ThePipingMart Blog other 5 Types of Valves Used in Chilled Water Systems

5 Types of Valves Used in Chilled Water Systems

Types of Valves Used in Chilled Water Systems

A chilled water system cools a building by pumping chilled water through a series of pipes and into air conditioning units. It is vital to have quality water valves to regulate water flow and ensure that the system runs efficiently. This blog will explore the various valves used in a chilled water system, their benefits, and how they function.

Globe Valve

Globe valves are designed to regulate water flow in a piping system. They function by having a disc move up and down, which holds the water flow. Globe valves are excellent for controlling flow because of their throttling capabilities, making them perfect for chilled water systems. Globe valves are available in four types; straight-through pattern, angle pattern, Y-type pattern, and diagonal pattern.

Ball Valve

Ball valves operate by having a sphere-shaped disc inside the valve body. The hollow sphere has an opening in the middle that allows fluid to pass through its centre. They have a quarter-turn actuation and function by rotating the ball through a 90-degree turn. Ball valves are reliable for chilled water systems because they seal tightly and offer high flow rates.

Gate Valve

These valves control water flow by sliding a wedge-shaped gate in and out of the valve’s flow passage. Gate valves are preferred for shut-off applications in chilled water systems since they have a minimal pressure drop across the valve body. However, gate valves are not suitable for throttling applications.

Butterfly Valve

Butterfly valves are famous for regulating flow in chilled water systems. The valve body consists of a disk, which rotates around an axis perpendicular to the water flow. As the disk turns, the valve body creates a varying orifice size, allowing flow variation. The butterfly valves are easy to operate since they have a shorter valve turn of a quarter-turn, which opens or closes.

Check Valve

These valves are designed explicitly with one function – to stop backflow. They allow water to flow in one direction and prevent it from moving back in the opposite direction. In chilled water systems, check valves protect equipment such as heat exchangers, chillers, and boilers by preventing the water from flowing back to where it has already been.

Conclusion

Chilled water systems require valves to regulate water flow through the pipes. This blog delved into the different types of valves used in a chilled water system, from the globe valve that offers throttling capabilities to the gate valve that is best for shut-off applications and the ball valve that seals tightly, delivering high flow rates. Furthermore, butterfly valves are famous for regulating flow, while check valves prevent backflow. Choosing the correct valve for your chilled water system can prevent leaks and damage and preserve the equipment’s longevity. It’s crucial to speak with professionals in the industry to ensure the valves you choose fit your chilled water system.

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