Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry
Valves play a key role in the oil and gas industry. They serve various purposes that deal with regulating the flow, direction, and pressure at which resources are transported through pipelines. Without them, the oil and gas industry as we know it wouldn’t function. To learn more about the many different types of valves used in the oil and gas industry, continue reading.
Ball valves
Ball valves use a perforated ball-shaped disk that pivots to control a medium’s flow through a pipeline. Such valves can quickly open and close and offer tight sealing with low torque. When ball valves are open, the holes in the ball are in-line with the flow. When closed, the ball valve is pivoted to 90 degrees. Ball valves can typically operate at extreme temperatures which range widely from -200 Celsius up to 500 Celsius.
Butterfly valves
Butterfly valves are quarter-turn rotational motion valves. They are designed to isolate and modulate media with minimal pressure loss. They open quickly and easily and have a lightweight design. Because they have a small thickness, while also being available in larger diameters, butterfly valves can be used in many applications.
Gate valves
Gate valves are bidirectional valves that are designed to start and stop a fluid’s flow. Ideally, they’re used in situations where the is a straight-line flow of fluid and there a minimum flow restriction is required. Gate valves are typically either used fully open or fully closed when in service. When open, the disk of the gate must be completely removed to allow for contents to easily pass through. As such, gate valves are not easily or quickly opened and closed.
Globe valves
In the oil and gas industry, globe valves are used to stop, start, and regulate fuel and oil flow. Globe valves are linear motion valves with good shut-off ability and feature easy-to-machine valve seats, which allow for simple installation. They are typically used for isolation and throttling services. Due to their many capabilities and advantages, they are the most commonly used type of valve used in the oil and gas industry.
