With the control valve market expected to be worth USD 12.19 billion by 2026, there’s no doubt these devices are crucial to many businesses, such as those in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries.

But what are the most common types of control valves? To make sure you purchase the right model, you’ll need to know the purpose of these valves and understand how they operate.

The good news is this article will take a look at the 5 most typical control valves you’ll find in the market and explain why they are essential.

Let’s dive right in and find out more.

1. Gate Valves

A gate flow control valve is a multi-turn device that requires several rotations to change from the open to the closed position. This slow operating mechanism helps it avoid having a water hammering effect, and these devices also offer minimal pressure loss.

Gate valves are a suitable choice when working with large flow rates or slurries.

2. Pinch Valves

Pinch valves are a cost-effective solution when working with liquids that contain a considerable amount of suspended solids. Flexible materials such as rubber pinch together to stop the flow, and the body performs as an actuator, meaning there is no requirement for more expensive operators such as electric or pneumatic devices. This helps to keep costs low while still delivering an excellent flow control service.

3. Needle Valves

These valves enable users to adjust the flow rate using a threaded rotating stem and are ideal if you require a precision system. Operators can seal the device with minimal effort, although one disadvantage is that it isn’t possible to tell if the valve is open or closed through visual inspection alone.

A great choice if you would like to adapt your system and achieve superior accuracy over time.

4. Globe Valves

Globe valves have a linear motion and are suitable for use in applications where a pressure drop through the valve is not a crucial element. These devices are often found in piping operations and can both start and stop the flow and allow the operator to adjust the flow rate.

They come in 3 different body designs, and you can find out more about them and other control valve parts by speaking to the experts at anythingflows.com.

5. Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valves are pressure moderation devices that use a flexible diaphragm to regulate the flow of fluids. They are utilized in multiple markets such as the oil and gas, healthcare, and water treatment industries.

These valves are leak-proof, simple to maintain, and ideal for use when working with corrosive substances. It’s also possible to repair these valves without disrupting a pipeline, although they are not suitable when working with multi-turn operations.

Now You Know All About the Most Common Types of Control Valves

Choosing the right types of control valves can help your project succeed and reduce the risk of operational errors. You could find a needle valve is perfect if you need a finely-tuned device, while globe valves can be a good fit if the pressure drop is an unimportant aspect. If you are using harsher substances in your work, a diaphragm value can be a great choice, while pinch valves can offer a cost-effective option.

Whatever your business’s requirements, there’s a control valve for you!

For more informative articles, read more of our helpful blog posts before you go.