Valves in Oil and Gas Industry: The

Ultimate Guide
Oil and gas operations ranging from refining to distribution, are significantly
reliant on pipeline systems. Infrastructure and trustworthy control systems are
therefore crucial in the business. In this scenario, oil and gas valves are
essential to ensure the safety of the industrial operations of pipelines.

This post will focus on explaining different types of industrial valves, their
mechanism, their application in the oil and gas industry as well as API and
ASME standards for oil and gas valves.

List of industrial valves in Dombor

Gate Valves Butterfly Valves Industrial Ball

Valves

Check Valves Globe Valves Plug Valves

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 Actuated Valves More Valves

What are Industrial Valves?

Valves regulate and steer the flow of fluids (such as gaseous and liquidized
materials) by opening and closing routes or partially blocking passageways.
Technically, valves are fittings, but they’re commonly treated as individual
components. Whenever a valve is open, fluid flows from higher to lower
pressure.

Valves used in the industry come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Different
types of valves are gate valves, globe valves, ball, butterfly, and check valves
as well as pressure and diaphragm valves These valves perform a variety of
purposes.

Due to their widespread use in commercial construction projects and

automation projects, it is expected that the demand for industrial gas valves will
increase in the upcoming years. Due to technological advancements,
increased industrialization and expansion of existing facilities have sparked
demand and boosted the industry’s growth.

Different Application of Industrial Valves

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Different types of industrial valves mentioned above are used for various
purposes. Some major processes that have valve applications include water
and sewage treatment, mining and power generation, as well as the refining
of petroleum products.

It is possible to operate a valve manually, whether it functions with a handle or

lever. Alternatively, valves can be set up to operate automatically in response
to a change in pressure These changes may act on a diaphragm or a piston,
which in turn activates the valve.

There are more complex control systems that require an actuator, such as for
regulating the flow of water through pipes depending on external input. As a
result of its input and set-up, the valve may be precisely positioned and
controlled to meet a variety of requirements.

Types of Valves Based on Their Design

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 There are several valves that differ in design and operation. A difference in
design leads to a big change in their industrial applications. Different types of
industrial valves are discussed below:

1. Gate Valve

The flow of media is controlled by a gate valve that lifts and lowers the gate.
The straight-through, unobstructed path of a gate valve is its distinguishing
feature, resulting in minimal pressure loss across the valve.

Unlike butterfly valves, the unobstructed bore of a gate valve allows a pig to
pass through during pipe cleaning procedures. Gate valves come in a variety
of sizes, materials, temperature, and pressure ratings, as well as gate and
bonnet styles.

2. Globe Valve

In a pipeline, a globe valve controls the flow. It’s a device that allows you to
control or stop the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe. This type of valve gets

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 its name from the fact that it has an internal baffle that divides it into two halves.
They are also known as throttle valves.

Although these valves have slightly higher pressure drops than other valves,
they can be employed in various situations where the valve’s pressure drop is
not a constraint.

3. Ball Valve

An industrial ball valve is a shut-off valve that uses a rotatable ball with a bore
to control the flow of a liquid or gas. You can limit or allow the medium to flow
by rotating the ball 90 degrees around its axis for a quarter revolution. While
not in use for an extended period of time, they nonetheless provide a firm seal.
In addition, they are more resistant to polluted media than most other valve
types.

Ball valves can also be utilized as a control valve in specific variants. Because
the flow rate control precision is less precise than with other types of control
valves, this application is less popular.

4. Check Valve

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 A check valve is a unidirectional valve. It only allows one direction of fluid flow.
They have two ports, one for the media inlet and one for the media output.
They are known as one-way valves or non-return valves because they only
allow media to flow in one direction. A check valve’s primary function is to
prevent backflow in the system.

A pressure differential is required for an industrial check valve to function. To

open the valve, they require more pressure on the input side than on the output
side. The valve closes when the pressure on the output side is higher (or when
the pressure on the input side is insufficient). The closure mechanism differs
depending on the valve type. They do not require a handle, lever, actuator, or
human to function properly, unlike other valves.

5. Pinch Valve

A pinch valve is a two-way valve that is used to control or shut off the flow of
corrosive, abrasive, or granular material. Compressed air is used to open or
seal the valve.

Open, the valve allows a wide variety of media to pass through its bore. Valves
are designed to isolate the medium from contamination by using flexible rubber
sleeves inside of them. Slurries and granular goods such as sand, cement,
gravel, textile fiber, charcoal, powder, pellets, chipping, glass pieces, and so
on are highly compatible with pinch valves.

These valves are affordable, and simple to operate, making them ideal for a
variety of industrial applications. Get them from reliable gas valve suppliers for
innovative solutions tailor-made to suit your requirements.

6. Butterfly Valve
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 Butterfly valves are part of the quarter-turn valve family and function similarly
to ball valves. A disc is linked to a rod to form the “butterfly.” When the rod turns
the disc a quarter turn perpendicular to the flow direction, it closes. The disc is
rolled back to enable flow when the valve opens.

Industrial butterfly valves are popular because of their lightweight, compact

installation footprint, lower prices, rapid operation, and availability in extremely
large sizes. Handles, gears, and automatic actuators can all be used to operate
these valves.

7. Safety Valve

To safeguard the system from overpressure, a safety valve is used. When the
pressure surpasses the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure or the pressure
for which the system was built, overpressure develops. When opposed to relief
valves, safety valves can open quite quickly. A safety valve opens from a
predetermined pressure; the valve opens slowly at first, then fully to remove
the undesirable pressure from the system as rapidly as feasible.

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 Safety valves are used to keep pressure from rising too high, causing
malfunctions, fires, or explosions. Because safety valves have no electrical or
pneumatic components, they are employed when electronic or pneumatic
safety mechanisms fail. Approach fully-functional production Oil valves
suppliers for the best output.

8. Plug Valve

A plug valve is a cone-shaped valve that rotates inside the valve body to control
the flow of the fluid. One or more hollow channels are commonly positioned
horizontally in plug valves to allow easy flow through the valve while it is open.

The two-port plug valve, which has an open and closed state, is the most
popular. In such a valve, one route flows from inbound to outbound, while the
stem and handle are located on the top of the valve. A quarter-turn valve is
also used in an industrial plug valve, which is advantageous when a quick and
frequent operation is required.

Materials Used in Making Valves

Industrial valves manufacturers use various materials in making different types
of valves. The material is selected according to the valve’s function and
application. Here are some of the common materials that industrial valves are
made up of:

1. Stainless Steel

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 As a non-reactive metal, stainless steel is used in making many industrial
valves. Each gauge requires a precise mix of metals such as chromium, nickel,
or molybdenum. Stainless steel valves are suited for handling corrosive media
such as saline marine water, acids, and halide gases as they do not corrode
the body of the valve. In some cases, brass can be a good replacement for
steel.

2. Cast Steel

Cast steel valves are created by pouring molten steel into a mold and allowing
it to solidify under controlled conditions. On the one hand, if done correctly, this
procedure produces solid valves and is a practical low-cost method of
production.

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 However, because it is prone to holes and tears where the molten steel has
not formed evenly, it requires continuous monitoring and quality control.
Furthermore, if the molten steel was of poor quality, the valve will be faulty as
well.

3. Forged Steel

Forged steel valves are made by shaping metal using extreme heat and
mechanical equipment. Instead of being poured into a ready-made mold, steel
is bent and shaped into the shape of the valve using tools. The benefit of this
is that heat tends to harden the metal, resulting in stronger and longer-
lasting industrial valves. On the other hand, because it is constructed as a
whole, the connections between various elements may be a source of leaks.
Forged steel valves are likewise more expensive due to the additional labor
involved.

Components of Valve
Valves have several components such as industrial valve actuators, body,
stem, and many more. Let’s explore them in detail.

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1. Body

The body of the valve is the outer casing that houses the internal pieces or trim
of most or all of the valve. In commonly used valve designs, the body is usually
screwed to the bonnet.

Valve bodies are often made of metal or plastic. Due to its corrosion resistance
qualities, particularly against warm saltwater, duplex and super duplex valves
are frequently used in seawater applications such as desalination facilities.

2. Bonnet

On the valve body, a bonnet serves as a cover. It’s usually screwed or bolted
into the valve body semi-permanently. A bonnet keeps everything together
inside the valve. Users can remove the bonnet of a valve to gain access to
internal parts, usually for maintenance. Many industrial valves lack bonnets; for
example, plug valves are frequently devoid of bonnets. Many ball valves do not
have bonnets because the valve body is assembled differently, for example by
screwing the valve body together in the center.

