Industrial valves

Industrial valves are used to shut off a pipeline for maintenance, change the flow direction, prevent backflow, or open and close a line on command from the automation system. A ball valve provides tight shut-off for threaded pipe, a butterfly valve is a lightweight solution for large pipes between flanges, and a knife gate valve is for fibrous, sludgy or solids-laden liquids. A 3-way ball valve changes the flow direction, a check valve and a strainer protect the pump, and electric on/off control of small lines is handled by a solenoid valve. For larger sizes, choose a valve and an actuator.

Selection is made in this order: medium, pressure and temperature, pipe size and connection, and finally the control method: manual, pneumatic or electric. The material and seal are determined by the medium. For example, EPDM withstands water and steam but not hydrocarbons, for which NBR or FKM is chosen.

Directional, pressure and cartridge valves for hydraulic systems are under hydraulic components.