PVC valve is also known as a polyvinyl chloride valve is a type of valve made from PVC material. PVC is a sturdy and solid material which is a synthetic plastic polymer.
PVC valves are used for opening, closing, regulating, or redirecting liquids or gasses. They are preferred because of their corrosion resistance, strength, versatility, and affordability.
Types of PVC Valves
1. PVC Check Valves
This type of PVC valve is also known as a non-return valve or one-way valve. It is manufactured in such a way that it allows fluids to flow only in one direction. It also prevents backflow of liquids and gasses.
· Function
As stated above, the main function of PVC check valves is to prevent back flow of liquid and gasses while at the same time ensuring that liquids and gasses flow in one direction.
· How PVC check valve works
PVC check valves have a very simple mechanism. When liquid flows, it opens the valve and allows liquid to pass through. When the liquid reverses, the PVC check valves closes thus preventing backflow.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC check valves include:
- Used in sewerage systems
- Irrigation systems
- Water treatment plants
- Industrial processes.
2. PVC Gate Valves
PVC gate valves are also used to control the flow of liquids through pipes. They come equipped with a flat or waged shaped gate that controls the flow of liquids when shut or opened.
· Function
The main function of PVC gate valves is to shut off or open pipes for liquid to flow or stop. They can regulate the flow of liquid by being partially shut off though they are rarely used for this function.
· How PVC Gate valve works
The PVC gate valve works by being raised or lowed through a threaded stem or non-threaded stem mechanism. Turning the stem moves the gate up and down at the same time controlling the flow of water.
Gate valves are generally used to open and close the pipes and not widely used in regulating the flow of liquids.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC gate valves include:
- Water distribution systems
- Water treatment plants
- Industrial processes.
3. PVC Foot Valves
PVC foot valves are a type of check valve that comes equipped with a strainer. A strainer or also known as a filter is attached to the inlet of the PVC foot valve. It is designed to allow liquid flow in only one direction and the same time filter debris from entering the piping system.
· Function
The main function of PVC foot valve is to work as a filter as a strainer. It ensures that the fluids inside the piping system flow in one direction, filtering large particles from entering the piping system.
· How PVC foot valve works
When fluids enter the through the strainer of the foot valve, the valve element is lifted. As long as the liquid flows in one direction, the valve remains open. If the liquid backflows, the check valves close to prevent backflow.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC foot valves include:
- Irrigation systems
- Well pumps
- Water supply systems.
4. PVC compact valves
PVC compact valves are specifically designed for smaller valves used in compacted spaces that are usually not easy to reach. PVC compact valves can be of different types of valves such as ball valves, check valves, and butterfly valves. These are mainly effective in compacted spaces.
· Function
The different functions of the PVC compact valve depend on the type of compact valve used. For instance, a PVC compact ball valve will be used to control liquid flow by using a quarter-turn motion. On the other hand, a compact check valve will be used to prevent liquid backflow.
· How PVC compact valve works
Just like function, how the compact valve works will also depend on the specific type of compact valve used.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC compact valves include:
- Used in limited or compacted spaces.
- Plumbing systems
- Equipment with tight clearance
- Compact machinery
5. PVC Butterfly Valves
PVC butterfly valves are a type of quarter-turn valve that utilizes a rotating disk to control the flow of liquid. When the PVC butterfly valve is open, the rotating disc is positioned in a perpendicular position to the flow of the liquid. When the PVC butterfly is closed, the rotating disc is positioned in a parallel position to the flow of the liquid.
· Function
The PVC butterfly valve’s main function is to regulate the flow of liquid in piping systems. This is why it is widely used in applications that require quick shut-offs and applications requiring constant liquid flow regulations.
· How PVC butterfly valve works
PVC butterfly valves regulate the flow of liquids through the rotating disk. The rotating disc rotates by a quarter turn which allows liquids to flow in the open position and shuts the flow of liquids in the closed position.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC butterfly valves include:
- Water treatment
- Chemical processing
- HVAC systems
- Food systems
6. PVC Ball Check Valves
PVC ball check valves are ball valves that are specifically designed to allow the flow of fluids in only one direction. they are also known as ball check or ball-type nonreturn valves. PVC ball check valves have a ball installed inside them that moves within a housing and works to control the direction of the fluid flows.