3. Ports

The channels that allow fluid to travel through the valve are known as ports. To
control flow, the valve part or disc obstructs ports. Valves typically have two
ports, but they can have as many as twenty. Almost always, the valve’s ports
are connected to pipes or other components. Threadings, compression fittings,

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 adhesive, cement, flanges, and welding are all examples of connection
methods.

4. Actuator

From outside the valve body, a handle is utilized to physically regulate the
valve. Automatic valves do not have handles. However, some, such as stop-
check valves, have a handle for manual overriding purposes. An actuator
automatically or remotely operates a valve from outside the body. Some valves,
such as check valves and relief valves, have neither a handle nor an actuator
since they operate automatically from the inside.

5. Disc

A disc, also known as a valve member, is a moveable barrier within the

stationary body that restricts flow via the valve in various ways. Discs come in
a variety of shapes, despite their classic disc shape. A disc can travel linearly
inside a valve, rotate on the stem, or revolve on a hinge or trunnion, depending
on the type of valve. A ball is a round valve part that passes through one or
more routes between ports. Flow can be steered between different ports by
spinning the ball. Spherical rotors with a cylindrical hole drilled as a fluid route
are used in ball valves.

Plug valves use plugs, which are cylindrical or conically tapered rotors. Rotor
valves can also have any round rotor shapes as long as the rotor can be spun
inside the valve body. However, a ball check valve employs the ball to stop the
backward flow but is not a rotor because the ball does not rotate while the valve
is operated.

6. Seat

The seat is the body’s interior surface that makes contact with the disc to create
a leak-tight seal. Only when the valve is closed does the disc come into touch
with the seat if it moves linearly or swings on a hinge or trunnion. The seat is
always in touch with the disc in rotating discs, although the area of contact
changes as the disc rotates. In relation to the body, the seat is constantly
immobile.

7. Stem

The stem transmits motion to the disc from the actuator. In some designs, the
stem and the disc, as well as the stem and the handle are integrated into one
piece.

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 The stem can transfer a linear force, a rotational torque, or a combination of
these motions. The stem can be screwed into or out of the valve by rotating it
in one way or the other. This allows the disc to move back and forth inside the
body. To keep a seal between the stem and the bonnet, packing is frequently
utilized inside an oil and gas valve.

8. Spring

Many valves feature a spring for spring-loading, which causes the disc to
default to a certain position but allows control to change it. Relief valves
typically use a spring to keep the valve closed, but they also allow excessive
pressure to force the valve open against the spring-loading. Normally, coil
springs are employed. Zinc-plated steel and stainless steel are common spring
materials.

9. Trim

The trim of a valve refers to all of the interior components of the valve. It
consists of seating and gate surface, stem, bushing, stem hole guide, and other
small internal parts that normally come in contact with the service fluid.

Conditions for Operation of Different

Valves
Valve types are determined by the pipeline’s circumstances. Valves must be
made of materials that can endure harsh circumstances in pipelines without
excessive wear and tear and without compromising performance standards.
An industrial valves company should take into account the following factors
while selecting a valve.

1. Temperature

We know that petroleum products are flammable, the oil and gas industry is
particularly sensitive to temperature. Valves in petrochemical pipelines must
be able to tolerate and maintain temperatures within acceptable ranges in order
to meet this requirement In addition, metals expand when heated and shrink
when cooled, thus the valve design must take that into account as well. For the
valve to function optimally, such temperature swings should be minimized.

2. Pressure

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 It is possible for high-pressure levels in the pipeline to overcome an
insufficiently durable valve. When significant fluid pressure is applied to a
needle valve, it may not be able to handle the force without being pushed open.
Because of this, a steady valve that can handle a high pipeline pressure is
required. One type of full-welded ball valve can handle high pressures while
still maintaining optimal performance and low torque, for example.

3. Pressure Relief

Too much pressure can cause pipeline ruptures or even malfunctions in the
most durable valves. As a result, an oil pipeline may require the installation of
an industrial pressure relief valve. A check valve, which is pressure sensitive,
maybe a useful choice in this situation. To relieve fluid pressure, it can either
be opened to discharge pent-up air pressure or it can be allowed to flow media
down the pipeline. In the same way, a diaphragm valve might be utilized as a
throttling valve.

4. Corrosive Conditions

Crude oil is a mixture of several fuels that are separated during the refinement
process. Some of the components are highly corrosive, necessitating the use
of robust, non-reactive valve materials. For this type of pipeline, stainless steel
valves or valves made of improved steel alloys are ideal.

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 Applications of Industrial Valves in Oil and
Gas Industry
Oil and gas activities require a variety of fluid flow control methods.
Accordingly, a variety of valves can be used at different phases of
manufacturing or distribution, depending on the intended result. Let’s take a
look at some of the types of valves in the oil and gas industry.

1. Fast Shut Offs and Tight Sealing – Ball Valve

In pipeline applications that need fast shutoffs and tight sealing, a ball valve is
a rotary valve that can be relied on. A ball valve can come in a variety of shapes
and sizes. Each type works well in a certain pipeline situation. Consequently,
before selecting a ball valve, it’s important to evaluate the pipeline’s
characteristics.

The stem and seats of a floating ball valve are all that hold it aloft. When the
floating ball is moved to close the valve, fluid pressure drives it onto its seats
and entirely shuts off flow. Even with high-pressure liquids flowing through a
spout, opening the valve requires significant torque because pushing the ball
against high fluid pressure requires a great deal of force and torque. Hence,
an oil and gas pipeline with low to medium pressure should use a floating ball
valve.

The ball on a trunnion ball valve, on the other hand, is mounted and does not
rely on fluid pressure to hold it in position. At low torque, the mounted ball can
also open and close against the force. When it comes to high-pressure
applications, this is your best bet.

2. Flow Control – Gate Valve

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 Oil and gas flow rates are not affected by a gate valve since it allows unfettered
flow. These properties make it suited for pipelines where the flow rate must be
maintained while the flow rate must be controlled.

The disc of a gate valve, when open, leaves the pipeline’s channel
unobstructed, allowing slurry fluids such as crude oil to pass through.

3. High-Pressure Flow Control – Butterfly Valve

A butterfly valve makes up for a lot of what a gate valve lacks in terms of
performance. Open channels allow media to flow freely, even if they contain
solid particles. Since the stem at the base of a butterfly valve holds its disc in
place, it can be used in high-pressure pipelines. Its low-torque operation is also
a result of these design attributes.

4. Pressure Management – Globe Valve

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 If you want to stop the flow of air, you can close the globe valve using a plug-
like piston. When the actuator is turned, the linear valve opens and closes. It is
possible to open this valve to a variety of levels due to the threading on the
stem. The popularity of this sort of valve in the petrochemical industry can be
traced back to this very fact. Depending on how much throttling is required, the
opening size can be reduced.

Valves are designed to lower pressure by having an angled bottom that meets
the piston at the base. While the fluid rushes through the raised cavity, it loses
momentum. Globe valves are therefore ideal for pipeline systems that require
pressure management.

5. Channeling of Petroleum Products – Check Valve

A pressure-sensitive valve like a check valve is suitable for channeling

separated petroleum products. The valve opens when the inlet pressure is
greater than the outlet pressure. There is, however, a restriction on media that
flows backward. A check valve is a one-way valve that prevents media from
flowing backward.

At the refinery stage of a fossil fuel plant, when segregated petroleum products
are routed into different pipelines to retain their integrity, this might be helpful.
There’s also the possibility of utilizing it in distribution pipelines where the flow
must always be directed forwards.

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6. Management of Semi-Solid Inputs – Plug Valve

As a linear valve, a plug valve has a piston that is larger in diameter than a
globe valve. In spite of the fact that it isn’t the best choice for throttling, it can
nevertheless hold its own in a pipeline with The plug’s larger surface area
allowing the pressure to be spread and dissipated along with the plug while still
maintaining fluid flow regulation.

Actuators are used to control the plug, which can be either manually or
automatically operated. This allows thick petroleum products to flow
unhindered. For unrefined oil products, such as those used in biogas
generation, a plug valve can be recommended.

API Standards

When the American Petroleum Institute (API) was founded in 1919 as a

standards-setting body, they were a pioneer in bringing together subject matter
experts from a variety of industries to develop, maintain, and distribute
industry’s consensus standards. There are more than 700 API standards that
focus on improving operational safety, environmental conditions, and
sustainability in the valve industry. These standards have been implemented
globally.

