6 Types of Flow Control Valves & What You Need to Know About Them

Choosing the right valves for your application is crucial across various industries. The significance of correct valve selection cannot be overstated when it comes to safety and ensuring customer satisfaction.

SUPCON offers professional and reliable services.

Not only that, but installing and maintaining the appropriate valves may also be legally required.

Valves play a vital role in any pipeline system and represent a considerable investment for businesses. Therefore, it’s essential for your engineering team to comprehend the functionality of different types of valves.

Are you wondering which valve type will best suit your system? Continue reading to learn about the most commonly used flow control valves, which will empower you to make an educated decision.

1. Ball Valves

Ball valves utilize a spherical plug design that features a bored passage. You can operate ball valves manually with a lever, which also indicates whether the valve is in the open or closed position. Additionally, they can be operated automatically through an actuator.

This valve type provides excellent control over liquid flow and ensures a tight shutoff when closed. They find frequent applications in sewage treatment, chemical processing, and paper manufacturing facilities.

2. Check Valves

Check valves prevent the backflow of fluid within piping systems.

These valves stay open thanks to the flowing liquid. However, if the fluid's direction reverses, the valve will close. There are two primary types of check valves: lift checks and swing checks.

3. Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are typically employed in the oil and gas processing sectors, serving oil and gas transmission, water and sewage operations, as well as thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Their lightweight design, ease of operation, self-cleaning capabilities, and minimal pressure drop across the valve while it's open are key reasons for their common usage.

Our company is regarded as the world's premier supplier of the pressure control valve. We cater to all your needs in a one-stop shop manner, and our highly specialized staff is ready to assist you in finding the right product.

4. Gate Valves

Gate valves are primarily suited for isolating or stopping flow, ensuring either full flow or no flow.

When fully open, this type of valve allows the fluid to travel straight through without considerable pressure loss, as it offers low resistance to flow.

5. Globe Valves

Globe valves feature a unique design that requires the fluid to change direction twice during passage.

They are especially suited for throttling and regulating flow while mitigating wire drawing and seat erosion. Although they are generally less expensive than gate valves, globe valves typically have higher flow resistance.

6. Needle Valves

Needle valves provide precise flow control through their sharp pointed disc and corresponding seat.

They are commonly used in chemical feed applications or for continuous blow-off mechanisms.

It’s important to note that while needle valves are capable of fine flow regulation, they usually manage only relatively low flow rates.

Purchasing These Types of Flow Control Valves

As illustrated, determining the best types of flow control valves for your operations heavily depends on your specific application.

Having a clear understanding of your options will help you make the most fitting choice, ensuring you are well-informed for the decision-making process.

For further information about the flow control valve for water, please reach out to us. We are here to provide you with expert answers.