Ever wondered how much important valves are in our daily life? Why does every industry depend on this tiny device?
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Valves are flow control devices that have applications from taps in our house to the aerospace industry. You will find a number of different valves in the market; each one of them will have different models, features and designs. Every valve is designed to perform a particular operation. This article is all about valves and their types. Read the complete article to get familiar with 19 important types of valves:
1. Ball valve
The ball valve is a device that regulates the flow of fluid using a hollow and perforated ball. The valve is open when the hole in the ball aligns with the fluid inlet and close when the valve’s lever is rotated 90 degrees. Speaking of handling, the ball valve provides an easy shut on and off feature. The ball valve is highly reliable, that’s why it has a long working life. The components of the ball valve include seat, stem, body, ball and lever. When it comes to high pressures and temperatures, this valve performs equally well as in normal conditions. Due to its versatility, ease of operation and durability, the ball valve is preferred over gate and globe valves. Its drawback is the entrapment of water in the central cavity while in the closed position when the ball valve is used to regulate water flow. So, when the temperature drops below freezing point, the formation of ice can cracks the side of valves.
2. Globe valve
Globe valve regulates the flow of fluid using a movable disc or plug. The disc or plug seats over the valve seat and move towards or away from the seat to start and stop the flow. In a manual globe valve, a lever controls the shut on and off function. The valve is named as globe valve due to its spherical body. The components of the globe valve include body, seat, cage, bonnet, stem and disc. Looking inside, the body of the globe valve consists of two halves and an internal baffle to separate them. About its construction, the body is usually made of stainless steel, brass and other rustproof alloys. Globe valves are available in multiple sizes ranging from 12 mm to 300 mm. Like ball valves, globe valves can work in high pressure and temperatures. One disadvantage of the globe valve is the high pressure drop in fluid flow.
3. Gate valve
The gate valve is a flow control device that blocks the fluid flow instead of regulating it using a single or double barrier (gate). It is also known as a sluice valve. This valve is generally used in large diameter pipes because it is pretty easy to construct in large sizes compared to other valves. At high pressure, friction may be an issue making it hard to operate the valve. Talking of benefits, the gate valve is lightweight, economical and offer low pressure drop. Moreover, it is operational up to a pressure of 280 psi and temperature of 675°C. However, the opening and closing of a gate valve are time-consuming.
4. Check valve
Check valve, also known as a one-way valve or non-return valve, permits the fluid to flow through in one direction only. It is small and inexpensive, that’s why it is common in various household items. The body of the check valve has two openings, one for the entry of fluid and the second for the exit of fluid. Mostly, they are automatic and do not require a handle or lever to operate. Plastic and metal are frequently used for the external structure of the check valve. Moreover, these valves are suited to work over a wide range of pressure. Check valves are available in different sizes, types, and costs for different applications. A lift-type check valve uses a ball or piston, which is supported by a spring that opens at high pressure and closes as pressure decreases. Swing check valves use spring-actuated hinged gates or wafers to control the flow.
5. Butterfly valve
Butterfly valve manages the flow of fluid using a disc called flapper, vane or blade. The disc rotates vertically or horizontally and allows the content to flow. A rod passes through the disc and is connected to a handle on the outside of the valve. The butterfly valve is good for throttling operation. Like ball valve, the butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve, but it is preferred more due to its low cost, easy installation, and less support. A pressure drop can be observed because the disc is always present within the flow. About its usefulness, the butterfly valve is extensively used in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. One drawback of the butterfly valve is that it is more leak-prone than ball valve.
6. Diaphragm valve
The diaphragm valve closes the flow of fluid using flexible membranes. In addition to membranes, the diaphragm valve consists of a seat on which the diaphragm sits, a body with two or more ports. The membrane can be either rubber-lined type or fluorine plastic-type. Depending upon the applications, the body is formed of plastic, wood or metal. The diaphragm valve is controlled by manual, pneumatic, hydraulic and electric actuators. Diaphragm valve can be classified as weir type and straight through type. Weir type diaphragm valve is more common and require low thrust and shut off stroke. On the other hand, straight through types suitably handle viscous fluids and slurries.
7. Plug valve
A plug valve controls the flow of fluid with the help of a cylindrical or conical plug inside the valve body. The plug contains one or more hollow passages through which fluid flows when the valve is open. Furthermore, the plug valve is affordable and simple. The plug valve can be opened or closed by giving a quarter turn, similar to the ball valve. Bringing up its pros, the plug valve is easy to operate, require less space for installation, has quick action, high capacity and low weight. Plug valves can be either lubricated or non-lubricated. The lubricated valve serves in the oil industry, which means it can handle harsh conditions. On the other hand, non-lubricated plug valves are used in the food and pharmaceutical industry where contamination is to be avoided.
