Valves, Strainers and Accessories

Valves and strainers are integral to the control and maintenance of fluid flow in piping systems. Valves regulate, direct, or control the flow of fluids by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Strainers, on the other hand, are devices that capture unwanted debris in the flow, preventing damage to valuable equipment downstream.

Ball valves use a ball with a hole through its center, which, when aligned with the flow, allows movement, and when perpendicular, blocks flow. They are known for durability and good sealing capabilities, ideal for on/off control without pressure drop.

Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow that could potentially cause damage or inefficiencies in the system.

Butterfly valves feature a disk mounted on a rotating shaft. When the valve is fully open, the disk is parallel to the flow of fluid; when closed, it is perpendicular, offering a compact, quick way to interrupt flow.

Gate valves operate by lifting a gate out of the path of the fluid. They are primarily used to permit or prevent the flow of liquids and are not for regulating flow.

Globe valves are used for regulating flow in a pipeline, consisting of a movable disk-type element and a stationary ring seat in a generally spherical body.

Plug valves allow for fluid flow by rotating a cylindrical or tapered plug with a bore in the center within the valve body to align with the fluid flow.

Plumbing valves are typically designed for simple tasks in residential and commercial applications, like regulating water flow in taps.

Regulating valves control the flow rate, pressure, or other variables within fluids and are usually adjustable, making them perfect for detailed process control.

Control valves respond to signals generated by independent devices such as flow meters or temperature gauges and automatically adjust to maintain the desired parameters.

Circuit setters are specialized balancing valves used to control the flow in a hydronic system by setting the appropriate flow rate for each circuit.

Strainers filter debris from the flow, protecting equipment from potential damage due to particulate matter.

Flex connectors absorb system vibrations and noise, accommodate thermal expansion or contraction, and compensate for misalignment.

Steam traps are automatic valves that filter out condensate (i.e., condensed steam) and non-condensable gases such as air without letting steam escape.

Each of these components plays a unique role in the system’s overall efficiency and safety, making them indispensable in industrial and residential installations alike.