10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry

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Bruce Zheng

Hi, I'm Bruce Zheng. I am pleased to offer you the best Valves with strict quality control in NTVAL.

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Are you looking to enhance your operations with the right valve choices in the oil and gas industry? Choosing the right valves is crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in your business.

As an experienced valve specialist in the oil and gas sector, you know the importance of selecting the right valves to maintain smooth operations and compliance with industry standards.

Here’s a quick look at 2 of the most commonly used valves in the oil and gas industry:

  • Gate Valves
  • Globe Valves

In this guide, you’ll discover detailed insights into the functions, and applications of 10 different types of valves, helping you make informed decisions for your projects.

So let’s get down to it!

1. Gate Valves

A gate valve controls the flow of liquids or gases by moving a gate up or down, making it ideal for open or closed operations. Its design has made it a reliable choice in industries like oil, gas, and water treatment. No wonder the gate valve market is expected to surpass US$24.3 billion by 2033, as noted by FMI, highlighting its continued importance across various industries. With that in mind, here are key specifications of gate valves:

  • Size Range: Typically from 2 inches to 48 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Ranges from Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: Suitable for -20°F to 1200°F.
  • Design Standard: API 600, API 6D.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually or with electric actuators.
  • Typical Application: Used in pipelines for isolating flow, especially in oil refineries and upstream oil production.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 1

2. Globe Valves

NTVAL’s globe valves are vital in various industries, particularly for controlling the flow of different types of fluids. They function by moving a disk up or down to adjust or restrict the flow through the valve. Known for their precision, globe valves are ideal for applications requiring fine flow regulation and reliable performance. Here are the key specifications that make globe valves a preferred choice in the industry:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 24 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 1500.
  • Temperature Range: -40°F to 1000°F.
  • Design Standard: API 623, BS 1873.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually or with pneumatic actuators.
  • Typical Application: Commonly found in systems requiring precise flow control, such as in chemical processing and water treatment plants.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 2

3. Ball Valves

Ball valves are popular for their simple yet effective design, which involves a rotating ball with a hole that controls the flow. They offer a reliable solution for quick shutoff in a wide range of industrial systems. By the way, their ease of use is what makes them a go-to choice for many engineers who need quick and efficient control. Let’s explore the specifications that contribute to the effectiveness of ball valves:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 36 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: -50°F to 900°F.
  • Design Standard: API 608, API 6D.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually or with electric actuators.
  • Typical Application: Often used in emergency shutdown systems in natural gas pipelines and offshore platforms.

4. Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are widely used for their lightweight and compact design, making them a convenient option for managing fluid flow in larger systems. There’s more to these valves than just their lightweight design. Let’s check what makes butterfly valves a strong choice:

  • Size Range: 2 inches to 72 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 600.
  • Temperature Range: -30°F to 500°F.
  • Design Standard: API 609, ISO 5752.
  • Connection Form: Wafer, lug, or flanged.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually or with pneumatic actuators.
  • Typical Application: Suitable for large-diameter pipelines in HVAC systems and water distribution networks.

Here’s a table that outlines the benefits of the compact design of Butterfly Valves, highlighting their suitability for installations where space is limited:

FeatureDescriptionBenefit
Ease of InstallationDue to their smaller size, butterfly valves are easier to install and integrate into existing systems.Simplifies the setup process, saving time and labor costs.
Operational FlexibilityEfficient performance in confined spaces without sacrificing functionality.Can be used in a variety of settings where other valves might not fit.
Cost-EffectivenessSmaller size and less material usage often result in lower costs for butterfly valves.Provides a cost-effective solution for budget-sensitive projects.
Minimal MaintenanceCompact and simple design facilitates easier access and maintenance.Reduces long-term upkeep costs and simplifies routine checks.