It is ensured that API standards are not just recognized for their technical rigor
but also for their third-party accreditation, which makes them easier to accept
by state and federal regulators as well as increased international regulators.

For almost 90 years, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has set and
maintained standards for the global oil and natural gas sector and continues to
do so today. This has enabled the sector to constantly create great products,
provide important services, and assure fairness in the marketplace for
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 businesses and consumers alike, thanks to their efforts and contributions. As
a result, industry processes are more secure, quality is assured, and expenses
may be kept down, waste is reduced, and confusion is minimized. In addition,
they speed up the adoption of new products, allowing them to reach the market
faster and avoiding the need to reinvent the wheel every time a new product is
made.

ASME Standards for Oil and Gas Industry

A global standard for valve design, fabrication, and testing, ASME B16.34 is
widely used in the oil and gas industry. They also have a huge impact on
the valve manufacturing industry.

When this standard was revised in 1988, it included threaded-end and weld-
end valves to the list of acceptable valves. An ASME B16.34-compliant valve
should meet the following conditions:

1. ASME/ASTM material criteria are met for valves’ chemical composition and
strength.
2. In order to maintain adequate grain structure and corrosion resistance, body
and shell materials are heat-treated prior to assembly.
3. Body and other pressure-containing components have wall thicknesses that
meet ASME B16.34’s minimum requirements for each pressure class.
4. Blowing out of the stems should be impossible due to internal loading.
5. Boltings should be of ASTM Grade and the maximum applied tension should
be limited by values mentioned in B16.34.
6. At 1.5x rated pressure and for a certain period of time, each valve’s shell should
be tested.
7. Seat leakage is checked in both directions and for a particular amount of time
on each valve.
8. For each valve, the materials of construction, operating restrictions, and the
manufacturer should be permanently marked.

Conclusion

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Industrial valves are an integral part of the oil and gas industry. This article
discussed various types of industrial valves, their functions, and their
components. It is evident that they are essential for oil product safety and
quality. However, it will be intriguing to see how industrial valve companies will
innovate in the future and how modern technology may be incorporated into
valves.

Valves Applications in Refining

The refining industry uses an industrial process where crude oil is processed
and refined into more useful products such as petroleum naphtha, gasoline,
diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas.

Refining Valves Types

Most of the valves used in oil refining equipment are pipeline valves, mainly
including gate valves, globe valves, check valves, safety valves, ball
valves, butterfly valves, and so on. Among them, gate valves account for about
80% of the total number of valves and 3% to 5% of the total equipment
investment. Valves used in refining applications (such as check valves) must
be carefully designed to operate reliably under various extreme environmental
conditions.

We offer the key flow control refining valves products and services to keep our
valued refinery customers up and producing. During the past several years, we
have helped many customers improve their process reliability, productivity,
safety, and sustainability with application-appropriate valve solutions.

Complete Guide to the Different Types

of Valves
There are many different types of valves, each serving a unique purpose
depending on the specific application and system demands. Although most
valves serve the same basic purpose, distinct characteristics and mechanisms
allow some valve types to excel in specific applications.
Read on to learn more about valves and how they work, plus how to select the
best valve type for your particular needs.
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What Is a Valve & How Does It Work?
In the simplest terms, a valve is a device used to control the flow of a medium — liquid,
gas or solid — through a piping system. Most commonly, valves are used to stop and
start the flow of media. Some valves are also able to control the rate of flow, these are
commonly referred to as control valves.

Because there are so many different uses for valves, they are available in a wide range
of mechanical variations. Using the appropriate valve in a given scenario means your
application will run smoothly and safely, accomplishing the intended goal most
efficiently.

Though there are many different valve classifications, most valves fall within three
categories: rotary, linear and self-actuated.

Rotary
Rotary valves utilize a rotating closure component to block flow within a piping
system. Most often, this rotation is limited to 90 degrees, which is why rotary valves
are also commonly referred to as quarter-turn valves. These types of valves are closed
at 0 degrees and open at 90 degrees.

Some rotary valves can operate with a larger degree of rotation and include more than
two positions. Common examples of rotary valve types are butterfly, plug and ball
valves.

Linear
Linear valves use a flow obstructer — such as a disc, slat or diaphragm — that moves
in a straight line to start, stop or adjust flow through a piping system. These valves can
be separated into two distinct types: rising stem (multi-turn) and axial.
Multi-turn linear valves work particularly well in control applications and
include globe valves, gate valves and needle valves. Axial valves, such as coaxial and
angle seat valves, are fast-acting and used primarily in on/off process applications.

Compared to other categories of valves, linear motion valves tend to have longer cycle
times than rotary valves.

Self-actuated

Unlike linear and rotary valves, self-actuated valves do not require direct input from
the operator. Instead, they use the pressure within the process line to open or close a
pressure control valve. This valve type is commonly used as a pressure relief valve and
only opens once maximum allowable pressure is reached within the system. As a result
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of this mechanism, self-actuated valves are common safety requirements in certain
applications.

Common self-actuated valves include relief valves, safety valves, check valves and
steam traps.

Types of Quarter Turn Valves

Since quarter-turn valves allow for a wide range of motion with the turn of a handle,
these valve types are commonly used in applications that prioritize quick and easy
opening/closing over precision.

Ball Valves

Ball valves can be used in most applications where a fluid flow needs to be shut off. In
fact, they are the most widely used process control valve. These rotary valves use
ported spheres that swivel in the pipe stream, working to start or stop flow.
Since the valve’s port can be fitted precisely to match the pipe’s diameter, ball valves
offer low head loss. Ball valves may be more expensive than other rotary valve options,
but they offer better sealing than types such as butterfly valves.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves work using a center-mounted, disc-shaped obstructer that sways in and
out of the piping system’s flow. These quarter-turn valves are frequently used with
larger pipe sizes and in wastewater plants, power plants and other process plants where
shut-off, regulation, and isolation are called for.

Advantages of using butterfly valves include lower cost and smaller size. However,
these common valve types are more vulnerable to leaks and head losses than ball valves
and may not work as well against high-pressure flows.

Plug Valves

Plug valves are very similar to ball valves in their construction and function. However,
instead of using a ball-shaped obstructer, plug valves obstruct or allow flow via a
tapered cylinder that swings into or out of the flow stream. There are two main types
of plug valves: lubricated and unlubricated.
This type of rotary valve is frequently used for shut-off and as a control valve for
chemical processing industries, processing plants and wastewater treatment facilities.
Plug valves may be favored for their lack of voids and cavities, and their ability to be
adjusted for leaks that develop over the long term. As a result, these valves are often

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used in extreme service scenarios — think corrosive environments like oil refineries
and chemical plants.

Types of Multi-Turn Valves

Commonly used in flow control applications, multi-turn valves work by cranking a
handle to move an obstructer element into the flow path. This restricts flow within the
piping system. Some types of multi-turn valves enable the flow to be released or
blocked at variable speeds. These types of valves are commonly referred to as control
valves.

Globe Valves

Globe valves work by using a globe-shaped disc to block flow when closed against a
restriction orifice. These multi-turn valves are commonly used in on/off and throttling
applications. Globe valves can seal both against or with fluid flow.
Two-way globe valves are recommended for precision, while 3-way globe valves are
suitable for combining media from two inlet ports and sending the resulting mixture
through an outlet port. Globe valves are frequently used in wastewater plants and food
processing services. Although this valve type is available in many variations, the most
prevalent is the Z-style valve.

Gate Valves

Gate valves are multi-turn valves commonly used to block flow streams and
occasionally (and sometimes ineffectively) for throttling. This multi-turn valve type
utilizes a plate-like barrier to block a flow stream.
Gate valves offer lower head losses when open compared to other valve types.
Although their operation is comparable to globe valves, gate valves offer less flow
restriction and regulation capabilities.

Needle Valves

Needle valves closely resemble globe valves aside from several key factors. First, they
are smaller than globe valves and allow for more precise flow control within smaller
systems. Additionally, they consist of a cone-shaped needle — as opposed to a disc-
shaped plug — that moves into and out of an orifice to start and stop flow.

Needle valves offer a precise way of modifying fluid flow through a system. They can
be used for on/on applications but may not be the best option in such instances, as they
require many turns in order to close.

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Types of On/Off Valves
Much as the name suggests, on/off valves are fast-acting devices that either enable
unrestricted flow or block flow entirely. Though these types of valves do not allow for
precise flow adjustment, they are useful in various applications where speed is
essential, for example when used for situations that require emergency shut-off.

Solenoid valves
Solenoid valves use a linear sliding obstructer to open or shut the valve or redirect the
flow from one outlet to another. These valve types are available in many different sizes,
from as small as one millimeter to as large as 100 millimeters. Furthermore, they can
be composed of various materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic
and brass.

Solenoid valves are commonly used in emergency shut-off service applications and
high-pressure systems. They can also handle a wide range of temperatures, with some
models able to handle temperatures as extreme as -418° F to 1472° F, making solenoid
valves a popular choice for cryogenic processes.

Coaxial valves
A coaxial valve is a 2-position valve that can be either pneumatically or electrically
actuated. Electric coaxial valves use an electromagnetic coil vs. a spring. Pneumatic
coaxial valves use either air pressure vs. a spring or double acting air pressure (air
pressure that comes from both directions). These valves use a shuttle obstructer to open
or close and to divert flow to the correct outlet.

Coaxial valves are a good substitute for ball valves in many on/off applications. In fact,
they are a more affordable, smaller, lighter, safer and faster alternative. Disadvantages
of coaxial valves include lower flow capacity and limited fluid compatibility.

Angle seat valves

Closing out the list of different types of valves and their uses is the angle seat valve,
another type of valve that can serve as a substitute for a ball valve in on/off applications.
Seat angle valves use a built-in pneumatic actuator that can be double acting or spring
return.
This 2-position valve includes an obstructer plug that goes into the valve at an angle in
order to fit into the angled seat situated within the flow path. When the valve is open,
the plug is retracted almost entirely out of the flow path, making this type of valve the
highest flow fast-acting valve with the lowest pressure drop.

Compared to ball valves, angle seat valves are faster, less expensive and just as durable.
The primary disadvantage an angle seat valve has when compared to a ball valve is that
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angle seat valves do not perform as well with media that carries particulates. Due to
their linear nature, an angle seat valve is more prone to trapping objects against the seal
when closing, which can lead to failure to create a tight seal and can damage soft seal
components. Ball valves, on the other hand, will tend to wipe away any particulates as
they close which keeps objects from getting caught between the ball and soft seals.
Angle seat valves also tend to be better suited for applications with lower operating
pressure.

Comparison Chart: Common Types of Valves

Valve Valve Common

Advantages Drawbacks
Type Motion Applications

On/Off
May be more
Quarter- applications; Excellent sealing;
Ball expensive than
turn- upstream oil low head loss; fast
Valve other quarter-turn
Rotary and gas cycle time
valves
production

Quarter- Lower cost; More prone to

Butterfly Ship-building;
turn- smaller size, fast leaks and head
Valve food processing
Rotary cycle time losses

Oil piping
systems; high- Can withstand Cannot be used in
pressure and extreme pressure throttling
Quarter-
Plug extreme and temperature applications; more
turn-
Valve temperature conditions; no expensive than
Rotary
flow systems; cavities or voids, other rotary valve
chemical fast cycle time types
processing

Not very useful in

Wastewater Reduced head
Multi- throttling; lower
Gate plants; power loss when open
turn – capabilities for
Valve plants; process compared to
Linear producing positive
plants other linear valves
shut-off

High pressure
Multi- Cooling water Good shut-off and drop; requires a
Globe
turn – systems; vents throttling larger actuator or
Valve
Linear and drains; capabilities greater amount of
force to seat the

25
 turbine lube oil valve with
systems pressure under
the seat

Vacuum
Multi- Small size allows
Needle systems; Requires many
turn – for finer control of
Valve metering turns to close
Linear smaller lines
systems

Sensitive to
Capable of
voltage; require
handling high-
the control signal
pressure systems
On/Off – to remain on
Solenoid Cryogenic and wide ranges
Self- during operation,
Valve processes of temperatures;
Actuated small port size
fast response
restricts flow and
time; remote
can cause media
operation
to clog

Smaller, lighter,
Limited fluid
On/Off – Precise control safer and faster
Coaxial compatibility;
Self- of liquids and than comparable
Valve lower flow
Actuated gasses valves for on/off
capacity
applications

Faster acting, less Not ideal for use

Vacuum
expensive and with media
applications in
longer service life containing
Angle On/Off – chemical,
than ball valves; particulates;
Seat Self- water, sewage,
can handle Better suited for
Valve Actuated food and
viscous, applications with
beverage
contaminated lower operating
systems
media pressure.

How to Choose a Valve Type: Key Selection Considerations

Once you have a handle on the different types of valves and their uses, you can
determine which valve type is best for your specific application. When selecting a
valve, consider the following factors and questions before making a decision:

Valve size: How will different sizes impact the application?

Pressure rating: How does the valve perform under various levels of pressure?
Materials: What is the valve made of and how is that important for different
applications?

26
 Port connections: How many and what kind of inlet and outlet ports are included?

Nature of the media: What types of media can the valve handle or is it designed for?

Actuation: Is the valve self-actuating or does it require manual operation?

Additional factors relevant to the intended application, including:

 What temperature is the media?

 How often will the valve cycle?
 What is the desired life span for the valve?
 What is the target cost for the valve?

FAQs About Different Types of Valves

Why is it important to choose a certain type of valve?

Different valve styles will perform differently in any given application. This may mean
differences in both functionality (cycle speed, position control, etc.) and the lifespan of
the valve. Some types of valves may be entirely inappropriate for certain applications.

What’s the difference between linear valves and rotary valves?

Rotary valves utilize a rotating closure component to block flow within a piping
system, while linear valves function by raising or lowering a flow obstructor, such as
a gate, globe or diaphragm. Rotary valves typically require only 90 degrees of rotation
to cycle on or off, whereas linear valves require multiple rotations of the shaft to move
the closure component.

Why should I consider an on/off valve?

On/off valves should be used in applications where the intended function of the valve
is to stop or start the flow of media. On/off valves should not be used to modulate flow
rate.

Why should I consider a control valve?

Control valves should be utilized in applications where more precise control of the
media flow rate is required, though not all control valves are recommended for
throttling.

Can all linear valves be used as control valves?

No; gate valves, for example, are not recommended for control applications and are
intended to either be fully open or fully closed.

Why are some valves more expensive than others?

27
Cost is influenced by a wide variety of factors including materials of construction,
manufacturing processes and the complexity of the design. There are many different
features and options that may influence cost as well. For example, actuated valves will
generally be much more expensive than manual valves.
Still not sure which valve type is best for your application? With decades of experience
and expertise in the valve industry, Gemini Valve is here to provide the right solutions
for your system. Contact our team today to get started.

George Packard

Vice President of Marketing

George Packard, Vice President of Marketing at Gemini Valve, has been involved in
Technical Sales and Marketing in the valve industry for over 10 years. George’s varied
experience includes communicating with clients to troubleshoot critical applications, and
working alongside top engineers in the industry to promote the latest innovations in
automated ball valve design.

Common Valves Used in the Oil & Gas Industry

Valves are a vital part of any piping system, which means that they play a
key role in the oil and gas industry. They can be used to control flow rates,
to isolate and protect equipment, and guide and direct the refining process
of crude oil.

In this article, we will discuss five common valves that are used in the industry
and what Dwyer Instruments, Inc. has to offer.

1. Control Valves

28
Control valves are valves that provide process control over flow rate, pressure,
and temperature in the oil and gas industry. They work by varying the size of the
flow passage way as directed by either a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical
signal sent from a controller. The automatic operation of these valves gives them
the ability to be operated remotely, rather than having an operator constantly
monitoring and adjusting.

2. Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are used to isolate and modulate a variety of media with low
pressure loss. The valve usually comes equipped with an actuator. Their small
thickness allows them to fit almost anywhere, while their ease of availability in
larger diameters means they can be used in large pipes. When actuated, they
are quick to open and close and they provide high reliability with little
maintenance.

3. Ball Valves

Ball valves are designed to control the flow of high pressure liquids and gases
with minimal pressure drop. They are quick to open and close, and have a tight
seal with low torque. Their ease of operation, repair, and versatility lends the
ability to be used in a variety of locations.

4. Check Valves

29
Check valves are used to prevent reverse flow through the pipes. Their service
helps to protect pumps and equipment that could be damaged by backflow,
reducing maintenance and downtime of the system. These valves have a low
pressure drop, which increases energy savings. They also help to reduce chatter
within the pipes.

5. Globe Valves

Globe valves are often used for isolation and throttling services. Installation is
simple due to their easily machined valve seats. They offer a tight shut off ability,
and the simple linear motion allows for a quick open and close of the valve.

