Shut—off and control valves are one of the key elements of any engineering system.
If we imagine the engineering network as the circulatory system of industry, then pumps create flow movement, and valves control this movement.
It performs several critical tasks:
- shutting off the supply of the working medium
- regulating flow
- distributing flows
- and protecting the pipeline system from emergency conditions.
The working substance can be:
- water
- process fluids
- gas
- steam
- petroleum
- products chemical solutions
Without the use of shut-off and regulating equipment, it is impossible to ensure the safe and stable operation of pipeline networks.
That is why such elements are installed on almost every section of the network — from water supply networks to complex industrial installations.
Materials that are resistant to the working environment and operating conditions are used to manufacture the case.:
cast iron
carbon steel and stainless steel
polymer materials
Depending on the purpose, it is divided into several types:
Regulatory
It is used to change the flow rate or pressure.
The lock
It is designed to completely block the supply.
Protective
Prevents damage to equipment when changing system parameters.
Safety protection
Protects pipelines and equipment from overpressure.
All fittings are manufactured in accordance with the requirements:
- tightness
- corrosion resistance
- mechanical strength
- durability of operation
THE PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The principle of operation of shut-off and control valves is based on a change in the cross-sectional area of the pipeline.
When the element opens or closes, the intensity of the working substance supply changes.
Depending on the design, regulation can be carried out in various ways.
Gate valves
The gate valve blocks the flow by means of a special locking element that moves perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement.
This design ensures minimal hydraulic resistance when fully open.
Ball valves
There is a ball with a hole inside the case.
When the ball is rotated 90 degrees, the flow is either completely blocked or passes freely through the hole.
This ensures fast and reliable flow shut-off.
Disc rotary valves
The control is carried out by rotating the disc.
This design allows compact flow control in large diameter pipes.
Check valves
These devices automatically prevent the flow from moving backwards.
When the pressure in the pipeline drops, the valve closes and prevents the medium from moving in the opposite direction.
Control and balancing valves
Such elements are used to precisely adjust the flow rate in complex engineering networks.
They allow you to maintain stable operation of the equipment and an even distribution of flows.
Modern plumbing has a number of key advantages.
High tightness
The design ensures reliable overlap and prevents any leaks.
Corrosion resistance
The materials of the body and internal parts are resistant to aggressive environments and long-term operation.
Reliable operation
duration of operation in conditions of:
- high pressures
- temperature fluctuations
- aggressive media
Easy operation
Most parts do not require complex maintenance and can be operated continuously.
Wide range of designs
Depending on the technological task, different types of fittings are used.
Main types of equipment:
- valves
- flexible inserts
- non-return valves
- ball valves
- water meters
- disassembly inserts
- flange adapters
- valves
- safety valves
- float valves
- filters
- slide valves
- disc rotary valves
- balancing valves
- control valves
- electric actuators
- steel flanges
It is used in almost all engineering and industrial systems.
Water supply and sewerage
- distribution of water flows
- pressure management
- network protection
Gas industry
Chemical industry
- flow control of aggressive chemicals
- control of technological processes
Oil industry
- transportation of oil and petroleum
- products regulation of flows
Energy
- regulation of steam flows
- management of heat carriers
- protection of power equipment
Food industry
- flow control of process fluids
- ensuring sanitary requirements of production