Classification and application scenarios of valves - how to choose the best valve for your system?

Valves are the core control elements in industrial piping systems, and can be classified into globe valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, check valves, etc. according to their functions.  

Globe valves: suitable for scenarios requiring precise flow regulation (e.g. chemical reactors), but with high pressure loss.  

Ball valves: known for fast switching and sealing, commonly used for opening and closing control of oil and gas pipelines.  

Butterfly valve: compact and low cost, suitable for large diameter water treatment systems.  

Selection of key factors:  

1. media characteristics: corrosive fluids need to choose stainless steel or fluorine lined valves.  

2. Pressure and temperature: high-temperature steam pipelines need pressure-resistant valves (such as cast steel gate valve).  

3. control mode: manual, pneumatic or electric actuator needs to be matched according to automation requirements.  

Case: a chemical plant for failure to consider the corrosivity of the medium, resulting in ordinary carbon steel valves 3 months corrosion failure, replaced by 316L stainless steel life up to 5 years.