All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(3850 products available)
There is a broad categorization of recirculating valves, which can be subdivided into several types based on a particular application. These are some of the most common varieties of such valves.
The straight piston recirculating valve is mainly used in hydraulic systems where the concerns are about efficiency and stability of pressure in the system. An operational feature of this valve is a piston that aligns parallel with the fluid flow. The main work of this valve is to modulate the flow of fluid by either opening or closing. This type of valve is very durable and tends to have a long life span, which makes it wide enough applied in conditions that are relatively severe. Moreover, its operation is said to be very efficient since it maintains a low resistance on fluid as it recirculates.
Common applications for spool recirculating valves are in the areas of low-pressure hydraulic systems, which need frequent adjustments of the fluid flow. The major parts of this valve include the spool, which is the moving component found inside the valve housing. During operation, the spool shifts to open or close fluid pathways. Out of this, these valves are highly flexible and can be fine-tuned, which makes them ideal in situations where one needs to control the fluid with precision. However, compared to the piston type, the spool type is less effective in severe conditions due to wear and tear.
These valves are very durable and efficient in energy use in both hydraulic and pneumatic systems. A ball valve is a valve with a spherical ball inside the valve that has a hole through which fluid passes. The ball either turns to allow flow or turns to block flow. Because of its design, the ball recirculating valve has a wider application in conditions in which there are high pressures and high flow rates. In addition to that, there is a continuous and quick opening and closing of this type of valve, which minimizes the backflow through the system and thereby enhancing operation.
The plate recirculating valves are common in pneumatic systems and hydraulic drives, where they help to keep the power sources and loads in balance. The plates are designed so that they close when there is no sufficient pressure from the fluid. The hydraulic fluid under high pressure pushes the plates against the seat and opens the valve, thereby allowing fluid passage. Maintenance costs are low since the plate valves are said to be very durable. However, due to the design, their efficiency at high flow rates is low.
A's the durability, performance, and resistance characteristics of recirculating valves to factors such as pressure and temperature are largely dependent on the materials used in making the valves. Below are the most common materials used in constructing recirculating valves.
Because it is easy to mill, wear-resistant, and moderately priced, brass is continually applied in various engineering applications, including recirculating valves. The properties of brass provide good resistance to corrosion and hydraulic fluids. It is especially preferred for low to medium pressure applications because of its strength and toughness.
Recirculating valves constructed with stainless steel possess a premium resistance to corrosion, rust, and degradation. These valves are widely used in water, steam, chemical, and high-temperature oil applications. Materials used in the making of stainless steel are said to have a combination of strength and rigidity, and therefore, it is an ideal material to use in very severe and demanding applications.
PTFE is a particular material that will encompass the sealing elements of recirculating valves. This material has a high resistance to chemical attacks and thermal degradation. It will not only be used with stainless steel, silver alloy steel, or brass, but also with recirculating valves. In addition, their low friction property makes them ideal for smooth valve operation and longer life.
High-performance recirculating valves that are commonly used in punishing environments like aerospace or marine industries are made from nickel alloys. Since nickel alloys do not corrode easily, they are therefore suitable for extreme temperatures. Besides, their solidity and impact resistance make them suitable for high-demand applications, including oil and gas extraction.
Still, aluminum alloy valves are becoming popular, especially in applications where the pressure is relatively low. Aluminum alloys are light in weight, which makes them relieve loads from structures. It is also easy to shape them, which makes them ideal for custom applications. Even though they don't have as much corrosion resistance as nickel or stainless steel, they're still a good choice for less extreme environments.
A recirculating valve has commercial value since almost every business makes use of them in different fields. The following are the important installations of these valves.
A recirculation valve is used to control the flow of air in a vehicle HVAC system. This helps in nourishing the engine by directing some air back to the intake manifold while some are recirculated through the cabin. A recirculating valve is applied in pneumatic systems to control the air pressure and flow balance.
In an automotive application, the recirculating valve is commonly used to minimize the overheating of the engine by helping in the circulation of coolant within the engine block and the cooling system.
Household refrigerators make use of recirculating valves to enhance cooling efficiency. By controlling refrigerant flow, the valves help the systems accomplish more efficient cooling with lower energy consumption.
In agriculture, a recirculating valve is installed in irrigation systems to control the flow of water and nutrients to crops. This helps to minimize waste and conserve resources by ensuring plants receive only what they need.
In the oilfield, recirculating valves will maintain pressure in a way that it will protect pipelines from damage because they help control the back pressure in the valves. In gas extraction, recirculating valves help in controlling the flow of gas and hence protect the system from overpressure.
In large buildings, recirculating valves will be used to control the flow of hot and cold water in heating and cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature throughout the building. This is applied in chillers to control refrigerant flow and enhance system efficiency.
Ships and boats use recirculating valves in cooling systems to protect engines from overheating by ensuring a constant flow of coolant.
Pneumatics and hydraulics use recirculating valves to maintain constant pressure and reduce fluctuations that can damage equipment in industrial settings. This provides a steady pressure for pneumatic tools, which improves their performance and extends their lifespan.
One must consider certain key factors to select the correct recirculating valve. Below are all the factors to consider when purchasing a recirculating valve in bulk.
This means that the material of the recirculating valve must be compatible with the working fluid. For example, a recirculating valve in an oil-related activity is normally made from stainless steel or brass to provide good resistance from corrosion. While PTFE or other materials may work well, they are generally reserved for chemical industries that use harsher substances.
Every recirculation valve is manufactured to withstand a specific pressure range. It is, therefore, important not to use an excess-pressure valve to exceed the operational pressure of the system, as this will lead to system failure. On the other end, low-pressure systems can use simpler designs, like a spool type, which may not handle high pressures.
Extreme fluctuation temperatures can affect the materials of the recirculating valve. Valves for high-temperature applications must be made from materials that can resist heat, like stainless steel or nickel alloys. Conversely, the PTFE valve should be used in areas where the temperature is likely to damage the material of PTFE, as it is heat-resistant.
The size of the recirculating valve should be compatible with the existing plumbing or system components. This ensures proper integration without the need for additional modifications. It is, therefore, necessary to measure the diameter and ensure the correct size is selected so that the system can operate efficiently and effectively.
Different types of recirculating valves are suitable for different kinds of fluid. PTFE and other high-performance materials should be used in recirculating valves for chemically active fluids. Brass or stainless steel is ideal for oil and gas applications. Avoid using a material that is not compatible with the fluid, as it can wear out the valve faster or even disrupt the system.
Every application has specific requirements for selecting the recirculating valve, such as flow rate or degree of control. A high-precision application requiring fine control may need a spool type, while high flow rates may need ball or plate valves. Besides, in the variable applications, there should always be room for adjustment.
A1: Most common materials used in making recirculating valves include stainless steel for corrosion resistance and brass for its durability. There are also aluminum alloys, which are light in weight, and nickel alloys for extreme environments, while PTFE is meant for chemically active environments.
A2: Refrigerators, Vehicles and Pneumatic systems, Hydraulics and Oil and Gas extraction are the common applications of recirculating valves. They are also widely used in HVAC systems, marine cooling systems, pressure regulation, and irrigation systems in agriculture.
A3: The factors to consider include the material compatibility with the working fluid, operational pressure, temperature range, fluid type, system size, and application-specific requirements, such as flow rate and control.
A4: A4: Yes, recirculating valves have an expiration date. Their lifespan depends on several factors, including the operating conditions, the materials used, and the type of application. Common recirculating valves will typically last between, 10,000 and 20,000 hours under normal conditions.
