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Valve

Made of

Brass Iron Plastic Natural Rubber

Brief description

A mechanical device that controls the flow of a fluid (liquid, gas, or slurry) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.

Use / Function

  • Primary use: Stopping and starting water flow in Pipes.
  • Secondary uses: Regulating pressure, preventing backflow (check valves), safety release (relief valves).
  • Scale: Tiny (bicycle tire) to massive (dam sluice gates).

Operating principle

  • Obstruction: A movable element (gate, ball, disc, plug) is moved into or out of the stream.
  • Actuation: A handle, wheel, or lever applies force to move the element against the fluid pressure.
  • Sealing: Soft materials (Rubber, leather) or precise metal-to-metal contact prevent leaks when closed.

How to create it

  1. Body: Cast a metal or plastic housing with an inlet and outlet.
  2. Bonnet/Cap: The cover that allows access to internal parts.
  3. Trim: The moving parts (stem, seat, disc).
  4. Assembly: Fit the disc to the stem, insert into the body, and ensure the seat is smooth.
  5. Packing: Wrap the stem with greased rope or rubber to prevent leaks around the handle.

Materials needed

Variants and improvements

  • Gate Valve: A wedge moves up/down. Good for on/off, bad for throttling.
  • Ball Valve: A sphere with a hole rotates 90 degrees. Fast and reliable.
  • Check Valve: Allows flow in only one direction (automatic). Essential for pumps.
  • Butterfly Valve: A disc rotates on a shaft. Compact for large pipes.

Limits and risks

  • Water Hammer: Closing a valve too fast stops water instantly, creating a shockwave that can burst pipes.
  • Leaking: Seats wear out over time.
  • Corrosion: Stuck valves are common in old systems.
  • Pressure: Must be rated for the system’s pressure or it will burst.