This video provides a basic understanding of industrial valves types, and also an understanding of valve actuator types.
Industrial valves are designed in three major categories. They are:
- Rotary multi-turn valves. These include gate, globe knife and multi port valves.
- Rotary quarter turn valves these include butterfly ball plug and choke valves.
- Linear valves. These include gate, angle globe, and globe valves.
Two major functions of industrial valves are isolation and control. Isolation valves are used in applications where the primary concern is the opening or closing of the valve when needed. Isolation valves provide tight shut off and sometimes provide simple control. They are operated via hand wheels or levers, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, or hydraulic actuators.
Control valves are used to modulate flow to maintain a certain set point in the process control loop. Traditionally, control valves use pneumatic diaphragm positioners, but newer technology enables control with pneumatic and electric actuators.
There are three types of valve actuators:
- Electric
- Pneumatic
- Hydraulic
Pneumatic actuators use air or gas as their power source, have relatively fast stroke speeds, are relatively inexpensive, and require external devices for their valve operating system. In most cases, only mechanical technical skills are required to install and maintain pneumatic actuators.
Hydraulic actuators use hydraulic fluids as their power source, have fast stroke speeds, are more expensive, and require external devices for their valve operating system. Electrical and mechanical technical skills are required to install and maintain hydraulic actuators.
For more information about industrial or municipal valves, actuators or control systems, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. They can be reached by calling 804-752-1000 or visit their website of https://acva.com.