30
VALVES USED IN OIL
AND GAS INDUSTRY
The Oil and Gas industry heavily relies on the pipeline systems for most of
its operations starting from refining processes till its final distribution.
Basically, this is the reason that the pipeline infrastructure along with its
control systems is of critical importance in this particular sector.

Due to the fact that any failures or lapses in systems as such could result
in hazardous spills, and even environmental catastrophes causing a major
loss. Valves being one of the most essential part of any piping system i.e.
to put it in simple language valves are mechanical devices that are used

31
in piping applications to regulate, control as well as to open & close a fluid’s
pressure and its flow.

Basically a valve is manufactured by assembly of many parts generally the

mechanical ones, the main among them being the body which is the outer
shell, the trim which is a combination of the replaceable wetted parts, an
actioning mechanism i.e., the manual lever, the bonnet and the stem.

Valves which have smaller bore size or those which require higher
resistance to pressure & temperature are mainly manufactured with body
out of forged iron while the commercial valves which have bigger bore size
feature body made of cast materials.

The Valves market which is worth around 40 billion USD has major Valve
Manufacturers located in the US, Europe (European Origin Valves), Japan
and China.

The different types of valves used in the oil industry has the following
applications:

• To Start/stop the flow of the fluid using gate valve, ball valve, butterfly
valve, knife gate valve, or plug valve.
• Moderating the flow of the fluid using a globe valve.
• Controlling the flow of the fluid control valve.
• Changing the direction of the flow using a three-way ball valve.
• Regulating the pressure of the process using pressure reducing valve.
• Protecting of a device or a piping system from back-pressures or
overpressures (check valve)
• Filtering the debris flowing through a pipeline for the protection of the
equipment which might have been damaged by solid dirt parts using
basket strainers.

Ball valves :

The ball valves are based on a quarter-turn rotational motion mechanism

which when opened, makes the holes in the ball to stay in line with respect
to the body inlet allowing all contents to pass through.These balls are
32
usually made out of a mixture of several metallic while the seats are made
from a soft material like Teflon. These valves are mainly used for gases,
air and liquids, since they are quick to turn on and off and has a tighter
sealing with lower torque. Fevisa, one of the leading ball valves
supplier around the world.

Butterfly valves :

These are rotational motion valves with the quarter-turn operation which
are quite easy and fast to open since the valves usually come fitted with a
gearbox where the stem is connected with a hand wheel by gear. This
completely simplifies the operation of the valve, but at the expense of a
reduction in speed. Weighing lighter and being quicker to use, these valves
are actually available in varied sizes also it can cope with low-pressure
drops and high-pressure recoveries. Fevisa being the market leader in
various categories of Industrial valve suppliers, are also properly known
as butterfly valve supplier who ensures all safety norms and face
impending challenges in the field.

Gate valves :

Gate valves are mainly designed to start or stop a flow when a straighter
flow of the fluid along a minimal flow restriction is needed. This valve when
turned open, makes the disc of the gate open fully allowing contents to
pass. Considering the valves with international standards likes WRAS
approved Valves and UL FM-approved Valves gives more value to the
quality of products.

Globe valves :

The globe valves are a linear motion valve used to stop, start and regulate
flow. These valves are typically used for the water cooling systems, fuel oil
transportation as well as for oil systems turbine lube. Also it is used for
throttling and isolation services making it become the world’s most
common type of valve due to its good shut off ability.

Plug valves :
33
The plug valves use a cylindrical or tapered plug to stop or start the flow.
These are easier to turn off/on, also they are smaller in size compared to
most of the valves and has a minimal resistance flow.

Conclusion:

The valves are basically the unsung heroes of the oil and gas industry
since they are indispensable if there is any hope of your industrial products
getting to consumers.

Fevisa being one of the leading valve manufacturers and valve stockist in
Dubai, is of the opinion that it will be interesting to watch how all the leading
valve manufacturers and valve suppliers, as well as their stockist i.e., USA,
Europe, and the rest of the world, will innovate their strategies going
forward also how technology may be further incorporated in industrial
valves.

Further, our Europe origin valves are designed to follow the various
industrial standards and customers’ requirements. Our team of designers
& engineers can assist you into making the right choice of the kind of valve
for your application. Fevisa is ever ready to help you out in the choice
of stock valves.

Different Types Of Valve Used In Piping – A Complete

Guide Of Pipe Valve

Table of Contents
 Introduction
 What is Valve?
 Types of Valves | Different Types of Valve used in Piping
o Ball Valve
o Gate Valve
o Globe Valve
o Check Valve
o Plug Valve
o Pinch Valve
o Needle Valve
o Butterfly Valve
o Pressure Relief Valve

34
 Valves Types Based on Functions
 Classification of Valves Based on End Connections
 Classification of Valves Based on The Way it Open and Closed
 Classification of Valves Based on Types of Actuator it Used

Introduction
Different Types of Valve used in Piping. This article delves into the categorization of valves and their respective
roles. To kick things off, let’s begin with a definition of valves.

What is Valve?
You might already know this, but it’s okay to remind ourselves.

A valve is like a special tool that helps manage how liquids move. It can open, close, or slow down the liquid. If
that sounds tricky, think of it as a machine that helps control how liquids move and how hard they push. So, in
simple words, a valve is all about controlling the way liquids flow and how strong they flow.

Types of Valves | Different Types of Valve used in Piping

In pipes, we use different kinds of valves based on what we need. These valves can cost a lot, like 20% to 30% of
all the money spent on the pipes. Also, the price of a valve can be very different, even twice as much, depending
on its type and size. This means that if you pick a ball valve instead of a butterfly valve for the same job, it could
cost you more money. So, it’s really important to choose the right valves to make sure process plants work well
and don’t cost too much.
 Ball Valve
 Gate Valve
 Globe Valve
 Check Valve
 Plug valve
 Pinch Valve
 Needle Valve
 Butterfly Valve
 Pressure Relief Valve
“Let’s find out about each one of them.”

Ball Valve

A ball valve is like a simple switch for controlling the flow of liquids. It works by turning a round ball inside to
start or stop the flow. You only need to turn it a little bit to make it work. This type of valve is smaller and lighter
compared to another kind called a gate valve.
35
 You can see different types of ball valves:
1. 3-Way Ball Valve
2. Floating Ball Valve
3. Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
4. Top entry
5. Side entry or split body
6. Three-piece body

Gate Valve

A gate valve is a very common thing in factories. It’s like a door for liquids. It can either let the liquid go through
or block it completely. We use gate valves for lots of liquids like air, fuel, water, and more. They’re good at
stopping the flow of liquid when we need to.

Different types of Gate Valves:

1. Solid Wedge Gate Valve
2. Flexible Wedge Gate Valve
3. Split Wedge or Parallel Disks Gate Valve
4. OS & Y Gate Valve or Rising Stem Valve
5. Non-rising Stem Gate Valve or Insider Screw Valve
Globe Valve

A Globe valve is like a switch for liquids. It can turn the flow on, off, or control it. People use Globe Valves in
places where they need to control how much liquid flows, and they also want to make sure there are no leaks.
Globe valves are better at stopping the flow of liquid compared to gate valves, but they are a bit more expensive.

Different types of Globe Valves:

1. Z types
2. Y types
3. Angle Types

36
Check Valve

A check valve stops water from going the wrong way in pipes. When water goes in the right direction, it opens the
valve. If it tries to go back, the valve closes.

Different check valves:

1. Swing Type
2. Lift Type
3. Dual Plate Type
4. Stop Check Valve

Plug Valve

A plug valve is like a twisty valve that you can turn a little to stop or start the water or whatever is flowing. It has
a plug inside that looks like a cone or a cylinder, and this plug has a hole for the stuff to go through. Plug valves
are used to completely stop or start the flow of things, and they don’t let anything leak through when they’re
closed. These valves can be used in places with very high pressure and heat, even in a vacuum.
Different kinds of plug valves:
1. Ones with a square hole
2. Ones with a round hole
3. Ones with a diamond-shaped hole
4. Plug valves that need lubrication
5. Plug valves that don’t need lubrication
6. Plug valves with many holes for different uses.

37
Pinch Valve

A pinch valve, sometimes called a clamp valve, is like a door for liquids. It can open, close, or adjust how much
liquid goes through. It works using a rubber tube, which is like a straw, and a pinching device to control the
liquid. This type of valve is great for handling thick liquids, liquids with chunks in them, and systems that move
solid stuff using air.