8. Piston valve
The piston valve controls the fluid flow through a pipe using a cylindrical plug. Piston valves serve for isolation service in steam, condensate, and other liquid systems. Key specifications of piston valve include its size and materials of the valve body, seat, and stem.
9. Needle valve
A needle valve precisely regulates the fluid flow by inserting and withdrawing a tapered stem into or out of an orifice. It has applications in vacuum systems and metering systems where accurate flow regulation is mandatory. Since numerous turns of the stem are required to start and stop the flow completely, the needle valve is not appropriate for a simple shut off function. Unlike a ball valve, it is hard to tell just from observing the handle position whether the valve is open or close.
10. Float valve
The float valve maintains the fluid in the tank at a specific level. It is a mechanical device that employs hollow spheres mounted on the lever, which open and close fluid inlets. The float valve is used in toilets to fill up the water level after a flush.
11. Pinch valve
A pinch valve is a flow control device that blocks the fluid flow by pinching effect. It can be employed for on, off and throttling operations. Pinch valve construction includes a replaceable sleeve made of rubber, plastic or polymer depending upon the operating temperature and valve body. The flow of slurries, dry products, gravel etc., is efficiently managed by a pinch valve. Pinch valve has a low initial cost, low maintenance cost and low pressure drop. In addition to this, it is workable at a temperature up to 250°C and pressure up to 20 kg/cm2. But it is not appropriate for vacuum operation.
12. Blind valve
The blind valve, also known as 8 blind or blind flanges, completely obstructs the pipe flow and allows safe construction, maintenance, and such other activities. It uses a solid plate to isolate the fluid, and hence there is zero leakage of fluid. This valve also provides a visual indication; the worker can easily observe the position of the valve. Furthermore, the blind valve is easy to operate and install but is not useful for high flow volume applications. The design is simple but can get complex when size is increased, and safety features are added. The blind valve has a locking mechanism for tightening and loosening of the blind.
13. Control valve
The control valve is a power-operated device that manages or manipulate the flow of gas, steam, water, oil and other fluids. Pneumatic, hydraulic and electric actuators achieve the opening and closing of the control valve. However, a pneumatic actuator is most reliable and common. The action is initiated upon receipt of the signal from a controller such as PLC. The control valve is manufactured in different designs according to the operating conditions, required applications and pipeline layout. The main components are valve body and actuator, while the most common construction materials are cast iron, nickel alloy, Hastelloy and even plastic. It has a size ranging from 3mm to 500mm.
14. Cock valve
Cock valves or stop cock are quarter-turn valves that allow the user to control the flow from an external point. It is actuated manually. Cock valves can be used for isolation and regulation purposes. Applications of cock valves include petroleum pipelines, low-pressure steam applications, gas and fuel applications, plumbing and wastewater system, power plant applications and much more.
15. Slide valve
The slide valve contains a sliding mechanism to control the flow of fluid passing through the valve. The valve slides move in the rectilinear path to block and unblock the inlet and outlet ports. The slides act as a barrier, and between the slides, there are two parallel seats. The slide valve is suitable for low pressure flow of gases, liquids, suspensions etc. The features of the slide valve include low pressure drop, extensive size range (50mm to mm), workable at up to 650°C temperature and 25 kg/cm2 pressure. Such valves are usually used in car engines to allow the fuel to enter the cylinder and exhaust gases to escape.
16. Angle valve
Angle valve, also called stop valve, has inlet and outlet ports at 90° angle with respect to each other. It comes in multiple designs and sizes. The high-quality angle valve is used in heavy operations. The ideal material for angle valves is copper because it provides longer service life as compared to plastic and zinc alloys. The angle valve is frequently used in industries and residential plumbing. The valves used in industries need to be dependable and reliable to ensure the safety and efficacy of operations.
17. Cartridge valve
Cartridge valves, also known as 2/2-way valves, internally manipulate hydraulic systems’ direction, pressure, and flow. It is a type of inline valve, which means it acts parallel to the fluid flow. Cartridge valve is perfect for operation where high flow rates and leak-free control is necessary. It consists of the sleeve, valve poppet and closing spring. The cartridge assembly is designed to fit in the cavity and kept in place by a cover. Some of the benefits of cartridge valves are reduced energy consumption, low pressure drop, greater stability, and cost-effective control.
