Valves

Valves are ubiquitous in their market applications and implementation in hardware systems, process systems, facilities and equipment systems. The technical role of a valve is simple yet profound: directing fluids or liquids and gases by opening or restricting their flow through sections or entire lengths of pipes and other passageways. An exhaustive list of applications for valve components and products is formidable, underscoring their market value in nearly every economic sector and industry, but notable uses include oil & gas refining, pipeline transportation, power generation facilities (power plants), aerospace, water treatment and management, manufacturing and process equipment cooling, residential and commercial water heating and cooling, chemical manufacturing, plumbing, and pharmaceuticals production.

Product applications include HVAC systems, automotive vehicles, hydraulics, turbomachinery, pumps, and other machinery. The oil & gas sector is a high area of demand for valves due to the specialty materials needed to protect against the various caustic and hazardous produced and handled liquids and gases.

Valves can be made from a wide range of synthetic materials including plastics, fiberglass and metals. Basic valve designs include plug, piston, needle, globe, block, diaphragm, choke, check, butterfly, and ball valves. Common valve components include the outer casing (body), the accompanying bonnet, cavities leading into the valve mechanism known as the ports, the handle or actuator and attached disc, and gaskets that prevent any leaking inside the closed valve and its interior surface known as the seat. Actuators can be automated or remotely-controlled, such as on pipelines, when manual operation of the valve is not possible.