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Valves Types

Reference data and engineering information about valves types for fluid mechanics applications.

valvestypes

Overview

Engineering reference data for Valves Types in fluid mechanics.

Key Formulas

Reynolds Number

Re=ρvDμRe = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

Bernoulli's Equation

P+12ρv2+ρgh=constP + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

Continuity Equation

A1v1=A2v2A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

Darcy-Weisbach

ΔP=fLDρv22\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
ReReReynolds number
ρ\rhoFluid densitykg/m³
vvFlow velocitym/s
DDCharacteristic dimensionm
μ\muDynamic viscosityPa·s
PPPressurePa
ffDarcy friction factor

Valve Types and Applications

The following table categorizes different valve types based on their primary applications in engineering systems.

19 rows
Classification of Valves by Application and Type
Valve Type
Application Description
Flow regulating valvesFor controlling rate of flow.
Temperature regulating valvesFor controlling fluid temperature in a system.
Automatic process control valvesFor controlling rate of flow relative to value.
Anti vacuum valvesAn automatic type of air valve preventing the formation of vacuum in tanks or pipelines.
Blow down valvesA valve which is used for cleaning sludge from a boiler.
Bulkhead valvesA gate valve.
Free ball valvesA valve in which a ball is free to rotate in any direction.
Fusible link or fire valvesA fire prevention valve which has a weighted lever held open by a wire & fusible link which melts at an increase of room temperature.
Hydraulic valvesA control valve for water, oil, or hydraulic systems.
Jet dispersal valveA valve incorporating an element by virtue of which the energy within the emitting jet is dissipated.
PenstockA single faced type of valve consisting of an open frame & a door used in terminal positions only, typically located in tanks or channels for controlling flow into a pipe.
Plate valvesA gate valve incorporating a sluicing effect.
Radiator valvesA valve controlling the flow of water through a radiator.
Rotary slide valveA valve in which a rotation of internal parts regulates flow by opening or closing a series of segmental ports.
Rotary valveA spherical plug valve in which the plug rotates through 90°.
Solenoid valveA valve operated by an electrical solenoid.
Spectacle eye valveA parallel slide valve.
Thermostatic mixing valveA valve which combines temperature.
Throttle valveA non-tight closing butterfly valve.

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Key Valve Operation Principles

  • Rotary Valves: Typically require a 90° rotation of the plug or disc to transition between fully open and fully closed positions.
  • Solenoid Valves: Use electromagnetic force from a solenoid coil to actuate the valve, allowing for remote or automated control.
  • Fusible Link Valves: Provide passive fire protection; the link melts at a specific temperature (e.g., 165°F / 74°C), allowing the valve to close automatically.
  • Anti-Vacuum Valves: Open inward to allow air into a system, preventing the formation of a vacuum that could cause collapse or damage.

References