There are many kinds of valves used in the pharmaceutical industry, each unique feature, and function. The application of a particular type depends on many factors, which affect the quality of the product being processed.
Some common types of valves used in the pharmaceutical industry include the following.
Gate Valves
Gate valves are used as an on/off valve to ultimately allow the fluid to flow or completely shut the fluid flow.
The gate valves use circular or rectangular metallic elements between two rectangular plates, often called the gate. The fluid flows in between the two plates. The position of the metallic gate is controlled through a circular handle. The handle is turned clockwise and anti-clockwise to place the gate in the fluid flow path. As the gate comes in the path of the fluid, flow is blocked. Similarly, when the gate is removed from the fluid flow path, fluid starts to flow.
Due to their internal construction, these valves cannot provide flow regulation and can only be used for shut-off operations.
In the pharmaceutical industry, they allow or disallow fluid to pass through a machine inlet or a system. For example, machines that require utility supplies for their operation, such as compresses air and steam.
The main advantage of using a gate valve is that there is no pressure drop in the fluid flow when the valve is open. This feature makes them ideal for use in the fluid source location.
Globe Valves
Globe valves can be used in applications requiring complete ON/OFF and throttling operations. Its construction design also makes it possible for frequent operation, unlike the gate valves, which cannot be used for these two purposes.
Its design is based on a disk and seat arrangement. The fluid flows in between the disc and seat. The disc moves up and down against the seat. The fluid flow increases when the disc moves away from the seat. As the disc moves closer to the seat, the path of the fluid flow decreases resulting in decreased fluid flow.
There are three types of globe valves - Angle body, Y-pattern, and T-pattern body.
In angle body valves, the valve stem is oriented at an angle of 90° to the valve body, and in Y-pattern globe valves, the valve stem is oriented at an angle of 45°.
Needle Valves
Needle valves are a type of globe valves used in high pressure, high-temperature applications.
They are beneficial for small-sized diameter lines such as tubing. They are also used in applications requiring precise fluid flow.
These valves gained their name because of the needle-type disc controlling the fluid flow. The needle-type disc resides against the seat to open or shut down the fluid flow. Since they serve small-sized applications, they require many turns to shut down the fluid flow completely.
Ball Valves
The ball valve uses a ball-shaped plug inside the valve's boy to control the fluid flow. The ball inside the valve has a hole where the fluid passes through it. The ball can be rotated through a handle directly connected to the ball. As the handle moves, the ball also rotates, and the hole also moves away or near the fluid flow path.
They are used in applications requiring complete shutdown or fluid flow opening. They are unsuitable for applications requiring precise fluid flow control or regulatory purposes.
They provide an excellent option when a contamination control feature is required. They provide excellent sealing characteristics and extended life of the operation.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are quarter-turn rotational motion valves used as an On/Off valve. These valves are lightweight and compact compared to their counterparts in larger valve sizes. This makes them an ideal cost-effective solution. These valves can be easily installed without any special space requirement. Butterfly valves require low maintenance, as few moving parts are in them.
There ...
(All Rights Reserved)