Control Valve Types: A Basic Guide

Key Takeaways

• Knowing the main purpose and two valve movement types—linear and rotary—gives users the knowledge they need to choose the best valve. This decision results in accurate flow control and improved operational efficiency in multiple applications.

• Each valve type—ball, butterfly, needle, and diaphragm—offer distinct benefits suitable for various fluids, pressures, and system needs. It is extremely important to select the right valve for the right application to protect safety and performance.

• Valve operation modes (also called control modes) provide vaying degrees of control and responsiveness. They feature manual, actuated, and automatic modes, so determining operational requirements is key before selecting yours.

• Proper valve sizing and connection type are important factors in ensuring that valves work efficiently. Further, proper material selection promotes durability and keeps projects up to date with international standards.

• In industries from oil and gas, to water treatment, chemical processing, and power generation, HVAC, valves are critical components. They address specific challenges and enhance system dependability and performance.

• So welcome smart innovations such as smart valves! Focus on sustainability and lifetime value, rather than only upfront costs, to realize improved system performance and greater environmental stewardship.

Valve types refers to the various types of piping valves that regulate the flow of water in pipelines and water systems. Each one of these types works a little bit differently. Each one is suitable for a different job, whether that’s holding back the water, letting it through, or even redirecting its flow.

The most frequently used valve types include ball, gate, globe, butterfly, and check valves. Ball valves are ball-shaped valves that quickly turn off flow. Gate valves utilize a flat gate which opens or closes the flow.

Globe valves are simple to op erate and control flow through a plug. Terfly valves have a circular disk that rotates to either block or allow the flow of fluids. These are primarily used to prevent flow from returning in the opposite direction.

To select the proper valve, you must know how each operates. This understanding is truly a life-saving and cost-saving game changer!

How Do Valves Work?

Valves are integral to determining how fluids—liquids or gasses—flow through piping and equipment. No matter the system, valves are a critical component. They let it through, stop it, or direct it wherever it should go—in the water pipes of your house or a factory.

As such, valves are critical components that ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of these systems. These devices are highly variable, with many types available each designed to control flow in a certain manner.

Basic Valve Purpose: Control Flow

At their most fundamental level, valves are devices that control flow by opening, closing or restricting passageways. The obvious purpose of a valve is to control fluid flow.

For instance, in distribution networks to deliver drinking water, valves prevent backflow of water and allow sections to be isolated for maintenance. In natural gas pipelines, they protect against leaks and help maintain pressure.

This makes dependable flow control extremely important for maximum efficiency and public safety. It prevents waste, while preventing overpressure or unwanted mixing of fluids in other locations.

Valve Movements: Linear vs. Rotary

Valves operate by moving internal parts in specific manners. Linear valves, such as gate and globe valves, raise and lower a disk or stem vertically to control the flow through the valve.

These are excellent for precision control. Rotary valves, like ball or butterfly valves, work by rotating a disc or ball. They rotate through a small angle—commonly only 90 degrees—to open or shut the passage.

Rotary types allow fast shutoff to be made quick and easy, and are employed in applications where space or speed are a premium.

Operation: Manual, Actuated, Automatic

Valve operation is done by hand, by machine, or automatic controls. Manual valves are typically actuated using levers or handwheels.

Actuated valves, operated by electric motors or pneumatic systems, provide control at a distance, or where operation is complex or dangerous. Automatic valves, such as thermostatic mixing valves, automatically modulate flow in response to varying system demands with no user interaction.

Actuators are key components for remote or automated process control, particularly in extensive large systems or plants.

Flow Behavior: On/Off vs. Throttling

Valves serve two primary flow modes. On/off valves, like ball valves, completely stop or allow flow through the valve—ideal for isolation or emergency shut-off purposes.

Throttling valves, such as globe types, allow operators to adjust flow rates for exact mixing or pressure regulation. Mixing valves are an important component in plumbing systems.

They provide safe water temperature by mixing hot and cold supply.

Regulating the flow of the world, valves are the unsung heroes hidden on factory floors and oil rigs around the world. These devices control the flow, pressure, and/or direction of liquids, gases, or slurries within pipelines. Their versatility gives them the control needed in virtually any environment—from water treatment to creating renewable energy, manufacturing to public health care.

