Steam Valves

Steam valves are used to control the flow and pressure level of steam and heated water vapor. They are usually made of aluminum, brass, bronze, cast iron, ductile iron, copper, steel, or stainless steel. There are several basic types of products. Angle valves position the inlet and outlet at 90° to provide maximum flow. Ball valves offer tight shutoff, predictable control, and ease of operation. Bellows valves feature a contaminant free, positive shutoff for high-purity gas and fluid systems. Butterfly valves control flow through a circular disc or vane by turning the valve's pivot axis at right angles to the direction of flow in the pipe. Cartridge valves are directional control valves which are inserted into manifolds. Check valves are self-activating safety valves that prevent process flow from reversing. Diaphragm valves use an elastomeric diaphragm to separate the flow stream from the closure element. Gate valves or knife valves use a flat closure element to provide shutoff. Both pinch valves and globe valves provide on/off control and throttling service. Plug valves or stop-cock valves raise or lower a cylindrical plug within a seat to control flow. Poppet valves open and close ports with a sealing device composed of a disk, cone or sphere that is pressed against the seating surface using a spring. Other types of steam valves include regulators, servo valves, solenoid valves, spool valves, and toggle valves.