How Many Types of Valves Do You Know: A Reveal of Automatic and Actuated Valves
Valves, an important component in the field of fluid control, have a wide variety of types and extensive applications. They are like the guardians of fluid systems, precisely regulating the flow of various media. So, exactly how many types of valves are there? Today, let’s enter the world of valves and explore their diverse classifications.
[I] Firstly, from a broad perspective, valves are mainly divided into two major categories: automatic valves and actuated valves.
[1] Automatic Valves.
- ① As the name implies, these are valves that operate on their own relying on the inherent capabilities of the medium (liquid or gas).
- ② Such valves do not require external force for actuation and can automatically open or close according to the flow state of the medium.
- ③ For example, the check valve is one of them. It can prevent the backflow of the medium and ensure the normal operation of the fluid system.
- ④ The safety valve can automatically open when the system pressure exceeds the set value, releasing the pressure and protecting the safety of the equipment.
- ⑤ The pressure reducing valve can reduce the pressure of the medium to make it meet the system requirements.
[2] Actuated Valves.
① These are valves that are operated by means of external force.
② They require human or mechanical devices for actuation to achieve accurate control of the fluid system.
③ Common actuated valves include gate valves, globe valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, etc.
④ These valves play a crucial role in the fluid control system. They can be opened or closed as needed to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the medium.
[II] Actuated valves can be further subdivided into manual, electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic types according to different actuation methods.
- [1] Manual valves are a common type. They are actuated by human force with the help of devices such as handwheels, handles, and levers. These valves are simple to operate and easy to maintain, and are widely used in various fluid control scenarios.
- [2] Electric valves are actuated by means of motors or other electrical devices. They have the advantages of fast response speed and high control precision, and are especially suitable for occasions that require frequent operation or remote control.
- [3] Hydraulic valves are actuated by liquids such as water and oil. They are usually used in large-scale fluid control systems and can withstand high pressure and flow rates.
- [4] Pneumatic valves are actuated by compressed air. They have the characteristics of simple structure and rapid action, and are especially suitable for occasions that require a quick response.
In addition to the above common types of valves, there are also some special types of valves, such as control valves and diaphragm valves. These valves have specific functions and applications and can meet the needs of different fluid control systems.
In conclusion, there are a large number of valve types, and each type of valve has its unique characteristics and applicable scenarios. When selecting a valve, we need to make the choice according to the specific application requirements and system requirements.