Valves come in two broad categories: shut-off valves, which start or stop flow, and regulatory valves, which fine-tune flow and pressure. In the sections below we dig into the valve family’s most popular members. We’ll be taking a look at their design, function and roles in today’s systems as well.

1. Ball Valves: Simple Quarter-Turn

Ball valves operate with a round ball that features a hole drilled completely through it. By simply turning the handle a quarter turn (90 degrees), you align the hole in the ball valve with the pipe, allowing flow through or shutting it off to prevent flow. This straightforward quarter-turn action provides a rapid, visual indication of status—fully open or closed in a single movement. Such functionality is essential in various flow control applications.

Their key advantages include positive shutdown (on-off) reliability and tight sealing. The ball seals against soft seats, commonly made of PTFE or similar plastics, to produce a leak-tight seal. This quality makes ball valves successful in high-pressure or high-temperature systems, particularly in plumbing and water valve applications like hydronic heating systems.

In industrial applications, ball valves are frequently used to control the flow of chemicals, gas, and oil. Compared to a gate or globe valve, the use of a ball valve is more user-friendly due to its uncomplicated, quick action mechanism. They exhibit very low flow resistance and can be easily actuated manually or through automation.

However, ball valves are not ideal for controlling flow precisely, as a ball valve that’s only half open will generate turbulence and wear as the fluid bounces off the ball. Nevertheless, their operational simplicity and strong seal ensure they remain a go-to in various piping systems.

2. Butterfly Valves: Compact & Quick

Butterfly valves feature a relatively thin disc, or butterfly, that is attached to a shaft. When the handle is turned one quarter turn, the flat disc opens the line, allowing fluid to flow through. This design is very compact, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces in various piping systems. Typically, these valves are a wafer style, sandwiched tightly between two pipe flanges, which enhances their utility in flow control applications.

The greatest advantage of butterfly valves lies in their lightweight and compact size compared to common valve types like ball or gate valves of similar diameter. These systems excel in large-diameter pipes, making them ideal for applications where space and weight are limited, such as in water treatment facilities and HVAC systems.

Terfly valves provide fast shut-off and good flow regulation. That uncomplicated design translates to less moving parts to upkeep. The primary drawback is that the disc is always in the flow path, even when wide open. This setup can create significant pressure drop.

When both space and speed are critical, butterfly valves emerge as a practical option for various industrial plumbing and fluid control applications.

3. Gate Valves: Full On/Off Duty

Gate valves are full on/off duty valves that utilize a flat or wedge-shaped gate, moving up and down to open and close the valve. These common valve types are multi-turn valves, requiring several turns of the handwheel to fully open or close the gate. This gradual movement allows for gentle regulation in various flow control applications.

Gate valves should only be used in full on or full off positions, as they provide no flow resistance when open. This feature makes them widely utilized in water distribution systems, oil pipelines, and fire protection systems. Their capacity to accommodate large flows with low pressure loss is one of their greatest strengths, particularly in piping systems.

These valves are well suited for low-pressure systems, as the gate design opens to a full-bore, smooth opening. However, they are not appropriate for throttling or precise flow regulation, as the gate in a partially open position can vibrate and wear out. Unlike ball or butterfly valves, these valves require additional time for actuation due to their design.

They take up much more space due to the extended stem.

4. Globe Valves: Precision Flow Control

Globe valves were traditionally designed with a circular body and a plug or disc that moves up and down to press against a seat. In these designs, the stem moves vertically to either open or close the flow pathway. This design allows globe valves to be used for precise flow control.

These valves are crucial in applications where accuracy is vital, like in steam lines, cooling circuits, or dosing systems. Their design allows operators to adjust flow in minute increments while providing excellent throttling capabilities. This makes them a significant advantage compared to ball or gate valves, which do not control as precisely.

The only real trade-off is greater flow resistance. The fluid has to make a sharp turn inside the valve, which results in a sizeable pressure drop. However, when precision control is essential, globe valves are usually the most effective choice.

5. Check Valves: Preventing Backflow

Check valves are one-way devices that stop backflow. They, in effect, allow flow to go in one direction, while preventing it from returning. This keeps water from flowing backward, which could damage pumps, contaminate drinking water supplies, or otherwise damage a system.

