Categories of Valves

A pipeline system consists of sets of pipes with different lengths and diameters connected, end to end, to convey fluid. Different types of fluid can be carried by these pipes including steam, liquids and fluidized solids. Some pipes carry fluids at elevated temperature and pressure, while others are intended for low-risk fluids such as oil and water. To prevent accidents caused by bursts and leaks, pipes are provided with valves at strategic locations in the system.

Valves are used to control the liquid flow. While fluid flows at different velocities within the system due to the variation in pipe diameters and length, the flow should be regulated using valves for efficient conveyance. Valves are made of different sizes depending on the pipe to which they will be installed. The different handle designs indicate that they can be operated in different methods.

Valve operation varies according to design and purpose or required mechanism. Even though the main purpose of this device is to regulate liquid flow in the pipe, the location and the kind of fluid conveyed make the difference. Pipelines conveying toxic fluidized materials normally require automatically operated valves to avoid risks involved in manual handling. Valves located near the strongest pressure are bigger and well built.

Valves are categorized based on the size of the pipe and the abrasiveness of the fluid to convey. Butterfly valves, for example, are used to regulate bigger amounts of fluid in a large-diameter pipe. However, for coarse fluid, a ceramic disc valve is the control of choice. Pipes that convey harmful chemicals or gases are installed with solenoid valves such as the Spence E Valve.

Another familiar category is the diaphragm valve, which originally comprises pipelines used for non-hygienic applications. The material used in manufacturing this type of valve should withstand sanitizing methods that use corrosive materials. It can either be made of plastic or steel based on the material to be conveyed. Unlike solenoid valves such as the Spence E Valve, the diaphragm valve does not consist of a loop of wires that creates a magnetic field.

Solenoid valves like the Spence E2 Valve are valves which consist mainly of a regular body and a solenoid (or a coil wrapped around a metallic core) and produce a magnetic field that is vital in creating a linear motion. The closing and opening of the valve is operated by the linear motion of the magnetic field through an electric current.