Valves & Actuation
Isolation, regulation, non-return and pressure-protection valves. Identify service conditions, end connections and actuation as a single selection.
Ball, gate and plug valves
Ball, gate and plug valves control isolation by moving a closure element across the flow path. Their internal geometry, seat design and operating mechanism affect flow resistance, sealing and suitability for the process medium.
Pipeline isolation, process-unit boundaries and equipment connections use these valve families. The intended isolation duty and operating conditions determine the appropriate construction.
Full or reduced bore, different seat materials and manual or actuated operation are common choices. Specify size, rating, connections, temperature and required shutoff performance.
Globe and control valves
Globe valves regulate flow through movement of a plug relative to a seat. Control valves combine a selected valve body and trim with an actuator and control accessories to regulate a process variable.
Pressure, flow, temperature and level control loops use control valves. Multiple operating cases are needed to assess both normal regulation and limiting conditions.
Body pattern, trim characteristics, actuator and positioner should be evaluated together. Pressure drop, fluid properties, noise, cavitation and the required fail position influence selection.
Butterfly and check valves
Butterfly valves use a rotating disc for flow control or isolation. Check valves respond to flow and pressure conditions to reduce reverse flow. These two valve families have distinct functions despite their common use in piping systems.
Utility-water networks, cooling systems and process lines use butterfly valves, while check valves often protect pumps and other equipment against reverse-flow conditions.
Disc, seat and offset arrangements vary for butterfly valves. Swing, lift and dual-plate check designs require consideration of orientation, closing behavior and operating flow.
Safety and relief valves
Safety and relief valves are pressure-protection devices selected to discharge fluid under defined relieving conditions. Their capacity and configuration depend on the protected system and the approved relief design basis.
Pressure vessels, process equipment and utility systems may require these devices. The fluid phase and credible relieving scenarios determine the required protection duty.
Spring-loaded and pilot-operated arrangements have different characteristics. Set pressure, relieving capacity, back pressure, materials and certification requirements must be specified for the actual installation.
Actuators and positioners
Actuators convert electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic energy into valve movement. Positioners regulate the actuator response to a control signal, helping the valve achieve the commanded position within its mechanical and control arrangement.
Automated isolation and modulating control valves use these components. Replacement work needs compatibility with the installed valve, mounting and control system.
Quarter-turn and linear actuators address different valve motions. Compare torque or thrust, supply, operating speed, feedback, environmental protection and the required loss-of-power response.
Needle valves and instrument manifolds
Needle valves provide small-bore flow adjustment or isolation using a tapered stem and seat. Instrument manifolds combine multiple valve functions in a compact assembly for connecting, isolating or equalizing measurement instruments.
Pressure transmitters, gauges and instrument tubing systems commonly use these components. Connection arrangements must match both the instrument and the process installation.
Two-, three- and five-valve manifolds serve different measurement arrangements. Specify the port layout, mounting, materials, pressure, temperature and connection standard.
Diaphragm and pinch valves
Diaphragm valves use a flexible membrane as the closure element, while pinch valves compress a flexible sleeve. The flexible material separates or limits contact between the process fluid and other operating components.
Compatible corrosive liquids, slurries and certain utility services use these designs. Solids, temperature and chemical exposure are important to the life of the flexible element.
Body configuration, liner or diaphragm compound and actuator style vary by duty. Material compatibility and required shutoff should be checked against the complete operating envelope.
Rupture discs and holders
Rupture discs, also called bursting discs, are non-reclosing pressure-relief elements installed in matched holders. Their specified burst behavior forms part of the pressure-protection design for the connected equipment.
Vessels and process systems may use rupture discs alone or in an engineered arrangement with other relief devices. The system design determines the application.
Disc construction, orientation and holder compatibility matter. Specify burst conditions, temperature, vacuum or back-pressure exposure, materials and the required documentation.