What are the differences between different types of valves?

Different types of valves have significant differences in structure, function, applicable working conditions, etc., and are mainly divided into the following categories:

1. Gate valve

Features: The valve plate (gate) rises and falls vertically, and controls the flow by fully opening or fully closing; small flow resistance, suitable for fully open or fully closed working conditions, not suitable for adjusting flow; good sealing (metal seal or soft seal), but long-term partial opening is easy to wear; slow opening and closing speed (requires multiple rotations of the handwheel).

Applicable scenarios: large-diameter, low-pressure differential pipelines (such as tap water, oil, and natural gas); cut-off valves that are not frequently operated.

2. Ball valve

Features: The valve core is a sphere with a through hole, which can be turned on and off by rotating 90°; fast switching and small operating torque (better than gate valves); good sealing (PTFE soft seal or metal hard seal); extremely low flow resistance, suitable for high-flow medium; can be partially opened to adjust the flow (but long-term use will wear the seal).

Applicable scenarios: rapid cut-off (such as gas, chemical, and hydraulic systems); high-pressure and high-temperature working conditions (such as oil pipelines).

3. Stop valve

Features: The valve disc (disc or cone) moves up and down along the center line of the valve seat to adjust the flow; the flow resistance is large, but the adjustment performance is good, suitable for precise flow control; the sealing is good, but the opening and closing torque is large (multiple rotations are required); there are flow direction requirements (generally low inlet and high outlet, avoid reverse installation).

Applicable scenarios: occasions where flow regulation is required (such as steam, boiler feed water); high pressure difference conditions (such as compressor outlet).

4. Butterfly valve

Features: The valve plate (butterfly plate) rotates 90° around the axis to open and close, similar to butterfly wings; small size and light weight, suitable for large pipe diameters (more economical than gate valves and ball valves); low flow resistance, but poor sealing (soft seal can be improved); fast opening and closing (only need to rotate 90°), but the adjustment performance is general.

Applicable scenarios: low pressure, large flow (such as air conditioning water system, sewage treatment); pipelines with limited space (short installation length).

5. Check valve

Features: One-way valve, automatically opened and closed by medium pressure to prevent backflow; no handwheel, can not be forced to open and close.

Common types: lifting type (vertical installation, good sealing); swing type (horizontal installation, small flow resistance); wafer type (compact, suitable for small diameter).

Applicable scenarios: pump outlet (to prevent water hammer); to prevent medium backflow (such as boiler feed water, compressor pipeline).

6. Plug valve

Features: The valve core is a conical or cylindrical plug, which is rotated 90° to switch; low flow resistance, similar to a ball valve, but poor sealing (easy to wear); corrosion resistance (commonly used in chemical industry).

Applicable scenarios: medium containing particles (such as mud, sewage); quick cut-off (but not as popular as ball valve).

Different valves have different advantages, and you can choose the appropriate valve type according to the above valve characteristics.