Valve

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Valve

A valve is a device or natural object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category. In an open valve, fluid flows in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. The word is derived from the Latin valva, which means moving part of a door.

Types of valves[edit | edit source]

Valves have many uses, including controlling water for irrigation, industrial uses for controlling processes, residential uses such as on/off and pressure control to dish and clothes washers and taps in the home. Even aerosols have a tiny valve built in. Valves are also used in the military and transport sectors.

Check valve[edit | edit source]

A check valve, clack valve, non-return valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve is a valve that normally allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction.

Ball valve[edit | edit source]

A ball valve is a form of quarter-turn valve which uses a hollow, perforated and pivoting ball to control flow through it. It is open when the ball's hole is in line with the flow and closed when it is pivoted 90-degrees by the valve handle.

Butterfly valve[edit | edit source]

A butterfly valve is a valve that isolates or regulates the flow of a fluid. The closing mechanism is a disk that rotates.

Valve failures and diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Valve failures and diagnosis can be done by checking the following symptoms: leakage, valve stuck, valve disc corrosion, etc.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]


Valve Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD