Essential valves for Oils and gas industry

Faucets are one among the highly crucial components in any piping system. For many purposes, pipes are in use in the oil and gas industry. When we consider the upstream, valves are used mainly for controlling the oil flow. When it comes to midstream, they help in protecting the equipment by controlling the oil flow as well as gas. If we consider the downstream, valves improve in the crude oil refining process.

It is understood that every engineering service in the gas and oil industry should be familiar with all kinds of valves which can be used by them. Even though not all, they should have a basic understanding of large valves like ball valves, check valves , gate valves, etc.

Let’s discuss a few common types of valves used in this industry.

Ball Valves

These valves are called as ball valves because the disk inside them is ball shaped. These valves are mainly designed for controlling the flow of vapors, gases, and liquids. These are intended as a quarter-turn, rotational flaps. Ball valves are made using metallic components that help in ensuring the durability mainly in conditions of trash operations. Usually, the seat in these valves is made out of Teflon.

Because of this material combination, these valves are suitable for operation in extreme temperature condition like -200 ºC and high as 500 ºC. These type of pipes come with low torque, tight sealing. Some of the highly popular types in ball valves are full-welded ball valves, and floating ball valves.

Gate Valves

Gate valves are bidirectional. These help in starting and stopping the flow of liquid. These valves are suitable for use mainly in case minimum restriction of fluid flow. When using these valves, they are either kept wholly opened or closed. When the valve is in open condition, the disc present in the gate is completely removed. This is the reason it ensures, easy passing of the content. The gate valve cannot be quickly closed or opened.

Pressure Seal Valves

As their name suggests, pressure seal valves are made for high-pressure services. Since they come with pressure seal bonnet, they are easily distinguishable from another type of pipes. The hood present in these valves helps to protect the joints, especially when there is increased internal pressure.

Check Valves

These valves are very helpful when it comes to protecting the mechanical equipment. They are suitable for piping systems wherein there is a requirement to avoid the reverse flow of fluid. They are mainly utilised in pumps and compressors where massive backflow is present. This helps in preventing damage to internal components due to backflow. Check valves always ensure avoiding of unnecessary downtime as well. Among all the types of check valves available, stainless steel check valves are very popular.

Globe Valves

Globe valves are an essential part when it comes to transporting turbine lube oil and fuel oil systems. They are instrumental in cooling water systems as well. These come under the category of linear motion oils which help in starting, stopping, and in regulating the flow.

These are five main types of valves which are commonly used in the oil and gas market. Along with making their best qualities, it is also imperative to source the necessary valves from reliable and trustworthy suppliers.