Valves

Industrial Ice Machine

A valve is used to regulate the flow of fluids and gasses by opening and closing a pathway that the fluid or gas is travelling through.  Valves are present everywhere in our daily lives.  The human body even uses valves to control the flow of air, blood, food etc. throughout the body. Turning on a tap opens a valve to allow the flow of water through the faucet.  Closing the switch on a gas appliance obstructs the flow of gas to the components. It’s mind boggling how many appliances and products utilise valves in their operation.

Most valves are required to be air or water tight. When the valve is closed, a leak could not only be wasteful or annoying such as in a dripping tap, but hazardous. A leak in the valve of an oxygen tank could be fatal for a deep sea diver. A gas leak in your home would have explosive consequences. Thus it is important when purchasing products that use valves in their operation, to ensure that the valves are not leaking and are sealed properly. Valves can be operated manually be turning a wheel, flipping a switch or depressing a lever. Safety valves however regulate flow by monitoring changes in temperature or pressure. For example, boiling a kettle produces steam inside the kettle, if your kettle was left to boil and there was no outlet for the steam to escape, your kettle would explode as the pressure builds.  A safety valve would measure the pressure of the steam and open to release the steam preventing an explosion.

Valves also have to be resistant to extreme conditions. A valve regulating the flow of liquid nitrogen must be able to withstand sub zero temperatures.  Any valve controlling the flow of liquids, must be impervious to rust and corrosion. Pumps must be air tight to ensure that pressure builds to create a vacuum. Thus it is important that all valves that are used in the manufacture of these products meet with the strictest standards and quality control measures. 

There is a wealth of information out there regarding valves their uses and how they can benefit your daily life. For further information on these products and services visit www.bestobell.co.za or call us on 011 830-1265.