18. Balancing valve
The balancing valve regulates the fluid flow by equally dividing the flow into multiple flow branches. Primarily, it is used in HVAC and fluid power systems such as heating/cooling systems, refrigerators and power generation. It also provides counterbalancing force for double-acting cylinders. Some prominent types of balancing valves are static balancing valves, dynamic balancing valves, and fixed orifice balancing valves.
19. Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve is an electromechanical gadget that starts or stop the flow of air and oil remotely. The two-port design is adopted to regulate flow, while the three-port design switches the flow between ports. The tasks of the solenoid valve include shutting off, distributing, dosing, release and mixing fluids. Solenoid valve has applications in so many fields, but it is frequently used in fluidics. The usefulness of this valve is due to its compact design, high reliability, quick and secure switching, low control power and long work life. Generally, the valve is made up of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. The valve body should be compatible with the fluid. However, the solenoid valve is sensitive to voltage, and the flow can affect valve fluid.
Choosing the right industrial ball valve manufacturer involves you considering several critical factors to ensure the best performance, optimum safety, and unmatched reliability in your applications. From the provider’s reputation to their product catalog, these considerations determine the success of your production.
In this guide, you will learn about eight of the world’s best industrial ball valve manufacturers together with a discussion of the factors to consider in your shopping. But, before commencing this conversation, here’s the overview of the list:
No.
Industrial Ball Valve Manufacturer
Website
Country
Specialty
1
ONERO
oonerovalve.com
China
API Industrial Ball Valve
2
Powell Valves
powellvalves.com
United States
High-Pressure Applications
3
Flowserve
flowserve.com
United States
Comprehensive Flow Control
4
IMI Critical
imi-critical.com
United States
Critical Service Valves
5
Habonim
habonim.com
United States
Actuation Solutions
6
GA Industries
gaindustries.com
United States
Custom Valve Solutions
7
Gemini Valve
geminivalve.com
United States
Made in USA Valves
8
PANS Valve
pansvalve.com
China
High-Volume Production
9
Cameron (Schlumberger)
slb.com
United States
Oilfield Equipment
10
Emerson (Fisher)
emerson.com
United States
Process Automation
11
Velan
velan.com
Canada
Nuclear & Power Generation
12
Tyco Valves & Controls
jci.com
Ireland
Fire Protection Systems
13
KITZ Corporation
kitz.co.jp
Japan
Industrial Stainless Steel Ball Valve
14
AVK Group
avkvalves.com
Denmark
Water & Wastewater
15
Bonney Forge
bonneyforge.com
United States
Forged Steel Valves
16
Bray International
bray.com
United States
Quarter-Turn Valves
17
ALFA LAVAL
alfalaval.com
Sweden
Sanitary Applications
18
Spirax Sarco
spiraxsarco.com
United Kingdom
Steam & Thermal Solutions
19
L&T Valves
larsentoubro.com
India
Heavy Engineering
20
XOMOX (Crane)
cranechempharma.com
United States
Chemical Processing
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Ball Valve Manufacturer
Experience and Reputation
The importance of the industrial ball valve manufacturer’s experience and reputation is emphasized because vast experience demonstrates design and production expertise. This way, high-quality and reliable products are delivered. In addition, a solid reputation equates to trustworthiness, satisfaction, and long-term partnership.
Certifications and Standards Compliance
Also a paramount consideration when selecting the right industrial ball valve manufacturer is the company’s compliance with certifications and standards. Compliance ensures adherence to quality, safety, and performance benchmarks, therefore guaranteeing reliability and compatibility for the industries the products are used.
Specifically, there are the API, CE, and ASME certifications in this industry. Complying with these certifications guarantees superior product quality.
Customization Capabilities
How far can you customize a manufacturer’s industrial ball valve? Customization capabilities should also be considered since these allow you to tailor your solutions to meet your needs. Once you do, you can enhance the product’s performance and efficiency in a significant way, and your operations’ performance as a whole.
Concerning this, ask the questions about what specific customization options are offered by the manufacturer, and how flexible they can accommodate changes in your applications.
Product Range and Availability
The golden rule in this regard is that the more products in the catalog of the manufacturer, the better choice they are. Elaborating, product range and availability are both crucial while shopping for industrial ball valves because diversity in selection ensures your specific needs are met. Meanwhile, availability guarantees timely project delivery.
Competitive Pricing
At the end of the day, industries cannot start utilizing these industrial ball valves without a budget. Thus, the pricing factor is also important. This is essential to make sure you get only quality products without your budget while still being able to maximize value for your investments.
