How many types of water valves are there? What are they and how are they different?
“Water valves” are important devices used to control the flow of water in pipe systems, whether they be plumbing systems, irrigation systems, cooling systems, or various industrial systems. These valves help open and close water, adjust flow rates, and control water pressure to suit the application. Generally, types of water valves can be divided into many forms depending on the function and structure of the valve.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most popular types of water valves, as well as how to choose the one that’s most suitable for your application.
Types of water valves and the differences between each type
Each type of water valve has different functions and applications, which can be divided into 6 main types as follows:
- Ball Valve
Ball valves are valves that use a spherical ball with a hole in the center to control water flow. By rotating the valve shaft 90 degrees, water can be quickly turned on and off.
Advantages of ball valves
- Turn water on and off quickly and easily
- Resistant to high pressure and temperature
- Simple structure, easy maintenance
Applications of ball valves
Ball valves are suitable for applications that require frequent water on-off, such as domestic water systems, industrial systems, and water pipe systems.
- Globe Valve
Globe valves are designed to help control water flow rates by having baffles that move up and down inside the valve body and are used to control water volume more precisely.
Advantages of globe valves
- Fine water volume control
- Suitable for work that requires adjusting water pressure
- Reduce the chance of water hitting the pipes
Applications of Globe Valves: Globe valves are commonly used in high-rise building plumbing systems, steam systems, and cooling systems.
- Gate Valve
Gate valves are used as a type of water barrier (Gate) that can be lifted up and down to open and close the flow of water. They can also be applied to other types of liquids.
Advantages of gate valves
- When the valve is fully open, the resistance to water flow is very low.
- Good resistance to high pressure
- Can be used with both liquid and gaseous fluids.
Applications of gate valves: They are commonly used in power plants, petrochemical industries, and large water pipeline systems.
- Check Valve
Check valves are valves that automatically prevent water from flowing back, reducing the risk of equipment damage and also reducing the pressure buildup in the system.
Advantages of check valves
- Prevent water from flowing back and prevent damage to equipment.
- No additional energy required to operate
- Reduce pressure loss in the system
Applications of check valves: Used in water pump systems, wastewater treatment plants, and cooling systems.
- Butterfly Valve
This type of valve uses a rotating disc around a central axis to open or close the water flow. It has a simple structure, is easy to install and does not require a rubber gasket. It can control the degree of opening and closing.
Advantages of butterfly valves
- Light weight and takes up little installation space
- Good flow control
- Cheaper than other types
Applications of butterfly valves: They are commonly used in industrial water systems, ventilation systems, and chemical flow control systems in clean water, waste water, and waterworks.
- Solenoid Valve
A valve that is controlled by electricity. It has an electromagnetic coil that controls the working mechanism and can control the flow of many types of liquids. However, its operation must be controlled together with electrical energy.
Advantages of solenoid valves
- Automatic water on-off control
- Fast and accurate response
- Compatible with IoT and Smart Home systems
Applications of solenoid valves: Used in sprinkler systems, industrial liquid flow control systems, and automatic water systems.
As mentioned above, these are all types of water valves that are used in many industries and have different features for different applications. The selection of each type depends on the suitability and needs of the user. Those who want to choose a high-quality water valve suitable for industrial, plumbing, or cooling systems can inquire for more details and purchase products from Asia-Pacifics, an importer and distributor of water valves with over 29 years of experience. We have a wide range of water valves to choose from and are ready to provide advice on choosing the valve that is right for your specific application.