Valves are the unsung heroes of our daily lives – they control the flow of water, gas, and other fluids through pipes and plumbing systems. But you might be wondering, how do valves work?
What do you do when a valve starts acting up or leaking? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of valves and explore some common problems that can occur with them Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
So join us as we unravel the mysteries of valve mechanics and learn how to troubleshoot the most frustrating issues!
How Do Industrial Valves Work
Industrial valves are essential for controlling the flow of fluids in industrial systems. Valves are typically found in a variety of settings, most often in industrial plants.
Overview of the Valve’s Opening and Closing
Industrial valves are essential components used to control and divert the flow of industrial fluids. Valves are metallic devices equipped with mechanical parts, like a valve stem and handle, that open and close to control the flow of the fluid.
When a valve is closed, fluid is blocked and its flow is redirected to a different part of the system. When a valve is opened, the fluid is allowed to flow freely within the industrial system.
The valve stem is attached to a valve handle. This is in turn connected to an internal valve device, such as a:
- ball
- plug
- disc
This internal device regulates the flow of fluid within the industrial system when the valve handle is rotated. The rotation of the handle opens or closes the valve, thereby allowing for maximum control of the fluid flow. Industrial valves are used in a range of sectors, including:
- energy treatment
- transportation treatment
- water treatment
- food and beverage processing
- pharmaceutical manufacturing
During operation, these valves control pressure and minimize the risk of disruptions in the systems when functioning correctly.
Internal Components of a Valve
Valves are complex pieces of machinery with many moving parts. We’ll take a look at the internal components that make up a valve. Valves have three main parts:
- the body
- the bonnet
- the internals
The body is the largest part of the valve and contains the fluid being controlled. The bonnet is screwed or bolted onto the body and encloses the internals. The internals is the moving parts of the valve that control the flow of fluid through the valve.
The most important part of the internals is the plug or disc. The plug is a round piece of metal that fits snugly inside the body of the valve.
The disc has a hole in its center that allows fluid to flow through when it is open. When the valve is closed, the plug blocks off the hole in the disc, preventing any fluid from flowing through.
The plug is connected to a stem, which protrudes from the bonnet of the valve. The stem is what you turn when you want to open or close your valve. As you turn it, it raises or lowers (depending on which way you’re turning it)the plug inside the body of your valve, opening or closing off access to fluid flow through your pipeline.
Types of Valves
The most common types of valves used in industrial processes are gate, globe, ball, butterfly, check, strainers, and relief valves. Gate valves are used to start, stop and regulate the flow of liquids in a pipeline by moving a disk or wedge along the edge of the pipe.
Globe valves are designed to control the flow of both liquids and gases in a pipeline, usually by rotating the valve stem or by lowering the seat of the globe. Ball valves are used to control the flow of liquids by opening or closing a ball using a lever or handle. To have a better overview of this type of valve, click for ball valves.
Butterfly valves feature a circular disc attached to a rod that is operated by a lever to both start and stop the flow of liquids. Check valves are used to prevent the backflow of a liquid by moving a disc up or down against a seat.
Strainers are used to filter liquids and other substances, while relief valves are used to control the pressure on a pipeline by allowing pressure to be released when it exceeds a certain limit.
Troubleshooting Common Industrial Valve Problems
Industrial valves are essential components in many industrial processes and often need to be checked when they malfunction. The first step to troubleshooting is to assess the symptoms of the problem and determine what is causing the issue.
Industrial Valves Leaks
While a small leak may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to major problems if left unchecked. A leaking valve can cause potential safety hazards, damage equipment, and waste valuable resources.
To prevent leaks, it is important to regularly inspect valves for any signs of wear or damage. If a leak is discovered, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Valves That Stick Can Cause Flow Problems
If a valve is stuck open, it can allow too much fluid to pass through, causing pressure to build up downstream. This can lead to leaks or even bursts in pipes.
If a valve is stuck closed, it can block the flow of fluid entirely, causing a build-up of pressure upstream. This can lead to leaks or bursts in pipes. And if a valve is only partially open or closed, it can restrict the flow of fluid, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage to equipment.
Industrial Valves Can Become Corroded Over Time
Over time, industrial valves can become corroded, which can lead to several problems. If you notice that your valves are not functioning properly, it is important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. Corroded valves can cause several issues, including:
- leaks
- blockages
- failure to open/close
If you notice any of these problems with your valves, it is important to contact a professional for help. They will be able to inspect your damaged valve and determine the best course of action for repairing or replacing them.
So, How Do Valves Work?
Have we answered your question about how do valves work? Valves are simple yet important mechanisms in our day-to-day lives and the more we understand them, the easier it will be for us to use and maintain them.
If you want to learn more about how valves work, then why not look at some of the resources out there and take a hands-on approach to get a better understanding?
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