Best 20 Industrial Ball Valve Manufacturers
1. ONERO
Doing business since , ONERO is a Wenzhou-based ball valve manufacturer that does not only specialize in production and manufacturing, but also in through ball valve research and continuous development to improve their product offers.
With more than 150 CNC lathes and 13 six-axis robots, their factory of this China industrial ball valve manufacturer produces valves that include floating ball valves, trunnion ball valves, top entry ball valves, pigging ball valves, insulated ball valves, and oxygen ball valves, among others, everything you need for their purposes.
2. Powell Valves
Headquartered in Cincinnati, a river city in the Buckeye State, Powell Valves is also one of the world’s leading industrial ball valve manufacturers whose ultramodern manufacturing technology and astute materials sourcing ensure their products are of the highest quality standards. However, compared with ONERO, their ball valve product range is narrower, with threaded and socket weld ball valves and flanged ball valves the primary products featured.
3. Flowserve
Though Flowserve has locations worldwide, its headquarters are in Irving, Texas. This company specializes in manufacturing and aftermarket services for your comprehensive flow control systems. This is why their product catalog does not only consist of valves, but also pumps, seals, energy recovery devices, hydraulic decoking systems, and so much more.
Goto RKS to know more.
They take pride in serving over 10,000 customers across more than 50 nations in cooperation with their more than 16,000 associates.
4. IMI Critical
Situated in Rancho Santa Margarita in California, this company also features a product range beyond just ball valves. They have isolation and control valves, as well as actuators from various brands from all over the world. They cater to various industries, from energy to pharmaceuticals.
5. Habonim
While Habonim specializes in valves, actuation, and customized solutions, their wide range of industrial ball valves is a standout. With their over 75 years of experience, they have helped several industries worldwide in enhancing their operations through their high-end industrial valves that meet safety, durability, environmental, and maintenance requirements. This integral company is headquartered in beautiful Stamford, Connecticut.
6. GA Industries
Founded in in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, GA Industries is featuring a product range that include air, ball and cone, check, pump control, and water control valves. Its catalog also comprises eccentric plug, butterfly, and surge relief valves.
The way they do business is holistic. This product range is backed by a competent team consisting of problem solving application engineers and sales representatives who connect with their clients across the country and globally.
7. Gemini Valve
Gemini Valve is a proudly American brand that produces valves in the country. All their products are designed, tested, manufactured, assembled, supplied, and supported directly from their headquarters in Raymond, a town in New Hampshire. While most of their products are ball valves – such as two-way, three-piece, brass, food grade, pneumatic actuated, and the like – they also have timer actuated products and custom solutions ideal for OEMs, among others.
8. PANS Valve
Last but certainly not the last is PANS Valve. Headquartered in the bustling Chinese city of Wenzhou, this company may have been founded more recently than the others on this list, in , but it excels in dominating the market producing 3,000 tons of valves per year, thanks to their advanced technology. Customers of this China industrial ball valve manufacturer are also attended to very well as they can receive their quotations within 24 hours.
9. Cameron (Schlumberger)
Cameron, now part of Schlumberger, is a premier industrial ball valve manufacturer specializing in oilfield equipment. Their API industrial ball valve products are designed for harsh upstream, midstream, and downstream applications in the oil and gas industry.
Specialties:
- High-pressure API industrial ball valve solutions up to 15,000 PSI
- Subsea and offshore industrial ball valve applications
- Advanced metallurgy for sour gas service
- Integrated valve and actuator packages
10. Emerson (Fisher)
Emerson’s Fisher brand represents decades of excellence in process automation and flow control. As a leading industrial ball valve manufacturer, they offer comprehensive solutions integrating industrial ball valve technology with advanced control systems.
Key Offerings:
- Smart industrial ball valve solutions with digital capabilities
- Industrial stainless steel ball valve for pharmaceutical applications
- Severe service API industrial ball valve designs
- Integrated automation and control packages
11. Velan
Based in Canada, Velan is a globally recognized industrial ball valve manufacturer with particular expertise in nuclear and power generation applications. Their industrial stainless steel ball valve products meet the most stringent safety and performance requirements.
Specializations:
- Nuclear-grade industrial ball valve solutions
- High-temperature industrial stainless steel ball valve products
- API industrial ball valve for power generation
- Cryogenic and severe service applications
12. Tyco Valves & Controls (Johnson Controls)
Tyco specializes in fire protection and safety systems, manufacturing industrial ball valve products specifically designed for critical safety applications. Their industrial ball valve solutions are integral to fire suppression and emergency shutdown systems.
