Different Types of Valves Used in Oil and Gas Industry

Operations in the oil and gas industry heavily rely on pipeline systems. Any fault in these systems may result in environmental disasters, significant fluid loss, and serious contamination. That’s why pipeline systems count on different kinds of valves to regulate the flow of oils and gases in them. Valves play a crucial role in the safe and secure management of industrial operations. Some operations are conducted under extreme pressures and temperatures; hence the valves are made accordingly to adapt to such conditions. Stainless steel, forged steel, cast steel, PVC, etc., are commonly used in constructing such valves. In the oil and gas industry, valves have major applications in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Do you want to know more about 0the types of valves in oil and gas industry? Fine, Let’s DBV tell you now! We’re a professional oil and gas valves manufacturer in China, has been focusing on providing custom oil and gas valve solutions to global clients since 2001. 

Ball valve

Ball valves, a common oil and gas valve type, are designed to maintain the flow of high-pressure liquid and gases with minimum pressure drop. It consists of a ball-shaped disc, which controls the flow of fluid. When the valve is open, the holes in the ball-shaped disc align with the body and permit the fluid to pass through. The ball valve works well even in harsh conditions. It is one of the most durable valves and has long service life because of its metallic composition. However, the seat of the ball valve is made up of a soft material such as Teflon. Due to this composition, the ball valve can operate at an extensively wide range of temperatures, i.e. as low as -200°C to as high as 500°C. Moreover, these valves can be used for any kind of fluid (liquid, gas, air etc.). They have a quarter-turn valve that provides a quick shut on and off feature.

Globe valve

Globe valves are employed for isolation and throttling services in the oil and gas industries. They are named “globe” due to their spherical body. Globe valve can start, stop and regulate the content’s flow without stopping it completely. Globe valve usually consists of 3 parts, bonnet, body, and handwheel. There is a stem present in the bonnet which moves upon the movement of the handwheel. Whereas the body houses a seat whose opening is closed by a plug. Globe valve turbulence of fluid as it passes through by changing the direction of flow. The fluid may experience pressure drop due to turbulence.

Gate valve

Another excellent valve used in oil and gas industry is the gate valve. Gate valve is used to either start the flow or completely block it. It can not throttle the flow as the globe valve do. In the gate valve, a flat sheet of metal acts as a disc that is supported by the seat on the sides. It is useful in systems with straight-line fluid flow and minimum flow restrictions. Even though the gate valves are bidirectional, they can not be opened or closed rapidly. Also, they are sensitive to vibrations when open. This valve has an excellent shearing action in the oil and gas industry and guarantees a tight seal to prevent leaking of fluid.

Check valve

Check valves are developed to prevent the backflow of any fluid in order to protect the mechanical parts in the piping system. Generally, they are installed in compressors and pumps where there is a huge backflow of fluid. Check valves are known as “non-return valves” and “one-way valves” because they allow the content to flow in one direction. They do not need a handle, lever, or actuator to work correctly. Instead, the operation of these valves depends on the pressure gradient. The pressure on the input side must be higher than on the outlet side; otherwise, the valve will close. Check valves have various applications in the oil industry. They are made into different designs, materials, and sizes to ensure a check valve for every application. Backflow of fluid can be a serious concern, especially when it is contaminated; however, a check valve is a safe and ideal solution to this problem.

Plug valve

Plug valves are cylindrical or conical valves that control the liquid or gas flow within a high-pressure environment. They are best suited for hazardous liquids and gases which are corrosive in nature. That’s why their time to time maintenance is necessary. These are highly efficient in starting and blocking the fluid flow. Similar to ball valves, plug valves are also quarter-turn valves operated manually. Besides the oil and gas industry, these valves also have applications in food processing, vacuum, and pharmaceutical services. General parts of plug valves include stem, body, bonnet and disc. Furthermore, plug valves have limitations in the systems where there is a wide variation in fluid temperature.

Butterfly valve

Butterfly valves are use for the isolation and regulation of oils and gases. The operation is similar to the ball valve, which allows quick on and off. These valves are usually preferred because they are cheaper and lightweight as compared to other valves. A metal disc located in the middle of the valve is used to control the flow. Pressure drop is evident because the disc is always present in the way of fluid. Other parts of the butterfly valve include the stem, seat, body, and actuator. Various types of butterfly valves are present, each suitable for different pressures and applications. They are well adapted to work in high pressure and high-temperature settings.

Diaphragm valve

Diaphragm valves shut the flow in pipelines with the help of flexible membranes. They provide certain advantages in low-pressure systems not possible with other valves. The flow of liquids and gases is streamlined, smooth with minimal pressure drop. Diaphragm valves offer moderate throttling applications. While the service life of these valves depends on operating conditions. For corrosive gas and liquids, stainless steel or PVC plastic is used in their construction. They are leak-proof and do not allow contamination of contents. Generally, the diaphragm valve can work efficiently up to a pressure of 200 psi and temperature of 400 F.

(By Norgascontrols)