Needle Valve

Needle valves look a lot like globe valves, but they have a pointy needle-shaped part. These valves are made to
control the flow of liquid very precisely in small pipes. They’re called “needle valves” because of their sharp,
pointy disk and seat that fit together.

Butterfly Valve

A butterfly valve is like a spinning door that can stop, control, or start the flow of things. It’s small and round,
which makes it great for big valve jobs because it doesn’t take up much space compared to other valves.

Different types of butterfly valves:

1. Butterfly valves with flanges
2. Butterfly valves that are like wafers
3. Butterfly valves with lugs
4. Butterfly valves that are butt welded
38
5. Butterfly valves with zero offset
6. Butterfly valves with double offset
7. Butterfly valves with triple offset

Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure safety valve is like a guardian for machines and pipes. When they feel too much pressure or when
there’s not enough air inside, these valves step in. They let out some pressure or air when it reaches a certain limit.

Different types of Pressure Relief Valves:

 Reclosing-type pressure relief devices
 Non-reclosing type pressure relief devices
 Safety Relief Valves
 Pressure Relief Valve
 Vacuum Relief Valve
 Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve

Valves Types Based on Functions

The valve serves various functions within the piping system. Such as

 Stopping and starting a fluid flow. Depending on whether a valve is open or closed, it lets pass the process
fluid or halts the fluid.
 Throttling the fluid flow. Some of the valves let you throttle the fluid depending open % of the total opening.
Lesser the opening, higher the throttling and otherwise.
 Controlling the direction of fluid flow. The multiport valve lets you decide the way fluid will go.
 Regulating a flow or pressure within the piping system. Some of the automatic control valves maintain the
flow and pressure within the system by adjusting opening and closing.
 Relieve pressure or vacuum from the piping system and equipment. Pressure and vacuum relief valves
safeguard the processing system from overpressure and during vacuum conditions.
Different types of valves serve these functions. These valves can be classified or categorized based on;

 Function
 End connection
 How it operates
 Types of Actuator it used.

Classification of Valves Based on End Connections

Valve ends come in different types based on how they connect to pipes:

39
1. Screwed or Threaded Ends: These valves have threads that match those on the pipe. They are used for small
valves in instruments or as sample points.
2. Flanged Ends: Most valves used in pipes have flanged ends, which means they have flat, circular parts that are
bolted onto the pipes.
3. Butt-Welded Ends: These valves are used in places with very high pressure and heat.
4. Socket Welded Ends: These valves are used in low-pressure situations.
5. Check Valves and Butterfly Valves: These can have wafer and lug end construction, which is helpful when
there isn’t much space.
So, valves can have different ends depending on where and how they’re used.

Classification of Valves Based on The Way it Open and Closed

Here’s a simple table that classifies valves based on the way they open and close:

VALVE TYPE OPENING AND CLOSING MECHANISM

Gate Valve Raised and lowered gate or wedge

Globe Valve Up and down movement of a disc

Ball Valve Rotating a ball with a hole

Butterfly Valve Rotating a disc or vane

Check Valve Flow allows one-way movement

Plug Valve Rotating a plug or cylinder

Diaphragm Valve Squeezing a flexible diaphragm

Pinch Valve Pinching a flexible tube

Needle Valve Fine adjustment with a needle

Pressure Relief Valve Automatically opens at preset pressure

Safety Valve Automatically opens to release excess pressure

Solenoid Valve Electrically controlled, typically on/off

Piston Valve Sliding piston controls flow

Spool Valve Shifting a spool to direct flow

Classification of Valves Based on The Way it Open and Closed

40
Classification of Valves Based on Types of Actuator it Used
Here’s a simple table to classify valves based on the types of actuators they use:

ACTUATOR TYPE VALVE CLASSIFICATION

Manual – Gate Valve

– Globe Valve

– Ball Valve

– Check Valve

– Butterfly Valve

Electric – Electric Gate Valve

– Electric Globe Valve

– Electric Ball Valve

– Electric Butterfly Valve

Pneumatic – Pneumatic Gate Valve

– Pneumatic Globe Valve

– Pneumatic Ball Valve

– Pneumatic Butterfly Valve

Hydraulic – Hydraulic Gate Valve

– Hydraulic Globe Valve

– Hydraulic Ball Valve

– Hydraulic Butterfly Valve

Classification of Valves Based on Types of Actuator it Used

41
 Oil and Gas Valve – Types of Valves in Oil
and Gas Industry

Oil and gas operations ranging from refining to distribution, are significantly reliant
on pipeline systems. Infrastructure and trustworthy control systems are therefore
crucial in the business. In this scenario, oil and gas valves are essential to ensure
the safety of the industrial operations of pipelines.

This post will focus on explaining different types of industrial valves, their
mechanism, their application in the oil and gas industry as well as API and ASME
standards for oil and gas valves.

Table of Contents
 What are Valves in Oil and Gas?
 Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry
 1. Ball Valves
 2. Gate Valves
 3. Globe Valves
 4. Check Valves
 5. Plug Valves
 6. Butterfly Valves
 7. Control Valves
 Case of ZECO Oil and Gas Valves

What are Valves in Oil and Gas?

A valve is a device used to regulate the flow of oil and gas. Opening or closing an
aperture controls the amount of liquids and gases allowed through pipes. The
valve controls the flow of fluids by stopping and starting, adjusting the amounts,
controlling the direction, regulating pressure, or relieving pressure.

Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry

1. Ball Valves
Ball valves are available in various materials and sizes. They are used for the
broadest spectrum of isolation applications and are available in full flow and full
through conduits.

42
Advantages: low-pressure drop, quick-acting, straight through flow in either
direction, easily actuated, bubble tight shut off & operating torque.
Disadvantages: long “relative” face to face dimension and temperature limitations
on seating material.

2. Gate Valves
The function of the gate valve is to start or stop a flow when a straight-line flow of
fluid and minimum flow restriction is needed.

During use, gate valves are kept either fully open or fully closed. The disc of the
gate is completely removed when turned open, allowing contents to pass through.

Advantages: a straight-through flow of fluid in either direction, low-pressure drop.

Disadvantages: slow-acting, takes a lot of space. Not drip tight shut off.

3. Globe Valves
If you want to stop the flow of air, you can close the globe valve using a plug-like
piston. When the actuator is turned, the linear valve opens and closes. It is
possible to open this valve to a variety of levels due to the threading on the stem.
The popularity of this sort of valve in the petrochemical industry can be traced
back to this very fact. Depending on how much throttling is required, the opening
size can be reduced.

4. Check Valves
Gas refineries find check valves extremely helpful as the device opens under
pressure and does not allow backflow of fluid or material. Because of the restricted
backflow, cross-contamination of the product is prevented. That is, different
materials can use the same pipeline. There is no need for an actuator as required
in other valve types. However, it does need precise installation to ensure the
response to fluid pressure occurs as required.

5. Plug Valves
A plug valve is also a linear valve but it has a wider piston than a globe valve.
While it may not be ideal for throttling, it can hold its own in high pressure or a
high-temperature pipeline. The wider surface area of the plug provides enough
room for the pressure to be distributed and dissipated along the plug while
maintaining fluid flow control.

6. Butterfly Valves
43
A butterfly valve makes up for a lot of what a gate valve lacks in terms of
performance. Open channels allow media to flow freely, even if they contain solid
particles. Since the stem at the base of a butterfly valve holds its disc in place, it
can be used in high-pressure pipelines. Its low-torque operation is also a result of
these design attributes.

7. Control Valves
Control valves are valves that provide process control over flow rate, pressure,
and temperature in the oil and gas industry. They work by varying the size of the
flow passage way as directed by either a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical signal
sent from a controller. The automatic operation of these valves gives them the
ability to be operated remotely, rather than having an operator constantly
monitoring and adjusting.

Oil Refinery Valves: How Are They Used?

The oil and gas industry earned $4 trillion last year worldwide. There is no
question that this industry is vital to modern life.
While most people are familiar with the product and the consumable products
available, they don’t know all the small parts and elements that go into them.
One component worth mentioning is oil refinery valves.
Valves are an essential part of any oil refinery. They control the flow of fluids,
isolate equipment, and protect against leaks. Keep reading to learn more about
these valves and the role they play.

Types of Oil Refinery Valves

There are many types of valves used in oil refineries. Some of the most
common include the following:
Ball Valves
Ball valves are one of the most common valves used in oil refineries. They are
used to control the flow of fluids in a pipeline.
This valve is a quarter-turn rotary valve. It includes a hollow ball that the fluid
moves through into a rotating 90-degree hollow ball.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are another valve option used in oil refineries. They are used
to isolate equipment and control the flow of fluids in a pipeline.

