How to pick the right valve for piping and plumbing systems?

Valves are one of the most essential components in piping and plumbing systems, yet they are often one of the most neglected. Valves are used to control the flow of water, gas, or other fluid in a piping system. There are many different types of valves, each with their own specific purpose. High temperature valves are designed to withstand high temperatures, while balancing valves are used to regulate the flow of fluids in a system.
High temperature valves
These are also called steam traps, are used to regulate the flow of steam in a system. They are designed to open and close at specific temperatures to maintain the pressure within the system. High temperature valves are an important part of many industrial and commercial applications, like power plants and chemical plants. Balancing valves control the flow of water in a heating or cooling system. By regulating the flow of water, they help ensure that each radiator in the system receives the correct amount of water. This maintains optimal system performance and ensures even temperatures throughout the system.
High temperature valves are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures, like stainless steel or Inconel. These valves are used in systems operating at high temperatures, such as boilers, heat exchangers, and nuclear reactors. Balancing valves are used to regulate the flow of fluids in a system. They are often used in heating and cooling systems, where they are used to control the flow of water to each individual radiator. Balancing valves help to ensure that each radiator gets the correct amount of water, so that the system works efficiently.
Balancing valves
Industries that use high temperature valves include power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas production, and petrochemical refining. High temperature valves are also used in waste heat recovery systems, which capture heat from industrial processes and use it to generate electricity or heat water and buildings. Balancing valves are used in a variety of industries, including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and solar thermal. Balancing valves are used to maintain a constant flow of fluid or gas through a system by regulating the pressure difference between two points in the system.
High temperature valves are available in a variety of designs, including globe, angle, and check valves. Globe valves are the most common type of high temperature valve, and are used to control the flow of liquids and gases. Angle valves are used to regulate the flow of fluids in tight spaces, while check valves are used to prevent backflow. Balancing valves are available in both manual and automatic versions. Manual balancing valves require the user to adjust the flow rate manually, while automatic balancing valves adjust the flow rate automatically.
There are a variety of high temperature valve types, each designed for a specific application. Ball valves are well-suited for high temperature applications because they can be opened and closed quickly, and they are not susceptible to corrosion. Butterfly valves are another common type of high temperature valve often used in applications where a tight seal is required, like in chemical processing. Likewise, there many types of balancing valve types, each designed for a specific application. Globe valves are well-suited for applications where a constant flow rate is required.
Conclusion
Both high temperature valves and balancing valves are essential for safe and efficient operation of high temperature processes. There are a variety of these valves available in the market, each designed for specific applications and operating conditions. Selection of the proper valve is critical to ensure safe and reliable operation. By selecting the appropriate valve for the application, process operators can ensure that the process is operating correctly and safely.