Check valves play an essential role in safeguarding our waterworks, chemical manufacturing, and fuel supply. For instance, they prevent water from draining back out of a pump line when the pump shuts off. There are multiple check valve designs—swing, lift, and spring-loaded check valves.

Swing types operate off of a hinged disc, and lift types use a moving plug. Each one accommodates different pressures and flow rates. When used correctly, check valves protect a system and help it operate as intended, which is why they play such an important role in many industries.

6. Plug Valves: Reliable Sealing

Plug valves employ a cylindrical or tapered plug containing a hole. Rotating the plug either aligns the hole with the pipe or seals it off. The plug presses against hard seats, providing very reliable sealing.

They are ideal for managing heavy or viscous fluids and are commonly found in oil and gas pipelines, chemical production facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. Their uncomplicated design results in minimal moving parts and quick operation.

Similar to ball and butterfly valves, the majority of plug valves are quarter-turn. Plug valves exceed ball valves in applications requiring slurries or sticky fluids. If they aren’t regularly maintained, they can be very difficult to operate.

7. Needle Valves: Fine Adjustment

Needle valves employ an elongated, pointed stem that rests in a small seat. Twisting the stem valve enables the operator to take very small adjustments to flow, hence fine adjustment.

They are often found in precision-demanding systems, like laboratory gas lines, instrumentation, and fuel dosing systems. Their chief advantage is precise control of extremely low flow rates that other valve types cannot achieve.

As opposed to globe valves, needle valves provide much finer control but are not designed to accommodate high flows.

8. Diaphragm Valves: Isolating Corrosives

Diaphragm valves operate using a flexible membrane that can open or close the flow path. The diaphragm creates a barrier, isolating the process fluid from the valve’s dynamic components.

This makes diaphragm valves excellent for controlling corrosive or particulate-laden fluids in chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and biotech. They’re used in other applications where preventing a leak is the most critical thing you can do.

The lack of direct-contact moving parts reduces the potential for leakage and simplifies cleaning. The disadvantage is more limited pressure range and slower speed of actuation than other types.

9. Pinch Valves: Gentle Material Handling

Pinch valves regulate flow by pinching down on a soft tube to cut off or release flow. This soft process prevents crushing of fragile solids or slurries.

Pinch valves are widely used in food processing, mining, and waste treatment. By avoiding compression or obstruction of the material flow, pinch valves make for a gentle operating procedure.

They are very easy to maintain, as the tube is the only replaceable component that ever comes into contact with the fluid. While other valves are prone to clogging with solids found in flows, pinch valves prevent that build up.

10. Pressure Relief Valves: System Safety

Pressure relief valves are designed to open when pressure rises too high, preventing damage to equipment and harm to people. Most relief valves employ spring-loaded mechanisms that open at predetermined pressures.

These types of valves are used in many applications, including boilers, chemical reactors, and compressed air systems, where safety is critical. There are many different types—direct-acting, pilot-operated—for different system requirements.

Without relief valves, excessive pressure may lead to rupture of piping or vessels.

11. Solenoid Valves: Automated Control

Solenoid valves utilize an electric coil to drive a plunger to open or close the valve. This makes automated, remote control possible.

These valves are the most widely used type in irrigation, washing machines and industrial automation. Their quick operation and simple integration with control systems allow their use in processes requiring rapid or scheduled switching.

12. Pressure Reducing Valves: Managing Pressure

PRVs, or pressure regulating valves, are used to maintain downstream pressure at a constant set point, regardless of how the upstream pressure may fluctuate. This protects sensitive and expensive equipment, and helps keep systems running as they should.

They are commonly used in water supply systems, gas distribution, and steam transmission pipelines. Properly using these valves can result in significantly improved operational efficiency. 

V port Pneumatic Ball Valve

Choosing Your Perfect Valve Match

To choose the perfect valve match for any system, it’s important to first consider the process. Next, determine the specific needs of the application. You know what’s going down the pipes. You understand the viscosity and temperature of the flow, and you know how the valve needs to operate with a daily routine.

Every decision, including valve type, size, and installation approach, influences the final result.

