How does a valve work? You cannot work with hardware or electronics without hearing about valves – even if it is a simple mechanical contraption. In this blog, we will introduce you to Plug valve; we will also look at the ones used in DIY projects by makers and hobbyists.
How do valves work?
Let’s begin by looking at the humble pipe. In your bathroom, it could be a pipe carrying water, while in your kitchen it could be a pipe carrying gas. These liquid and gas pipes require a mechanism that regulates the amount of fluid or gas passing through them in order to work efficiently; Using this mechanism, the flow of liquids or gasses can be increased, decreased, or even stopped. Plug Valve is the name given to this mechanism. They are essentially mechanical switches that can turn pipes on and off and also raise or lower the amount of fluid or gas flowing through them.
A valve is essentially a device or natural object that can be used to direct, control, or regulate the flow of any liquid or gas by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. By mechanically blocking a pipe either partially or completely, it changes how much can flow through it. A valve can be found in any machine that uses liquids or gasses. Fluid flows from higher pressure to lower pressure through an open Plug valve. A valva is a moving part of a door, which is derived from the Latin volvere, to turn, roll.
Here are some more examples from daily life. As an example, when you turn on the faucet to brush your teeth, you basically open a valve that allows pressurized water to flow. Turning the tap more to one side normally reduces, stops, or increases the amount of water coming out (depending on how the valve works).
Similar to flushing the toilet, you are actually opening two valves: The first allows water to leave the flush tank into the toilet pan, while the second allows water to enter the tank to prepare it for the next flush.
Valve controls are also found on your gas cooktop (hob) that turn the gas on and off. In other words, when you open the Plug valve that lets more gas flow into the pipe, the gas burns with a bigger flame and generates more heat.
Intriguingly, valves are not just used by machines. We also have valves inside our bodies: for example, our hearts have valves that pump blood into our lungs and throughout the rest of our bodies.
Different types of valves
A variety of valves are available. These can be classified according to their mechanical motion, actuation, design, and function. Most valves fall into one of two categories based on their mechanical motion:
a. Quarter-turn valves
These valves can be turned 90 degrees as the name suggests. Precision isn’t much of an issue since the valve can be easily opened or closed.
b. Multi-turn valves
The valves work like a screw or piston. In order to interfere with the flow, one must turn the handle, the plug, or the plate. There are some of these that can be opened or closed at different speeds. Depending on how they are operated, valves can be categorized as follows:
a. Manual Valves
These valves are adjusted by hand using handwheels, hand levels, gear wheels, or chains.
b. Actuated Valves
Remotely controlled valves are used for high-precision or large-scale applications and are typically integrated into automation. Usually, they are connected to electric motors or hydraulic systems.
c. Automatic Valves
Activation of some valves is dependent on certain conditions; A check valve that closes and stops the flow of water when water in the tank exceeds a predetermined level or a pressure release valve that opens when there is excessive pressure.
Valve designs are also classified by their characteristics, standards, and groupings.
Butterfly, ball, gate, and globe valves are the most common types. Let’s examine them individually.
• Ball valve
A ball valve is made up of a hollowed-out sphere (the ball) sitting inside a pipe, completely blocking the flow of fluid. As the handle is turned, the ball rotates ninety degrees, allowing the fluid to flow. Thus, they offer quick and easy on/off control.
• Butterfly valve
Butterfly valves consist of a disk that sits in the middle of a pipe, which swivels sideways to allow or restrict fluid flow. Compact design and quick action make it ideal for tight spaces.
• Plug valve
In this case, one turns a wheel or handle to move the cone-shaped plug aside and block the flow. With quarter-turn handles, these valves regulate flow using tapered or cylindrical plugs, which come in handy in high-pressure or high-temperature environments that require tight shutoff.
• Gate or sluice valve
Gate valves, one of the most common types of valves, get their name from the metal gates that are lowered across pipes to close them. Most of these valves are meant to be either fully open or fully closed, so they are not suitable for situations in which pipes only need to be partially opened.
• Globe valve
Globe valves are most commonly found on water taps. You can turn the handle to adjust the valve, which allows pressurized water to flow through the pipe and the spout below. The good thing about these valves is that they can be used to regulate how much water flows through them. There are usually three types of body: the T-body, Y-body, and angle body.
• Needle valve
With their long, sliding needle, these valves regulate flow in machines like car engines and central heating systems. Typically, they are used in small diameter piping systems where precise flow control is necessary.
• Check valve
When a fluid or gas flows through a check valve in the intended direction, it opens automatically, and it closes when the flow reverses. It is among the simplest and oldest kinds of valves, as they are simply freely hinged flaps that open to block gas or liquid flow in one direction but close when the flow moves in the opposite direction. The main purpose of these valves is to prevent backflow.
• Knife Gate valve
A knife gate valve has a thin gate that creates a seal by cutting through materials. These valves are not suitable for high-pressure environments. They are commonly used to control flows of solids, such as grease, oils, paper pulp, wastewater, etc.
• Pinch valve
In addition to handling the passage of solid materials and slurries, pinch valves have a linear motion. There is usually an internal sleeve that isolates the material.
• Pressure-relief valve
These are spring-automated valves that help improve safety. In high-pressure environments, they are useful for regulating.
• Poppet valve
Poppet valves are commonly found in cylinders of cars. A valve is similar to a lid sitting on top of a pipe. A lid lifts up periodically to admit or release liquid or gas.
• Spool valve
Hydraulic systems use these valves to control fluid flow. Fluid flows through them in a certain direction or around a circuit of pipes by sliding back and forth.
Valve functions can be categorized as follows:
- Isolation valves
The set includes a ball, butterfly, gate, pinch, and plug valves.
- Regulation valves
Ball, butterfly, globe, needle, pinch, and plug valves are included.
- Safety Relief valves
The main focus is on pressure release and vacuum relief valves.
- Non-Return valves
Under this section are swing check valves and lift check valves.
Today, valves have many applications such as switching on and off and regulating pressure and water levels in dishwashers, and washing machines, as well as taps in restrooms and wash sinks. Additionally, valves are used for commercial purposes, such as controlling irrigation water and industrial processes. Small valves are built into aerosol spray cans; In addition, they are also used in the military and transportation industries.
Valves Used in Maker (Electronics/ Coding/ Robotics) Projects
In addition to the above-mentioned valves, makers – those who design and make new electronic and robotic devices as well as those who improve upon existing ones – typically use programmable solenoid valves.
Solenoid valves
How does a solenoid valve work? Let’s begin by looking at what a solenoid is. The term refers to a cylindrical coil of wire that acts as a magnet when electric current passes through it. Basically, a solenoid valve is a valve in the form of an electrical coil (or solenoid) and it has a plunger inside which is operated by an actuator (control system mechanism). During the passage of electricity, the magnetic field created by the plunger causes it to close or open the valve.
For example, an automated water dispenser or an automated sanitizer dispenser that runs on electricity and lets the water/ sanitizer flow through the tap/ dispenser when you put your hand under it. When such a solenoid valve is used, it is typically a DC (Direct Current, unidirectional electric current) solenoid valve. The IoT board and the solenoid valve are also connected by a relay in these projects.
DC solenoids are preferred over AC (Alternating Current, an electric current that reverses direction and changes magnitude periodically) solenoid valves because they are not subjected to peak currents that can in turn cause overheating and coil damage. As such, AC solenoids are preferred in environments that require rapid response, since AC coils are faster and can handle greater pressures at first.
Aira Euro Automation is the leading manufacturer and supplier of plug valve. We offer various industrial valves like ball valves, butterfly valves, control valves, plug valves, and many other products.
