Valves are among the most essential components in any chemical processing plant. They play a vital role in regulating flow, maintaining pressure, ensuring safety, and isolating sections of pipelines during maintenance or emergency situations. With complex systems handling corrosive chemicals, high-pressure fluids, and gases, selecting the right valve type and material is crucial for process efficiency, plant safety, and equipment longevity.
As a Singapore-based marine and industrial valve stockist and distributor, Aik Soon Hardware supplies high-quality valves that meet the stringent requirements of chemical and petrochemical industries.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common valve types found in chemical plants, their use cases, materials, selection factors, and where each type is typically installed within the facility.
1. Gate Valves
Description:
Gate valves use a linear rising or non-rising stem to lift a gate or wedge, allowing full flow or complete shut-off. When fully open, they cause minimal pressure drop.
Use Cases:
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Isolation of process lines during maintenance
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Transfer pipelines for non-slurry fluids
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Cooling water or utility services
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
Selection Considerations:
Materials:
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Stainless steel, alloy steel, or bronze for general chemical service
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Hastelloy or PTFE-lined for highly corrosive acids or solvents
2. Globe Valves
Description:
Globe valves are designed for precise flow control. They use a disc that moves perpendicular to the flow, allowing fine regulation of fluid rates.
Use Cases:
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Flow regulation in acid or caustic systems
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Steam, condensate, and cooling water control
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Sampling and dosing applications
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
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Reactor feed lines: For adjusting reagent or catalyst flow
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Cooling systems: To regulate temperature in heat exchangers
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Steam lines: For precise pressure and flow management
Selection Considerations:
Materials:
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316/316L stainless steel for most chemical media
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Alloy 20, Monel, or PTFE-lined options for corrosive or high-temperature environments
3. Ball Valves
Description:
Ball valves feature a rotary ball with a bore that provides full flow when aligned and total shut-off when turned 90 degrees. They are reliable, quick-acting, and easy to maintain.
Use Cases:
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Isolation of process lines
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Quick shut-off in emergency systems
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Handling viscous or hazardous chemicals
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
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Reactor feed and discharge lines
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Storage tank manifolds and utility lines
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Instrumentation loops and sampling points
Selection Considerations:
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Excellent sealing and easy automation
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Trunnion-mounted designs for high-pressure systems
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Fire-safe and anti-static options for flammable service
Materials:
4. Butterfly Valves
Description:
Butterfly valves use a rotating disc to control flow and are suited for large-diameter, low-to-medium pressure applications. Their compact, lightweight design makes them ideal for utility systems.
Use Cases:
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Cooling water and air systems
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Vent gas and scrubber systems
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Low-pressure chemical transfer lines
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
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Cooling towers and utility networks
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Vent gas headers and scrubber systems
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Storage tank inlet/outlet lines
Selection Considerations:
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Not ideal for throttling under high pressure
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Available in concentric, double-offset, and triple-offset types
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Should include chemical-resistant liners or coatings
Materials:
5. Check Valves
Description:
Check valves prevent reverse flow in pipelines, protecting pumps, compressors, and sensitive equipment. They are self-actuated and essential for system safety.
Use Cases:
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Prevent backflow in chemical feed or transfer systems
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Protect centrifugal pumps and compressors
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Maintain pressure integrity in multi-stage systems
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
Selection Considerations:
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Choose swing, lift, or dual-plate types based on flow characteristics
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Verify cracking pressure and installation orientation
Materials:
6. Diaphragm Valves
Description:
Diaphragm valves use a flexible diaphragm pressed against a seat to stop flow. They are particularly effective for corrosive and abrasive fluids.
Use Cases:
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Handling acids, slurries, and viscous fluids
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Sampling lines and batch processing systems
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Corrosive chemical transfer
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
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Acid and caustic handling systems
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Waste treatment and neutralization lines
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Pilot and batch process units
Selection Considerations:
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Ideal for corrosive and particulate-laden media
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Not suitable for high-pressure service
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Available in manual or pneumatic operation
Materials:
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PTFE, PVDF, or rubber-lined bodies for aggressive media
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Cast iron or stainless steel for structural integrity
7. Control Valves
Description:
Control valves automatically regulate process variables such as flow, temperature, and pressure, typically integrated with process control systems (PLC/DCS).
Use Cases:
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Flow and pressure control in reactors and heat exchangers
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Steam temperature regulation
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Chemical blending and dosing systems
Common Locations in Chemical Plants:
Selection Considerations:
Materials:
Key Factors in Valve Selection for Chemical Plants
When selecting valves for chemical process applications, engineers should consider:
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Chemical Compatibility: Use corrosion-resistant alloys or lined materials for acids, alkalis, and solvents.
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Temperature and Pressure: Match valve ratings to system design conditions.
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Flow Control Requirements: Identify whether precise throttling or simple shut-off is needed.
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Maintenance and Automation: Opt for actuator-ready valves in modern plants.
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Industry Standards: Ensure compliance with ASME, API, or ISO certifications for safety and reliability.
Conclusion
Valves form the backbone of every chemical plant, ensuring smooth, safe, and controlled operations across process lines, reactors, and utilities. Gate, globe, ball, butterfly, check, diaphragm, and control valves each serve specialized roles — from isolation and flow regulation to safety protection and automation.
At Aik Soon Hardware, we supply a comprehensive range of industrial-grade valves that meet the stringent demands of chemical processing environments. With extensive inventory, material expertise, and responsive support, we are Singapore’s trusted partner for chemical, marine, and industrial valve solutions.
Contact us today to discuss your project needs or request a quotation.