44
Most butterfly valves come with actuators. They are ideal for oil
refineries because the shut-off applications work well for larger pipelines.
Gate Valves
Gate valves isolate equipment and control fluid flow in a pipeline. They are
used in fully closed or open positions for fluid flow regulation.
Some fluid gate valves are used with water, oil, steam, and gas. It is not
recommended that gate valves be used for throttling applications.
Check Valves
Check valves are used to prevent the flow of fluids in the wrong direction. This
means they keep the flow of fluids from reversing.
Usually, these are found on the discharge end of the pump. They will
automatically shut the flow off when the pump is disengaged. This prevents the
system from draining.
Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief valves are used to protect equipment from excessive pressure.
They are designed to open automatically when the pressure in a system
exceeds a predetermined level.
The valves are beneficial because they prevent overpressurization. This is
done by relieving excess pressure when it occurs.
Safety Valves
Safety valves are used to protect equipment from excessive pressure. The
valve is used as a failsafe.
It prevents the uncontrolled release of reservoir fluids to prevent disasters.
Safety valves are typically found installed on the completion.

How Are Oil Refinery Valves Used?

Oil refinery valves have important jobs. They are used in several ways within
the refineries. Some of the most common uses of oil refinery valves include the
following:
Control the Flow of Fluids
The valves can be installed on various parts of a pipeline to control the flow of
fluids. Opening and closing the valve determines if the flow continues or stops.
They can also be used to throttle the flow of fluids. The right type of valve must
be used for fluid control to prevent issues within a refinery.
Isolating Equipment
Valves can also be used to isolate equipment in the oil refinery. Usually, this is
necessary if equipment needs maintenance. However, it is also used to help
prevent leaks, which could lead to serious problems and accidents.
45
Protection Against Leaks
Certain valves can ensure leaks do not occur. Usually, this happens by sealing
or closing the flow of fluids between pipes. They also work to help prevent fluids
from reversing in the pipes.
Relieving Pressure
If pressure builds up in pipes or equipment in oil refineries and is not relieved,
the outcome can be deadly. Valves are responsible for relieving this pressure.
Some valves do this automatically when the pressure reaches a certain point.
Other valves must be turned manually to relieve excess pressure issues.
Protection Against Explosions
There is no question that explosions in oil refineries are extremely dangerous.
Valves play an important role in preventing these.
For example, they can prevent excess pressure and keep fluids flowing in the
right direction. Without valves, this would be impossible.

The Importance of Oil Refinery Valves

Oil refinery valves are essential for an oil refinery’s safe and efficient operation.
They control the flow of fluids, isolate equipment, and protect against leaks.
Valves play a vital role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth
operation of an oil refinery.
It is necessary to understand what valves do to see how important they are. It
is also necessary to know when valve replacement is needed to prevent
serious accidents.

Signs Oil Refinery Valve Replacement Is Needed

Oil refineries are complex industrial facilities that require various valves to
operate safely and efficiently. These valves can be subjected to a great deal of
wear and tear over time, which can lead to leaks, malfunctions, and other
problems.
There are several signs that can indicate that an oil refinery valve needs to be
replaced. These include:
Leaks
If a valve leaks, it is a sign that the seal is damaged and must be replaced.
Leaking valves can release harmful pollutants into the environment, and they
can also pose a fire hazard.
Malfunctions
If a valve is not opening or closing properly, it is a sign that it is not functioning
as designed. This can lead to process disruptions and safety hazards.
Corrosion
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Corrosion can damage the internal components of a valve, making it difficult or
impossible to operate. Corrosion can also lead to leaks and other problems.
Age
The age of a valve is also a factor to consider. Using valves past their expected
lifespan means they are more likely to fail.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have the valve inspected by
a qualified technician. In some cases, the valve may be able to be repaired.
However, the valve must be replaced if the damage is too extensive.

Knowing the Role of Oil Refinery Valves

Oil refinery valves are an essential part of any oil refinery. They control the flow
of fluids, isolate equipment, and protect against leaks. Valves are vital in
ensuring an oil refinery’s safe and efficient operation.
If new valves are needed, or more information about valves is wanted, contact
us. We can answer any questions you have.

Types of Valves used in the Oil and Gas Industry

Valves are a vital part of any piping system, which means that they play a key
role in the oil and gas industry. They can be used to control flow rates, isolate,
protect equipment, and operate in the refining process of Oil, Gas, Hydrogen
and other such media.

This makes them integral in the many different kinds of functions and
applications. At Oliver Valves, we are a leading manufacturer of Valves used in
the various Industries, specialising in Oil & Gas applications. Utilising our vast
experience and knowledge, we can implement cutting-edge technologies to
provide solutions to challenging applications. No media is beyond our expertise
and we are able to supply a varying number of valves to suit liquids, gasses,
viscous materials, and corrosive mediums. Our expertise lies in the production
of Valves that can be used to isolate or regulate the flow according to the
pressure and velocity requirements.

What Types of Valves are used in the Oil and Gas

Industry?

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Several different processes take place inside the oil and gas industry. Each of
those processes requires different kinds of materials to be taken to and from
machinery and equipment, meaning many different valves are needed for a
single process to be completed.

Ball Valves
Ball valves are designed to isolate the flow of high-pressure liquids and gases
with minimal pressure drop. They are quick to open and close and have a tight
seal with low torque, with ease of operation, repair, and versatility lend the
ability to be used in various locations.

Needle Valves
Needle Valves are again designed to isolate and regulate the flow of various
medias and pressures from an instrument. They utilise Oliver’s unique non-
rotating tip and valve seat, providing the end-user with a positive, guaranteed
shut-off.

Manifold Valves
Manifolds, being similar to Needle Valves, again utilise Oliver’s unique non-
rotating tip and valve seat. Ultimately allowing the customer to isolate and vent
a cavity for safe removal of the instrument, typically for calibration.

Double Block & Bleed Valves

Double Block & Bleed Valves integrate three valves into one block allowing the
customer to securely isolate the flow with two independent obturators, whilst
being able to safely control the pressurised vent. These valves are widely used
in a number of applications including flow Isolation, Vent Valves, Chemical
Injection and Sampling.

What are the Applications of Valves in the Oil and

Gas Industry?

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Oil and gas exploration and operations have become more complex over the
ages. As explorers need to dig deeper to extract crude oil and natural gas, they
have to face extremely high temperatures (greater than 1,500F or 816 C) and
high pressures (greater than 25,000 PSIG) and extremely low temperatures
like cryogenic (-150 F or -101 C). Since exploration and production operations
usually have to work in extreme conditions, the valves used in this stage need
to be strong, durable, non-corrosive, and fully leak-proof. These conditions
mean that the valves needed for these piping systems have to be durable,
strong, resilient, and most of all, reliable. For example, they should handle the
low temperatures and high-pressure flow of materials while protecting both the
machinery and the medium flowing inside from any contamination.

If you would like more information about the types of Valves we supply in the
Oil and Gas Industry, please contact Oliver Valves today.

7 Types of Gas Valves Used in

the Oil & Gas Industry

Keeping the flow of oil and gas in pipelines is a monumental task and requires several reliable
pieces of equipment. Gas valves are one of these crucial components. Without gas valves, the
oil and gas industry could not ensure that crude oil, refined gas, natural gas, and other
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materials get to their destination. Learn the basics of valves, including seven common types
used within the oil and gas industry, to better understand what is required for the smooth and
safe flow of materials.

What is a Gas Valve?

A gas valve is a device used to regulate the flow of oil and gas. Opening or closing an aperture
controls the amount of liquids and gases allowed through pipes. The valve controls the flow
of fluids by stopping and starting, adjusting the amounts, controlling the direction, regulating
pressure, or relieving pressure.

No two environments are the same. Some are highly corrosive. At the same time, others
function under constant high pressure. Because of these variants, many different types of
valves have been developed over the decades. Each type of valve has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Successful operation and application require understanding the different types
and uses within the gas and oil industry.

Types of Gas Valves and How They Are Used

There are several types of gas valves because of the different environments in which they are
used. Below is a breakdown of seven kinds commonly used in the oil and gas industry.

