There is often a wide range of different types of valves used in any system where media is moved through pipes. This can include liquids, semi-solids, slurries, gasses or steam. One of the most important types of valves used in any system are the shut off valves, which are essential to quickly stop the flow of the media through the system at strategic points.
The different types of shut off valves are designed for use in specific applications. These valves can be manually operated or automatically operated based on a specific type of triggers within the system. The triggering event to cause the safety shut off valve to operate can be a failure in the electric current, a specific temperature change or a change in flow rate or pressure within the system. Manually operated valves can be turned off and on to meet the needs of the system and the operator.
Ball Valves
Also known as quarter turn shut off valves, the ball valve can be found in residential plumbing systems as in industrial processing systems. Typically, these valves use a lever type of control and allow for easy on and off operation with just a slight turn. It is also very easy to see the position of the valve, which makes it a good option in both rarely used and high use types of applications.
Gate Valves
While a gate valve can be used to shut flow off or open the valve back up for flow, it has the added benefit of being a very fast valve to operate. The valve operates by a gate dropping down through the flow of the media and sealing, stopping flow immediately and completely.
As with the ball valves, the gate valve can be operated manually or through electronic systems. They are also a very low maintenance valve option, which makes them ideal in industrial settings.
