Valves & Manifolds

The simplest and very ancient the valve is simply a freely hinged flap which drops to obstruct fluid (gas or liquid) flow in one direction but is pushed open by flow in the opposite direction. This is called a check valve, as it prevents or “checks” the flow in one direction. Modern control valves may regulate pressure or flow downstream and operate on sophisticated automation systems. Valves have many uses, including controlling water for irrigation, industrial uses for controlling processes, residential uses such as on/off and pressure control to dish and clothes washers and taps in the home. Even aerosols have a tiny valve built in. Valves are also used in the military and transport sectors.

Valves are typically rated for maximum temperature and pressure by the manufacturer. The wetted materials in a valve are usually identified also. Some valves rated at very high pressures are available. When a designer, engineer, or user decides to use a valve for an application, he/she should ensure the rated maximum temperature and pressure are never exceeded and that the wetted materials are compatible with the fluid the valve interior is exposed to. Manifolds are the component which connects two or more valves of a hydraulic system. The manifolds commonly include ball, bleed, needle and vent valves. The manifold valves are used in a number of different applications, ranging from mobile machinery to heavy industrial equipment. A variety of block/isolate valves can be combined in a single body configuration. Each of these valves has a separate opening below in order to connect a pipe. The main body or valve chamber is common to all. Their use results in savings in terms of space and installation costs.

One of the most intriguing components of the internal combustion engine is the intake manifold. Responsible for the even distribution of the air/fuel mixture to each cylinder, the intake manifold also serves as a mount for the carburetors (on older engines) and fuel injectors (on modern engines). Manifolds are designed for static pressure, liquid level, and differential pressure applications. They are available in traditional or compact inline body designs, for use in instrument, direct-mount, remote-mount, and module systems. They use a compact assembly design, resulting in reduced size and weight. Manifolds have body material options such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and duplex stainless steel, and packing materials such as PTFE, for system versatility, and Grafoil®, for extended temperature ratings. They are easy to install and maintain.