1. Gate Valves
The gate valve may be the most commonly used in the industry. It uses a gate system to open
or close a pipeline entirely. This is an excellent choice if the flow rate needs to be controlled
and maintained. When the actuator completely opens the valve, the channel is unobstructed,
allowing even slurry fluids like crude oil to flow easier. While it is not an ideal candidate if
throttling is required in an application, there is not a noticeable pressure drop when this valve
is used.

2. Globe Valves
When pressure control is necessary, the globe valve is frequently chosen. It is also often used
for open and close operations. The valve plug sits vertically raised and lowered by the actuator
as needed. They tend to create a more significant pressure drop than other valve types because
of the S-shaped passageway within them. They are a good choice for flow regulation and
throttling functions.

3. Check Valves
Gas refineries find check valves extremely helpful as the device opens under pressure and
does not allow backflow of fluid or material. Because of the restricted backflow, cross-
contamination of the product is prevented. That is, different materials can use the same
pipeline. There is no need for an actuator as required in other valve types. However, it does
need precise installation to ensure the response to fluid pressure occurs as required.
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4. Plug Valves
The plug valve comprises a plug-shaped disc with a horizontal passageway bored through it.
When the linear valve is open, fluid will move through the hole. Turning the actuator 90
degrees from the open position blocks any flow through the pipeline. This valve is not
suggested for throttling functions but is ideal for unrefined oil products as found in biogas
production.

5. Ball Valves
Ball valves are rotary valves that give pipelines fast shut-offs where tight sealing is often
required. They are best suited for operation under fully open or fully closed positions as they
do not offer reasonable regulation control or throttle functions. This type of valve comes in
many different styles, which provides options within the industry. For example, a floating ball
valve works better in low-to-medium pressure pipelines, and trunnion ball valves can handle
high-pressure conditions. These are easy to repair, offer solid sealing, and provide quick shut-
offs.

6. Butterfly Valves
These valves are simple in their construction, are lightweight, and compact. They use a disc-
type element held by a rod to regulate flow. They can handle high-pressure pipelines and
allow easy flow of materials. When they are closed, they shut tightly. Often, these are used in
pipes with large diameters and where a gate valve is not applicable.

7. Slam-shut Valves
These valves provide additional safety of equipment either upstream or downstream from
them. This type of valve may be found immediately before a regulator and is designed to
remain open until a significant pressure change is detected. It then immediately shuts off the
flow and must be reopened manually. They are sometimes referred to as relief and safety
valves and are vital to the oil and gas industry in avoiding accidents and injury.

How to Choose the Right Valve for Your Application

Because gas valves come in many different types and provide various functionalities,
choosing the best one may be challenging. It is helpful to consider the primary function under
which it will be used. Does the environment involve much pressure? Is there a need for
additional safety measures provided by a slam-shut valve? Can the actuator be automated, or
does it require only manual movement?

Additionally, consider the type of environment where the valve will need to function. By
asking questions and taking the working environment into account, it is feasible to determine
the best valve for the process at hand. The answers will indicate the type of materials best
suited for the function.

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For more than 30 years, Norgas Controls has provided the Canadian gas industry with quality
valves, including slam-shut valves, gas shut-off ball valves, and gas plug valves. Contact us
anytime for more information about our gas valves or any other product we carry. Our team
is friendly and knowledgeable, standing ready to answer your questions and help obtain the
best equipment for your project.

Top 5 Valves in the Oil and Gas Industry

Valves play a critical role in the oil and gas industry, controlling the flow of fluids
and gases within various processes. They serve as essential components to
ensure operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. With
advancements in technology and materials, the market offers a diverse range
of valves customized to specific needs. In this article, we’ll explorer Usage of
Top 5 Valves in the Oil and Gas Industry, contributing to smoother operations
and higher safety standards.
Below are the Top 5 Valves in the Oil and Gas Industry Which mostly used in
Oil and Gas Industry

Ball Valves
Ball valves are one of the most versatile and commonly used valves in the oil
and gas industry. Their design consists of a spherical disc with a hole (ball) in
the center. Ball valves offer rapid shut-off capabilities, making them ideal for
applications that require quick and precise control over flow rates. Ball valves
are known for their quick shut-off capability and are particularly suitable for
high-pressure applications. They are also capable of handling high-pressure
and high-temperature conditions, which are often encountered in the oil and
gas sector. The quarter-turn operation and tight sealing mechanism make ball
valves suitable for both on/off and throttling operations.
Applications
 Isolation and flow control in pipelines and process equipment.
 Emergency shut-off in case of leaks or other hazardous situations.
 High-pressure applications in upstream and downstream operations.
 Gas and liquid transmission pipelines.
Limitations
While they can handle a wide range of fluids, ball valves might not be suitable
for high-viscosity substances due to potential seat erosion.
Materials

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Ball valves are constructed from materials such as stainless steel, brass, and
alloys to resist corrosion and wear.

Gate Valves
Gate valves are renowned for their ability to provide a full, unrestricted flow
path when fully open, and complete shut-off when fully closed. These valves
use a wedge-shaped gate that is lowered or raised to control the flow of fluids.
Gate valves are suitable for applications where a straight-line flow is essential,
such as pipeline isolation and flow regulation. They are valued for their
durability, reliability, and suitability for high-pressure environments. Gate
valves are commonly utilized in applications where low pressure drop and tight
shut-off are crucial, such as isolation points in pipelines and storage tanks.
They are available in different types, including rising stem and non-rising stem
gate valves.
Applications
 Isolation in high-pressure systems, such as wellheads and pipelines.
 Large-diameter applications, like crude oil transport and refinery
processes.
 Typically used in environments where throttling isn’t necessary.
Limitations
Gate valves are not suitable for regulating flow because they are usually
operated in fully open or fully closed positions. They might also suffer from
erosion and corrosion due to high fluid velocities.
Materials
Gate valves are often constructed from materials such as carbon steel,
stainless steel, or exotic alloys like Monel, Inconel, or Hastelloy for enhanced
corrosion resistance.

Globe Valves
Globe valves are preferred for applications that require precise flow control and
regulation. Their design comprises a movable disk element and a stationary
ring seat. When the valve is opened or closed, the disk moves up or down to
control the flow rate. This fine-tuned control over fluid movement is essential in
applications where maintaining a specific pressure or flow rate is critical. Globe
valves are widely used in systems that demand accurate control over fluid
volume and are often employed in situations where pressure drop is not a

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significant concern. In the oil and gas industry, globe valves are often found in
steam, gas, and liquid lines.
Applications
 Flow control in processes that require accurate adjustment of flow rates.
 Refinery units, where control over process variables is crucial.
 Steam and gas control systems.
 Boiler feedwater control.
Limitations
Globe valves can create higher pressure drops compared to other valve types,
which might impact the efficiency of certain processes.
Materials
They are constructed from materials such as stainless steel, alloy steel, and
other specialized materials based on the fluids they handle.

Check Valves
Check valves, also known as non-return valves, play a crucial role in preventing
backflow within pipelines. These valves allow fluid to flow in only one direction,
automatically closing to prevent backflow when the flow direction
changes. Check valves are particularly vital in preventing contamination,
protecting equipment, and ensuring the efficient functioning of pipelines,
pumps, and compressors.
Applications
– Preventing backflow in pipelines to avoid contamination.
– Protecting pumps and compressors from damage caused by reverse flow.
– Used in upstream exploration, transportation, and refining processes.
Limitations
Check valves can create pressure drop due to their design, and certain types
might experience water hammer issues in high-velocity systems.
Materials
Check valves are constructed from materials such as cast iron, carbon steel,
stainless steel, and various alloys, with internals typically made from materials
that minimize wear and erosion.

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Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are lightweight and easy to operate, making them suitable for
applications where fast shutoff is required. These valves consist of a circular
disc positioned in the center of the pipe, which rotates to control flow. They are
commonly used for large-scale applications in the oil and gas industry, such as
pipelines, tanks, and handling materials like crude oil, natural gas, and refined
products. Butterfly valves are especially popular in situations where space and
weight are crucial
Applications
 On/off isolation in large-diameter pipelines and systems.
 HVAC systems and water treatment facilities.
 Tank farms and storage terminals.
 Fire protection systems.
Limitations
Butterfly valves might have limitations in high-pressure and high-temperature
applications due to their construction and potential for leakage.
Materials
Butterfly valves are made from materials like ductile iron, stainless steel, and
various polymers, depending on the application’s requirements.

Conclusion
Valves play an indispensable role in the oil and gas industry by ensuring
efficient fluid flow control, maintaining system safety, and preventing costly
operational disruptions. Selecting the right valve for a specific application
involves considering factors such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and fluid
composition.

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