. Gate valves are known for their ability to provide a laminar flow. Thus, the chances of loss of pressure are minimized.

Based on Rotary Motion

#1. Butterfly Valves

These valves are called butterfly valves because of the wing-like movement of its disc. The primary benefits of butterfly valves are that they are equipped with quality regulating features, they are light, and act swiftly and are reliable. The butterfly valves get fabricated with the motive of flow isolation.

#2. Ball Valves

Ball valves are mostly used for controlling the fluid flow and pressure of highly corrosive fluids and generic gases and liquids. They are also sometimes used for the regulation of the flow of slurries. The reason they are trusted with such fluids is that they are leak-proof. Moreover, they need less force to establish control, in comparison to other valves, such as globe and gate valves.

Other types of valves include diaphragm valves and disk valves, to name a few. If you are looking for control or mini valves for your operations, you must get in touch with Air Mite. Having years of experience in this field, they are renowned for providing quality control and mini valves to their customers.

James Brown is the author of this article. For further detail about Mini Valves. Please visit the website: airmite.com