What Fluid Are You Handling?

To start, you will need to know what fluid you will be handling. What Fluid Are You Working With? Water, steam, oil, chemicals, gases—all require a unique valve strategy.

Other fluids, such as corrosive acids or slurries, require durable, aggressive materials and the material should often be stainless steel. For gas systems, the rapid shut-off capabilities of both ball and butterfly valves make them common choices.

Failure to install the appropriate valve is not only a waste of time and money but can cause leaks, corrosion, and ultimately system failure. If you need precise control over small amounts, needle valves are ideal, but they require time to close.

In more complicated multi-directional networks, multi-directional valves can be used to assist in splitting flow across multiple pipes.

Pressure and Temperature Demands

No matter what, every valve has constraints. High-pressure steam lines must be fitted with gate or globe valves that will not buckle under the pressure. Low-pressure systems tend to be a good match for plastic ball valves.

When a valve is operated under conditions higher than its rating, the valve will likely break, leak, or significantly wear out quickly.

NOTE: When determining valve match, always verify the pressure and temperature ratings on your valve and system.

Sizing: Why Bigger Isn't Better

For constant flow, valve size should be the same as pipe size. An undersized valve can result in undesirable control and higher overall costs.

An undersized valve can hinder flow and increase pressure. This means, for instance, that a 25 mm ball valve would fit inside a 25 mm pipe.

Utilize flow charts and system requirements to determine the appropriate size.

Connection Types: Making it Fit

Valves connect in different ways: threaded, flanged, welded, or clamped. Your existing pipe connection type will need to be compatible for a secure, leak-free fit.

Flanged valves are ideal for large-diameter pipes and high-load applications, while threaded valves are a good fit for smaller, more basic arrangements. An incorrect connection can result in leaks or difficult repairs.

Installation & Maintenance Realities

Attention to detail on installation and maintenance lead to longer valve lifetimes. Consult a specialist, and always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Clean and test valves on a fixed routine schedule. Skipping these steps can lead to stuck, leaky, or failed valves, and expensive downtime.

Valves are one of the unsung heroes of every industry, directing and controlling the flow of fluids and gases through pipelines and processes. Every industry has its unique combination of requirements and challenges, which can make choosing the proper valve a critical decision.

Whether oil and gas, or HVAC, using the correct valve type increases safety, reduces cost, and improves operational efficiency.

Oil & Gas: Tough Challenges

Oil and gas work needs valves that can take on high pressures—sometimes up to 15,000 psi—and handle heat up to 400°C. These sites employ ball, butterfly and gate valves primarily for flow shutoff and control.

Reliability is especially important, as failure can result in catastrophic leaks—or even fires. Quarter-turn valves only require a 90-degree turn to open and close the valve quickly.

They are ubiquitous for their quick response times and fewer moving components. Safety check valves additionally prevent backflow, reducing the chance of spills and accidents.

Water Treatment: Clean & Safe

In water treatment, the goal is to have pure safe water. Valves such as butterfly valves, check valves, and control valves control flow, prevent backflow, and assist in preventing contamination.

Facilities often deal with problems such as scaling, corrosion, and other debris that can easily clog or destroy valves. Choosing the correct type—usually including corrosion-resistant materials—ensures clean water flows while systems stay operational.

Chemical Processing: Material Matters

Chemical plants depend on valves that will withstand their nasty, often corrosive fluids. The material decision—stainless steel, special alloys, whatever—is critical to leak prevention and breakdown avoidance.

Ball and diaphragm valves see heavy use in this application as they can shut off flow very tightly and are resistant to chemicals. Safety, along with compliance with stringent regulations, guide these decisions.

Power Generation: High Performance

Power generation plants require valves that can withstand extreme heat, high pressure and rapidly fluctuating flow. Gate, globe, and check valves are typically used for steam and cooling water lines.

In this industry, high performance and reliability are critical, as even a moment’s downtime reduces output and increases risk.

HVAC Systems: Everyday Comfort Control

Valves that control air and water flow in HVAC systems are essential for maintaining comfortable, healthy buildings. When ball and butterfly valves are installed, systems can easily switch between heating and cooling, or modulate flow on the fly.

