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The importance of valves in a water distribution system

by Henry
The importance of valves in a water distribution system

A water distribution system is needed to distribute water to customers with the correct pressure, quality, and quantity. It makes sure that there is a sustainable water supply throughout the year. Valves play an essential role in all water distribution systems as they control and direct the flow of water or stop the water supply when any repair work is carried out in the pipeline. They also help to isolate and regulate the flow of water to specific buildings and areas. A butterfly valve is one of the most commonly used valves in industrial applications. Apart from that, the most important types of valves used in water distribution systems are gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, and pressure relief valves.

Gate valve
Gate valve is the most commonly used type of valve with a wedge-shaped metal gate. It is a linear motion valve where the gate can be lowered to stop or raised to allow the water flow. This valve can be fully opened or closed, and it doesn't control the flow of water at any time. They are also used in the oil and gas industry, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries.

Types of gate valves

  • Solid wedge gate valve
  • Flexible wedge gate valve
  • Rising stem valve
  • Non-rising stem gate valve
  • Split wedge gate valve

Ball valve
It is the most reliable type of valve used to regulate the flow of water. A rotating sphere with a hole is attached to a lever handle that operates the valve. Water flows when the hole and the pipe are in a straight line. And if the hole is perpendicular to the pipe, it restricts the flow of water. They are also found in the manufacturing sector and chemical storage purposes.

Types of ball valves

  • 3 Way ball valve
  • Three-piece body ball valve
  • Trunnion mounted ball valve
  • Floating ball valve
  • Split body ball valve

Butterfly valve
It is a quarter-turn rotary motion valve and very compact, short, and significantly lighter than the other type of valves. It has a metal disc that rotates to allow or stop the flow of water. When the disc rotates, it forms an image similar to that of a butterfly. These valves are commonly used in the manufacturing, chemical and food industries.

Types of butterfly valves

  • Double offset
  • Triple offset
  • Zero offset
  • Flanged type
  • Wafer type
  • Lug style type
  • Butt-welded ends type

Globe valve
This valve is used when the water flow needs to be adjusted regularly. It has a stopper on the valve stem end which can be raised and lowered by the valve's twist knob. The body of this valve has a globe-like appearance. They have good throttling and shutoff abilities and are very easy to maintain. They are primarily used in outdoor faucets and utility faucets.

Types of globe valves

  • Angle types
  • Y types
  • Z types

Pressure release valve
This valve reduces the water pressure to the required limit and prevents the piping system from bursting. This valveā€™s spring and diaphragm mechanism can be adjusted to a specific limit, depending on the water pressure. This valve is very reliable and versatile; it is used in a range of services like fire fighting, drinking water applications and water tanks.

Types of pressure release valves

  • Reclosing-type
  • Non-reclosing type
  • Safety relief valves
  • Pressure relief valve
  • Vacuum relief valve
  • Pressure vacuum relief valve

The primary function of a water distribution system is to transport water from the storage area to the customer. Valves are necessary to maintain appropriate pressure so that you can transport the desired quantity of water safely without altering its quality.


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