Valve Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
A valve is a mechanical device that regulates the flow of fluids (either gases, fluidised solids, slurries or liquids) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.
There are a number of names for particular types of valve:
- Ball cock, often used as a water level controller (cistern)
- Ball valve, which is good for on/off control.
- Bibcock
- Butterfly valve, particularly in large pipes
- Cock, colloquial term for a small valve
- Gate valve, mainly for on/off control
- Globe valve, which is good for regulating flow.
- Hydraulic valve (diaphragm valve)
- check valve or Non-return valve, allows the fluid to pass in one direction only
- Pilot valves regulate flow or pressure to other valves.
- Plug Valve , for on/off control
- Solenoid valve, an electrically controlled hydraulic or pneumatic valve
- Tap (British English), Faucet (American English) is the common name for a valve used in homes to regulate water flow.
- Rotary valves and piston valves are parts of brass instruments used to change their pitch.
- A flow control valve maintains a constant flowrate through the valve.
- A heart valve regulates blood flow through the heart in many organisms.
- A poppet valve is commonly used in piston engines to regulate the fuel mixture intake and exhaust. The sleeve valve is another valve type used for this purpose.
- A pressure reducing valve reduces pressure to a preset level downstream of the valve.
- A pressure sustaining valve maintains pressure at a preset level upstream of the valve.
- A regulator is used in SCUBA diving equipment and in gas cooking equipment to reduce the high pressure gas supply to a lower working pressure
- A safety valve or relief valve operates automatically at a set differential pressure to correct a potentially dangerous situation, typically over-pressure.
- A three way valve routes fluid from one direction to another.
Other uses of the term
- in electronics, a valve (British English) = vacuum tube (American English)
See also
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