Valves play an integral role in water distribution systems. They are responsible for regulating the flow of water, directing changes, turning it on and off. No matter how small these valves may seem, they are responsible for maintaining pressure and supply throughout the distribution system. The power of these small mechanical instruments is much greater than they appear to be.
Valves used in water distribution systems can be manually or automatically operated. With the rapid advancement of technology, manufacturing companies have also introduced remote control or electric valves that do not require manual support. Either way, valves are extremely important mechanical devices used to regulate the flow of water.
1. What is a water distribution valve?
An industrial valve is a powerful mechanical device installed in a water supply system to regulate or stop flow. They control the pressure of the water flow and can shut down the system instantly. As the name suggests, water distribution valves are responsible for the distribution of water in residential and industrial settings.
Various types of valves are used in water distribution systems, and they come in different shapes and sizes. Each of these types has a specific function; however, one similarity between them is that all water supply valve types are essential for opening, closing, or regulating the water supply.
2. Type of valve in the water distribution system (based on its design)
The valves used in water supply systems are not of one type but of different types with different functions. The various designs of water distribution valves in terms of size, shape and special properties are as follows:
1) Industrial ball valve
Another common valve type used in water distribution systems is the industrial ball valve. The valve takes its name from the float that regulates the flow of water. The ball mounted inside the valve can rotate 90°. The ball’s spin can be automatic or manual.
Industrial ball valves for water supply are ideal for environments where frequent emergencies require immediate shutoff of the water supply. The powerful mechanism of the ball valve instantly stops the flow of water by sealing the passage. Industrial ball valves are very effective at throttling and maintaining water pressure.
The most common type of water distribution valve is the uniquely designed gate valve . Their interiors are connected to tiny wedge-shaped metal doors responsible for controlling the flow of water or stopping it immediately. Gate valves are also sometimes commonly considered globe valves because of their ability to instantly shut off the water supply. You can find gate valves in industrial locations or in environments where the flow of water needs to be suddenly cut off. The mechanism of a gate valve is similar to a dam that controls the flow of a river.
They may seem small compared to large water distribution systems, but gate valves are very powerful and efficient. These valves help maintain water flow pressure; water regulation is operated via an external knob similar to a handwheel.
Experts suggest gate valves are ideal for locations with direct water lines. If used in a complex, curve-heavy system, there is a high risk that the institution will get stuck frequently. Residential and industrial homes with large water distribution systems may choose gate valves.
2) Check valve
Check valves are one of the most common types of water distribution valves found in industrial environments and are only suitable for one-way flow water supply lines. For supply lines where backflow threatens, check valves are the most convenient solution.
Check valves are very convenient in commercial establishments and homes as they prevent drainage or sewage from entering clean water sources. No matter where it is installed, there is no risk of backflow when water pressure is irregular. In homes, check valves are used with sump pumps to circulate water throughout the building.
3) Stop valve
The globe valve’s name apparently comes from the spherical shape of the valve body. This unique looking valve is very effective in water distribution systems in industrial settings. Water flow is controlled via a handwheel or rotating knob. Globe valves can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids. They are most commonly used in residential water pipes and are ideal for industrial use.
A butterfly valve is a valve that does not look like a butterfly but is unusual from an ordinary water valve, and is commonly used in industrial settings. Water is regulated through a disc inside a butterfly valve. The discs rotate to control the flow of liquids; however, they are not that useful for gases.
Experts also suggest that sometimes butterfly valves prove to be very unsuitable for high-pressure supply lines, as the rotating discs are easily damaged in high-pressure supply lines. Butterfly valve suppliers pay more attention to the rotating disc when manufacturing butterfly valves because controlling the flow of water largely depends on it. You can also look at wafer style butterfly valves.
4) Needle valve
The needle valve gets its name from the spindle mounted inside the valve that can be raised or lowered to regulate flow. These valves also include a rotating lever that actuates and helps control the flow of water with the most precision. This is why needle valves are very different from other water valves. These valves are widely used to throttle and regulate water flow. They are ideal for industrial sites where water supply pressures are extremely high.
5) Plug valve
Plug valves are cylindrical in shape and get their name from the tapered plug installed inside the valve that regulates or suddenly stops the flow of water. The plug valve is cylindrical and easy to operate. The best part about these valves is that they can be used with multiple ports to direct water flow to various channels simultaneously.
Plug valves are not suitable for gases and can only be used to control the flow of fluids. Some experts suggest that plug valves can serve as an excellent alternative to ball valves in industrial locations.
3. Why do valves play an important role in water distribution systems?
New users often ask this question when learning about valve types and systems. In water distribution systems, valves play an important role in controlling the flow of water and its pressure. It is thanks to valves that water can be moved safely through pipes and the pressure of the water flow can be controlled. Here are the main reasons why valves are so important in water distribution systems:
1) Pressure maintenance
If the main water supply has extremely low or low pressure, it is up to the valve to handle it. Pressure maintenance is one of the important roles that valves play in water distribution systems. For example, if flushing pressure is extremely high and there are no valves to release air and control flow, water pipes can burst and cause an accident. To a certain extent, water valves also ensure safety.
2) Maintain safety
Beyond water, when industries have to deal with fluids and gases at extreme temperatures, valves ensure all the safety needed to maintain uninterrupted flow. They are made of durable materials; therefore, they will not react with liquids or corrode. Under extreme pressure conditions, valves help relieve pressure and restore normal flow. So always stay safe.
But when these valves suddenly stop working due to a lack of proper maintenance, the safety of the supply lines is undoubtedly at risk.
3) Air release
Excessive pressure can cause a large amount of air to accumulate in the water supply lines of the water distribution system; if the air pressure reaches a certain level, it can force the pipe to rupture or even burst in a worse case scenario. This is why valves are important in water distribution systems; they help release excess air and prevent unnecessary accidents.
4) No fear of backflow
Backflow is a nightmare for both industrial and residential environments. Backflow can contaminate the water supply throughout the distribution system, which is a very scary thing. However, valves are those powerful little mechanical devices that prevent backflow and maintain sanitary flow in one or more directions.
4. Components of valves in water distribution systems
A water distribution valve may look small, but it is made up of many small parts that are integral to throttling and controlling your water supply. Here are the components you’ll find in nearly all common types of water valves.
- Handwheels and Handwheels – Both handles and handwheels are common in manually operated valves. They are the most powerful part of the valve because they work in unison with all the other internal components of the valve to instantly stop or turn on the flow of water.
- Bonnet – The bonnet is the integral component that supports the open portion of the valve. The bonnet provides strength and support to the valve body as well as some internal parts, including the disc, stem, and actuator.
- Valve Body – The outer part of the valve is called the valve body. The body holds all the internal components together. The valve body is also called a protective cover, which makes the valve durable and beautiful.
- Valve Stem – The valve stem is an important part of the valve and supports the opening and closing mechanism. They provide support for rotating discs or gates and balls for regulation and throttling.
- Packing – It is the part of the valve that protects and provides support for the valve stem. Packing is also very effective at controlling leaks and damage.
- Base – The surface on which the disc rotates. In other words, the base provides the surface for the rotating disk to function on.
- Disc – The internal component that controls flow, the disc rotates to circulate the water flow.
- Actuator – This component enables the valve mechanism to open and close flow; actuators are adjustable and used in fully automatic or semi-automatic systems.
5. Conclusion
The above is what this guide summarizes for you about valves in water distribution systems. It can be seen that the valves in the water distribution system are very important and play an indispensable role. So please replace damaged valves promptly to ensure safety.
