Common Applications of Valves in Various Industries

Valves are critical components used for controlling the flow of fluids in a wide range of industrial and civil sectors. From petroleum refining to chemical processing, hydropower stations, metallurgical applications, offshore platforms, food and pharmaceutical industries, construction, heating, environmental protection, gas distribution, and long-distance pipelines, valves ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In this article, we explore the most common valve applications and their importance in various industries.

1. Valves in Petroleum Facilities

In oil refining, valves play a crucial role in controlling fluid flow and maintaining operational safety. The most commonly used valves include:

• Gate Valves and Globe Valves: These are the primary choices, with gate valves accounting for up to 80% of total demand. They provide low resistance when fully open.
• Check Valves, Safety Valves, and Ball Valves: These valves ensure unidirectional flow and offer protection during abnormal conditions.
• Butterfly Valves and Drain Valves: Used for rapid shut-off and draining condensates, these valves are essential for smooth refinery operations.

In addition, the chemical fiber industry (which produces polyester, acrylic, and polyvinyl alcohol) often uses jacketed valves. These include jacketed ball, gate, and globe valves. Propylene production and ammonia synthesis require needle globe valves, plug valves, and diaphragm valves for specific process needs.

2. Valves in Hydropower Stations

As hydropower projects continue to grow in scale, there is an increasing demand for large-diameter and high-pressure valves. Common types of valves in hydropower stations include:

• Safety Valves and Pressure-Reducing Valves: These ensure safety by controlling pressure and preventing system failures.
• Globe Valves, Gate Valves, and Butterfly Valves: These valves regulate large volumes of water and control flow under various system conditions.
• Emergency Shut-Off Valves and Flow Control Valves: In emergencies, these valves immediately stop or adjust fluid flow, maintaining safety.

Spherical-sealing instrument globe valves are also commonly used for precise flow control in hydropower applications.

3. Valves in the Metallurgical Industry

In metallurgical processes, valves are used to control the flow of hot and corrosive fluids. The following valves are essential in this industry:

• Alumina and Slurry Processing: Wear-resistant slurry valves and flow-style globe valves are used to manage high solids content and prevent wear.
• Steel Production: Metal-seated ball valves, butterfly valves, and oxidizing ball valves are used to handle high temperatures and pressures. Globe valves and four-way directional valves are important for precise process control.

These valves help ensure safe and efficient operations in demanding environments.

4. Valves in Offshore Platforms

As offshore oilfields continue to expand, the demand for valves on offshore platforms has also increased. The most common valves include:

• Shut-off Ball Valves and Check Valves: These valves are essential for stopping fluid flow quickly and safely in offshore systems.
• Multi-port Valves: These valves distribute fluid flow across multiple channels, ensuring efficient offshore operations.

These valves must be corrosion-resistant and able to withstand harsh marine conditions.

5. Valves in Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

The food and pharmaceutical industries have strict hygiene and safety requirements. Therefore, valves made from stainless steel or non-toxic plastics are commonly used. The most frequently used valves include:

• Stainless Steel Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves: These valves are essential for maintaining hygiene in food production.
• Non-toxic Plastic Ball Valves: These are used in processes where contamination must be avoided.
• General-purpose Valves: Valves such as needle valves, needle globe valves, gate valves, globe valves, and check valves are widely used.

These valves ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

6. Valves in Construction

In construction and urban infrastructure, low-pressure valves have traditionally been used. However, there is a growing shift toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly valve solutions. Key valves in this sector include:

• Balancing Valves, Soft-seal Gate Valves, and Butterfly Valves: These valves are replacing older cast iron valves to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Eco-friendly Valves: Diaphragm valves, centered butterfly valves, and metal-seated butterfly valves are becoming more common in modern construction systems.

These valves help meet new energy conservation and sustainability standards.

7. Valves in District Heating Systems

In district heating systems, valves regulate water flow and improve energy efficiency. The most common types include:

• Metal-seated Butterfly Valves and Horizontal Balancing Valves: These valves are essential for controlling water flow and maintaining system stability.
• Buried Ball Valves: These valves help balance water flow in pipelines, enhancing energy savings and heat distribution.

These valves play a critical role in maintaining efficient and balanced heating systems.

8. Valves in Environmental Protection Systems

In environmental protection systems, valves ensure the safe and efficient management of water and wastewater. Key valves used include:

• Water Supply Systems: Mid-line butterfly valves, soft-seal gate valves, ball valves, and air release valves are used to remove air from pipelines and maintain efficiency.
• Wastewater Treatment Systems: Soft-seal gate valves and butterfly valves are commonly used for sealing and preventing leaks.

These valves help ensure the safety and efficiency of water treatment and environmental systems.

9. Valves in Gas Distribution

In gas distribution, valves regulate the flow and pressure of natural gas in pipelines. The most commonly used valves include:

• Ball Valves and Plug Valves: These provide reliable shut-off and flow control in gas pipelines.
• Pressure-Reducing Valves and Safety Valves: These ensure safe pressure levels and protect the system during unexpected conditions.

The demand for these valves is growing as the natural gas industry expands.

10. Valves in Long-Distance Pipelines

In long-distance pipelines, which transport crude oil, refined products, and natural gas, valves must be durable and capable of sealing tightly. The most common valves used include:

• Forged Three-piece Full-bore Ball Valves: These valves are preferred for their durability and low flow resistance.
• Anti-sulfur Plate Gate Valves, Safety Valves, and Check Valves: These valves ensure safe, efficient operation over long distances.

These valves are essential for ensuring the reliability of global pipeline networks.

Valves are essential in a wide range of industries, from petroleum refining and chemical processing to hydropower, offshore platforms, food, pharmaceuticals, construction, heating, environmental protection, gas distribution, and long-distance pipelines. They regulate fluid flow, maintain operational safety, and help improve energy efficiency. As industries continue to prioritize sustainability and safety, valve technologies will evolve, providing solutions that support high-performance operations across all sectors.