· Function
The main function of PVC ball check valves is to ensure that liquids flow in one direction and that there is no any reverse flow.
· How Ball Check valve works
Bal check valves work using the ball inside the valve housing. When liquids flow in the right direction, the ball is pushed away from the valve seat and allows liquids to pass through the valve. When the flow stops or reverses, the ball is pushed back against the valve seat and effectively stops back flow.
· Applications
Some of the applications of ball check valves include:
- Waste water systems
- Sump pumps
- Irrigation systems
- Industrial processes
7. 3-Way Ball Valves
PVC 3-way ball valves can be T-shaped or L-shaped. This allows them to divert the flow of liquids between three ports. They are equipped with a ball that has an internal passage that can be rotated to redirect the flow of fluids in different directions.
· Function
The main function of PVC 3-way ball valves is to control flow of liquids in different directions that can be inlets or outlet ports.
· How PVC 3-way ball valve works
The ball inside the PVC 3-way ball valves rotates within the valve. The rotation directs the flow of fluids from one port to another. It can also allow flow of fluids between two poets simultaneously.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC 3-way ball valves include:
- Mixing processes
- Blending processes
- Bypass applications
- Multiple fluid flow systems.
8. PVC ball valves
· Definition
PVC ball valves are quarter-turn valves that utilize a ball with a hole to control the flow of liquids. They have a simple design that consists of a handle, ball, and ports for fluids to enter and exit.
· Function
The main function of PVC ball valve is to control the flow of liquids. When turned 90 degrees, the ball hole aligns with the port and allows liquids to flow and vice versa.
· How PVC ball valve works
The ball inside the valve has a hole that can be rotated to align with the flow path or block it. This alignment is controlled by the valves handle or also known as actuator.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC ball valves include:
- Applications requiring on and off controls.
- Water supply systems
- Irrigation
- Industrial processes.
9. PVC diaphragm valve
PVC diaphragm valves are a type of valves that have a flexible diaphragm that is used to control the flow of liquids. The diaphragm is connected to a stem which when raised or lowered controls the flow of liquids.
· Function
The main function of PVC diaphragm valves is controlling liquid flow by using a diaphragm to create a seal between the valve and the bonnet. The diaphragm is pushed away when the stem is raised and allows liquid to flow. Lowering the stem closes the valve and prevents back flow.
· How PVC diaphragm valve works
The diaphragm is the main component that blocks or allows liquid to flow. The stem’s movement controls the diaphragm position and the flow of liquid.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC diaphragm valves include:
- Applications where contamination-free flow control is required.
- Pharmaceuticals liquid transfers.
- Food processing
- Water treatment
10. PVC Wafer Check Valves
PVC wafer check valves are compact and lightweight valves that are specifically designed to prevent backflow in pipelines. PVC wafer check valves are installed between two flanges.
· Function
The main function of PVC wafer check valves is to prevent backflow of liquids. They open and close based on the pressure of the liquid.
· How PVC wafer check valves work
When the fluid flows in the right direction, the pressure pushes the valve open. This allows the fluid to pass through. If there is a back flow, the valve closes due to the weight of the disc and prevents the backflow.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC wafer check valves include:
- Used in HVAC systems
- Water treatment plants
- Industrial applications
11. PVC true union ball valves
PVC true union valves are valves that are equipped with a removable union connection for easy installation and connection. They work by utilizing a ball valve with a hole to control flow of liquids.
· Function
The main function of PVC true union ball valves is to control the flow of liquids. It is designed for applications that require easy assembly and dismantling of pipelines.
· How PVC true union ball valve works
PVC true union ball valves work by turning the handle. The turning of the handle results in the ball inside the valve rotating and aligning with the hole in the ball. This action allows the flow of liquids while the reverse action blocks the flow of liquids.
· Applications
Some of the applications of PVC true union ball valves include:
- Swimming pool systems
- Water treatment plants
- Industrial processes
- Temporary pipelines.
Conclusion
Ideally, these are some of the main types of PVC valves available in the market. You can also consider other valves made from other materials such as PEX or brass valves.
At D&R, we will help you get suitable valves for all your applications – contact us now.