A globe valve is a linear motion valve used to regulate or throttle the flow of fluids in pipelines. It consists of several main components that work together to control the flow through the valve. Here are the main parts of a typical globe valve:
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Body:
- The body is the outer casing of the valve that contains all the internal components. It provides the primary structure of the valve and is typically made of materials such as cast iron, cast steel, stainless steel, or bronze.
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Bonnet:
- The bonnet is the top cover of the valve body. It houses the stem and gland assembly and provides access to the internal components of the valve for maintenance and repair. The bonnet is typically bolted or threaded onto the valve body.
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Disc or Plug:
- The disc, also known as the plug, is the movable component of the valve that controls the flow of fluid through the valve. It is connected to the valve stem and moves up and down within the valve body to open or close the flow passage. The disc typically has a spherical or conical shape and is designed to form a seal against the valve seat when closed.
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Seat:
- The seat is the stationary component of the valve that forms a seal with the disc or plug when the valve is closed. It prevents fluid from leaking through the valve when it is in the closed position. The seat is typically made of materials such as stainless steel, brass, or soft materials like PTFE (Teflon) or rubber.
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Stem:
- The stem is a shaft that connects the valve disc or plug to the actuator (handwheel, motor, or pneumatic actuator). It transmits the motion from the actuator to the disc, allowing the operator to open or close the valve. The stem typically extends through the bonnet and is sealed with packing to prevent leakage.
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Handwheel or Actuator:
- The handwheel or actuator is the mechanism used to operate the valve. It provides the force necessary to move the stem and disc, opening or closing the valve to control the flow of fluid. Handwheels are manually operated, while actuators can be pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic for automated operation.
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Stem and Gland Assembly:
- The stem and gland assembly includes the stem, gland nut, and packing material. The gland nut compresses the packing material around the stem to create a seal and prevent leakage of fluid along the stem. Packing materials may include braided graphite, PTFE (Teflon), or other resilient materials.
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Body Seals:
- Body seals are gaskets or O-rings that provide a seal between the body and the bonnet, preventing fluid leakage at the valve joints. They are typically made of materials such as graphite, PTFE (Teflon), or rubber.
These are the main components of a typical globe valve, though variations may exist depending on the specific design and application requirements. Globe valves are commonly used in various industries for their versatility, reliability, and ability to provide precise control of fluid flow.