The greatest difficulty lies in ensuring air and water go where they should, when they should, not a drop wasted or a sound heard.

Future of Valves: Innovations & Costs

Valve technology is evolving rapidly, driven by international market demands and increasingly stringent regulations. As infrastructure projects continue to be released and energy prices increase, there is demand from industry for valves with broader capabilities and extended lifespans. According to ResearchAndMarkets, the world market for industrial valves will grow to $108.99 billion by 2024.

This growth speaks to the powerful demand for improved, smarter and greener flow control solutions!

Smart Valves: The Next Generation

Smart valves, enabled by integrated electronics, improve real-time monitoring, proactive repairs and adjustments from a distance. With the ability to identify leaks or defects sooner, users save on downtime and repair costs. These valves are already widely used in applications such as water treatment plants, oil refineries and manufacturing facilities.

Smart valves will play an increasing role in the future – enabling utilities to transition their teams to greater automation and ultimately quicker, more efficient, data-driven decisions.

Sustainable Valve Choices

Buyers are increasingly interested in sustainable valve options. Recycled metals or low-impact plastics cause less damage to the planet. Modern designs require significantly less energy to operate, resulting in millions in annual energy cost savings.

Brands are producing valves that last longer and create less waste, such as those designed for complete recyclability or with seals free of toxic compounds. Selecting these types of valves can assist companies in abiding by regulations and doing right by the earth.

Upfront vs. Lifetime Valve Costs

Sure, a low-cost valve looks like a smart purchase on the surface. Costs accumulate—they build over time—energy, repairs and maintenance and vehicle miles traveled and lost work all accumulate over time. Energy for process valves by themselves can be in the thousands of dollars per month.

There are more cost savings with higher grade valves over time, due primarily to a reduction in breakdowns and an increase in flow rates.

Our Take: Investing Wisely Pays

Smart picks, like high-quality water valves, lead to more uptime, less hassle, and lower overall costs. Focus on what’s truly needed, review valve specifications carefully, and prioritize life cycle savings over short-term solutions to enhance system performance.

Valves are ubiquitous, appearing from water distribution systems in apartments to massive oil drilling platforms offshore. Each valve contributes its character. Ball valves are ideal for quick shut-off applications and globe valves are appropriate for flow control. Choose the wrong valve and everything can go wrong. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up with leaks or slowdowns. Materials are important as well. While brass is more durable in normal residential environments, steel holds up better in harsh environments. Innovative technology maintains a lean and smart valve operation, reducing costs and increasing valve life. Keep your competitive edge in this ever-evolving industry by staying aware of the newest valve innovations. Join the technical work, discussion, and debate on the trade floor! Have an interesting valve anecdote or story, or a valve question? Let us know in the comments! So let’s make these mistakes, shall we, and learn and grow, together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of valves?

What are the main types of valves? Gate, globe, ball, butterfly, and check valves are common valve types that control flow differently, making them better suited for particular industrial or residential plumbing systems.

How do I choose the right valve for my needs?

Consider the fluid characteristics, required flow rate, working pressure, and temperature, along with the valve body construction materials. Align these factors with the valve design to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your fluid control applications.

What materials are valves usually made from?

Valves are typically manufactured from various materials, including stainless steel, brass, and cast iron, as well as plastics like PVC. The preferred valve material is determined by the strength needed and the environment's exposure to corrosion or chemicals, impacting their performance in fluid control applications.

Why is valve maintenance important?

Performing routine maintenance on water valves helps avoid leaks, ensuring the control valve operates reliably and lasts longer. Proper maintenance prevents costly and dangerous breakdowns, protecting equipment and public safety.

How do valves handle different pressures and temperatures?

In their product literature, common valve types will often be rated for specific ranges of pressure and temperature. Finally, always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure you’re operating a control valve safely and effectively for your system conditions.

What industries use valves the most?

Valves, including various common valve types, play a vital role in the success of water treatment, oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and food production by regulating fluids and gases essential for these industries' functioning.

What are the latest innovations in valve technology?

Recent innovations in smart valves and automated control systems, along with advanced materials development for water valves, have all improved performance and generated remarkable cost savings, allowing industries to run more safely and efficiently while protecting the environment.