5. Check Valve

Check valves, or non-return valves, are designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing reverse flow. They are essential in protecting systems from backflow and potential damage. Think about that for a minute: one small valve can prevent an entire system from failure. Here’s why check valves are indispensable:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 48 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: -20°F to 1000°F.
  • Design Standard: API 594, ASME B16.34.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operates automatically, no manual operation needed.
  • Typical Application: Used in pump discharge lines and to prevent reverse flow in water and steam systems, for example, in power plants
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 3

6. Plug Valves

Plug valves are widely used for their ability to control fluid flow effectively. Their straightforward design and dependable performance make them a versatile choice for various applications. But hang on a minute—as their usage continues to expand across industries, gaining insight into their specifications becomes increasingly important. Here’s what makes plug valves a solid choice for various systems:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 36 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: -20°F to 750°F.
  • Design Standard: API 599, BS 5353.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually or with pneumatic actuators.
  • Typical Application: Ideal for systems that require tight shutoff, such as in gas distribution and petrochemical processing, for example, in natural gas pipelines.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 4

7. Needle Valves

Needle valves are specialized valves used in the oil and gas industry to precisely control the flow of liquids or gases. These valves have a slender, needle-like plunger that moves up and down inside a small orifice, allowing for very fine adjustments. As their role in critical applications becomes more significant, understanding their primary uses is crucial. Meanwhile, here are some specifications of needle valves:

  • Size Range: 1/8 inch to 2 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: -65°F to 600°F.
  • Design Standard: API 602, ASME B16.34.
  • Connection Form: Threaded or flanged.
  • Operation Manual: Operated manually.
  • Typical Application: Commonly used in instrumentation systems, where precise flow regulation is required, such as in laboratories and test rigs.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 5

8. Pressure Relief Valves

NTVAL’s pressure relief valves play a vital role in protecting systems from overpressure. They automatically open when pressure exceeds a safe limit, preventing potential damage to equipment. By now, you should realize how important these valves are to any safe system. Let’s go over the key specifications of pressure relief valves:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 12 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Up to 6000 psi.
  • Temperature Range: -20°F to 1200°F.
  • Design Standard: API 526, ASME BPVC Sec VIII.
  • Connection Form: Flanged or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operates automatically, no manual operation needed.
  • Typical Application: Crucial in pressure vessel and boiler systems, especially in steam generation and high-pressure gas storage.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 6

9. Control Valves

Control valves are integral to regulating flow, pressure, and temperature in automated systems. These valves adjust automatically based on signals from a controller, providing precise management of fluid dynamics. These valves do hard work for you. Here’s what makes control valves essential in modern systems:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 36 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Class 150 to Class 2500.
  • Temperature Range: -50°F to 1000°F.
  • Design Standard: ISA 75, ASME B16.34.
  • Connection Form: Flanged, butt-weld, or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operated with electric or pneumatic actuators.
  • Typical Application: Essential in process industries like refining and petrochemicals, where precise control of process variables is necessary.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 7

10. Safety Valves

Safety valves are critical for safeguarding systems from overpressure by releasing excess pressure when necessary. They serve as a last line of defense in preventing system failure. As if that’s not enough, safety valves also require minimal maintenance. Here’s why safety valves are vital for protecting your system:

  • Size Range: 1/2 inch to 10 inches.
  • Pressure Class: Up to 6000 psi.
  • Temperature Range: -20°F to 1000°F.
  • Design Standard: API 526, ASME BPVC Sec VIII.
  • Connection Form: Flanged or threaded.
  • Operation Manual: Operates automatically, no manual operation needed.
  • Typical Application: Vital in protecting boilers, pressure vessels, and pipelines from overpressure, particularly in steam boilers and chemical reactors.
10 Different Types of Valves Used in the Oil and Gas Industry 8

Conclusion

Choosing the right valves is crucial for any business in the oil and gas industry. With a comprehensive range of high-quality valves, NTVAL offers solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability in your operations. Our focus on innovation, durability, and expert support helps you get the best products tailored to your specific needs.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to enhance your operations with reliable and efficient valves, NTVAL is ready to assist. Contact us today to discover how our products can benefit your business.

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