Essential Valves in the Gas and Oil Industry

When you wonder where valves are used in the industrial world, the answer is that they are used virtually everywhere. However, when you consider the oil and gas sector, these are the places where valves are perhaps the most important. Valves keep these potentially deadly vapors from leaking and keep everyone involved safe from these dangerous situations. It is vital to take note of the essential valves in the gas and oil sector.

ARV and ARC valves are two types of valves essential in the gas and oil industry. ARV stands for automatic recirculation valve, and ARC is an acronym for automatic recirculation control. Both are multi-functional, and they ensure the predetermined minimal flow goes through consistently. Another pivotal type of valve is the ball valve, which is a quarter-turn rotational motion valve to control flow. If a ball valve is opened, the holes stay in line with the body inlet that allows the contents through. It is primarily used for air, gas, and liquid, and ball valves typically have a tight sealing and low torque.

Breather valves are also known as vacuum relief valves and are a special type of relief valve used for tank protection in the gas and oil industry. This type of essential valve prevents the buildup of excessive pressure, or vacuum, which causes an imbalance in the system. Another critical type of valve used in the gas or oil industry is the globe valve. This type of valve is used for cooling water systems, transporting fuel oil and turbine lube oil systems, and regulating the flow of linear motion flow. Gate valves are also used to regulate flow of linear flow of fluid, and they are kept fully open or closed. 

ORBIT valves are a type of valve that incorporate a tilt and turn operate to eliminate seal rubbing, a factor that often causes valve failure. When an ORBIT valve closes, the core of the valve is mechanically wedged against the seat which means a positive shut off. However, when it opens, the core is able to tilt away from the seat, and line flow passes around the core face. High-velocity flow is eliminated, and thus valve life is lengthened. 

Other essential valves in the oil and gas industry include plug valves, pressure seal valves, and more. Each is important for any gas and oil engineer to understand the basic functionality and principles, and what these valves can be used for.