Needle valves play an important role in the functioning of modern industrial machines. In fact, they are a critical safety component for these devices. All in all, a needle valve is responsible for controlling the fluid flow in a pipeline. Yet, there is more to understand about these pieces of equipment. See how industrial valves work, and the role they perform.
The Construction of a Needle Valve
As mentioned, needle valves are designed to act as shutoff valves. Yet, these valves are constructed in a manner distinct from other types of shutoff valves. First, they have a component called the plunger. This is a long, needle-shaped device that is located at the end of the valve. Furthermore, the valves have a handle that allows the user to change the position of the valve. At the very bottom, you’ll notice that the needle tip fills into the seat of the valve to allow for complete closures. This is the typical construction of a brass needle valve.
The Workings of Needle Valves
There are two different types of needle valves: automatic and manual. Automated models use the power of hydraulic systems or air compression to toggle the valve open or closed. The position of the plunger can be determined through use of a timer. This makes it extremely easy to control the movement of the plunger.
In manual systems, the hand-wheel is used to control the plunger’s position. Generally, the direction of the turn determines the plunger’s placement. These models are used in applications that don’t require constant changes.
Putting Brass Needle Valves to Use
There are many different ways to use dependable brass needle valves. In most cases, they will be used in conjunction with systems utilizing liquids with a low flow rating. They can also be used for chemical processing and low pressure hydraulic systems. In the end, these are versatile pieces of equipment.