Focus Areas:
- Fire-safe industrial ball valve designs
- Emergency shutdown API industrial ball valve systems
- Industrial stainless steel ball valve for marine applications
- UL and FM approved valve solutions
13. KITZ Corporation
Japan’s premier industrial ball valve manufacturer, KITZ Corporation excels in precision manufacturing of industrial stainless steel ball valve products. Their advanced metallurgy and quality control systems ensure superior performance in demanding applications.
Product Excellence:
- Premium industrial stainless steel ball valve with mirror finish
- High-purity industrial ball valve for semiconductor industry
- API industrial ball valve with Japanese quality standards
- Advanced seat technology and materials
14. AVK Group
Danish-based AVK Group is a leading industrial ball valve manufacturer specializing in water and wastewater applications. Their industrial ball valve products are designed for municipal and industrial water systems worldwide.
Core Competencies:
- Water industry industrial ball valve solutions
- Industrial stainless steel ball valve for potable water
- Large diameter industrial ball valve products
- Smart water management systems
15. Bonney Forge
Established in Pennsylvania, Bonney Forge is a premier industrial ball valve manufacturer specializing in forged steel valve solutions. Their API industrial ball valve products are known for exceptional strength and reliability in high-pressure applications.
Manufacturing Excellence:
- Forged API industrial ball valve construction
- High-pressure industrial ball valve up to PSI
- Industrial stainless steel ball valve with forged bodies
- Custom metallurgy and heat treatment
16. Bray International
Bray International focuses exclusively on quarter-turn valve technology, making them a specialized industrial ball valve manufacturer. Their industrial ball valve products feature innovative designs for automation and control applications.
Innovation Focus:
- Quarter-turn industrial ball valve technology
- Smart actuator integration with industrial ball valve
- API industrial ball valve with advanced automation
- Modular industrial stainless steel ball valve designs
17. ALFA LAVAL
Swedish-based ALFA LAVAL is a leading industrial ball valve manufacturer for sanitary and hygienic applications. Their industrial stainless steel ball valve products set industry standards for food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.
Sanitary Excellence:
- Hygienic industrial stainless steel ball valve designs
- CIP/SIP compatible industrial ball valve solutions
- FDA-compliant industrial ball valve products
- Ultra-clean surface finishes and materials
18. Spirax Sarco
UK-based Spirax Sarco specializes in steam and thermal solutions, manufacturing industrial ball valve products specifically designed for steam service applications. Their expertise in thermal dynamics makes them a unique industrial ball valve manufacturer.
Steam Expertise:
- Steam service industrial ball valve solutions
- High-temperature industrial stainless steel ball valve
- Thermal shock resistant industrial ball valve designs
- Energy-efficient valve solutions
19. L&T Valves (Larsen & Toubro)
India’s largest industrial ball valve manufacturer, L&T Valves leverages heavy engineering capabilities to produce comprehensive API industrial ball valve solutions for global markets. Their manufacturing scale and technical expertise serve major industrial projects worldwide.
Engineering Capabilities:
- Large-scale API industrial ball valve manufacturing
- Project-specific industrial ball valve solutions
- Industrial stainless steel ball valve for chemical plants
- EPC project integration capabilities
20. XOMOX (Crane ChemPharma)
XOMOX, part of Crane ChemPharma, is a specialized industrial ball valve manufacturer focusing on chemical processing applications. Their industrial stainless steel ball valve products are designed for the most corrosive and demanding chemical environments.
Chemical Processing Focus:
- Corrosion-resistant industrial stainless steel ball valve
- API industrial ball valve for chemical plants
- Lined industrial ball valve solutions
- Exotic alloy industrial ball valve products
Why Onerovalve’s Industrial Ball Valves Stand Out?
While a bulk of this list’s best industrial ball valve manufacturers are based in the United States, there are several advantages of choosing your valve manufacturer from leading worldwide industrial hubs like China, such as cost-effectiveness and access to advanced technologies not present in other places.
Also, you can notice that most of the companies above offer products beyond industrial ball valves, but ONERO focuses on ball valves. While ONERO won’t readily offer other types of industrial valves, this focus on ball valves enable them to create products that beat expectations for your specific needs. Chat with ONERO today to see what’s in store for you.
In conclusion, selecting the right industrial ball valve manufacturer is a vital ingredient to the success of your operations. Those top eight manufacturers featured offer a range of solutions that meet your requirements. By considering factors such as their expertise, compliance, and pricing, you can make the best choice.
Are you interested in learning more about Best Valve Manufacturers In The World(mn,tr,uk)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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