How To Distinguish Needle Valve From Other Valves
Unlike other valves, a needle valve has a slender, pointed tip that is used to control the flow of the liquid. It has a small orifice with long seat and a plunger that is shaped like a needle which fits the seat.
There are different valves for different use. Knowing what valve is being used on a certain engine or things will enable you to maintain its functionality and performance. Different type of valves may include ball valves, check valves, butterfly valves and needle valves. Other valves are used generally for industrial purposes. Valves can be manual or automatic, too.
A needle valve is a type of valve that is designed to control the volume of liquid that flows in small lines. As the liquid that passes through the valve makes ninety degrees turn passing through an orifice that seats a rod with a cone-shaped tip, the size of the orifice changes depending on how much or how little liquid flow is required.
Unlike other valves, a needle valve has a slender, pointed tip that is used to control the flow of the liquid. It has a small orifice with long seat and a plunger that is shaped like a needle which fits the seat. The plunger will evidently retract when the screw is being turned slowly allowing the flow of gas and liquid at a precise amount required by the user. You will have to make many turns before a full flow is possible. As such, this type of valve shall not be used for simple shut-off operations. This type of valve is normally used for very low flow rate requirements at a very accurate regulation. Precise resistance is made possible by the fine thread on the stem and its large seat area. These valves are being used if the requirement is a controlled flow as it can be damaged by a sudden surges if put under a lot of pressure. It also allows sudden stop of liquid or gas flow if the situation requires. Any adjustment of flow is possible when one is using needle valves. But unlike other valves, you will not determine how loose or tight the flow is just by looking at it.
Generally, these valves are used in flow metering applications. Calibrated flows will require this valve having the capability of allowing low flow rate and maintained flow requirement. A very light twist will enable on and off function of the flow making it easy to use, too.
A needle valve is normally designed with the use of a metal needle and elastomeric seat. On the other hand, there are those that are designed using plastic as well. Metal needles may be brass or bronze, other form of steel is also available. Variation in the use of materials can be attributed to a specific function or requirement. There may be a need for a durable usage and some may require moderate function only.
Needle valves are used in many different applications. Generally, any metered flow of steam, air, oil, water, gas or any other form of liquid will require this type valve. This valve is used in many industrial need and even domestic, too.
Domestic use includes water heaters, gas lines, even car engines How To Clean The Needle Valve On Carburetor and lawn mowers.
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