Valve Types
A valve is a piping component used to permit or stop the flow of a medium, regulate its flow rate, prevent backflow, change the direction of flow, limit pressure and ensure flow safety.
Valves are named in two ways: by method of operation and by the function they perform. This page sets out that naming together with the valves and line equipment manufactured by Batu Valve; each is described in detail on its own topic page.
How valves are named
| Criterion | Valves |
|---|---|
| By method of operation | Ball valve, piston valve, gate valve, butterfly valve |
| By function | On-off valve, check valve, safety valve |
| Suitable for automation | Thermostatic valve, solenoid valve, electric motor operated valve |
Valve design takes into account, as a minimum: size, material of construction, the pressure and temperature of the service environment, and the field of application.
Ball valve
A valve type that conveys, diverts or stops the medium through the movement of a ball inside its body. The ball, which has a bore through its centre, is rotated to open or shut off the flow, providing quick shut-off.
Batu Valve ball valve families: API 6D, DBB, pig launcher and receiver, Burak type mono-block, steel, EU, high pressure, natural gas, cast iron and sphero, 3 way, jacket and fully welded underground ball valves.
Check valve
A check valve (non-return valve) prevents a medium conveyed under pressure from flowing back when the line pressure drops. It is manufactured in four designs: swing, disc, spring-loaded ball and lift.
Needle valve
It regulates and shuts off the flow precisely by means of the needle-shaped conical tip at the end of the stem. It is used in high pressure hydraulic, steam and gas circuits; the pressure rating is PN 250.
Line Equipment
Strainer
It retains the sludge, rust, scale, weld slag and gasket fragments carried by the medium and protects valves, pumps and sensitive measuring instruments. Installation at the inlet of every fitting is recommended.
Flow indicator
A flow indicator (sight glass) is used to observe visually the flow in a closed piping circuit. It serves in particular to check whether a steam trap is operating.
Steam trap
A thermodynamic steam trap discharges the condensate in a steam line, retains the steam and prevents energy loss. It is the first product Batu Valve manufactured, in 1978.
Which product for which duty
| Requirement | Product |
|---|---|
| Opening and closing the line | Ball valve |
| Preventing backflow | Check valve |
| Regulating the flow precisely | Needle valve |
| Dividing or mixing the flow | 3 way ball valve (L or T type) |
| Two separate shut-offs with a bleed in between, in a single body | DBB ball valve |
| Pigging the line | Pig launcher and receiver ball valve |
| Asphalt, food and chemical lines | Jacket ball valve |
| Contaminated line (rust, slag, scale) | Strainer upstream of the valve |
| Condensate in a steam line | Steam trap |
| Monitoring the flow visually | Flow indicator |
Selection is an engineering task: the design, selection and application of valves require expertise. For the selection steps, see the Ball valve selection page.
Frequently asked questions
By two criteria: method of operation (ball, piston, gate, butterfly valve) and function (on-off valve, check valve, safety valve).
Yes. A check valve is a valve named after its function: it prevents the medium from flowing back and operates automatically.
A ball valve. The ball is rotated to open or shut off the flow, providing quick shut-off.
Related products and documents
- ProductsAll product families
- SelectionValve Selection
- ApplicationApplications
- Technical documentValve Technical Documents
See also
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