A pipeline
system may have up to several types of pipes, each designed to transport
fluids. Some pipelines use extra strong
pipes to transport fluids under high temperature and high pressure, while some
use normal pipes for ordinary fluid transport, like in faucets or sewerage. However, there are times when pipes get
damaged or corroded because of too much pressure. These damages can lead to anything from
inconvenient water leaks to catastrophic explosions.
To avoid too
much pressure from damaging pipes, a pipeline system uses a valve to regulate
the amount of fluid flowing through the pipes. Different pipe diameters and
length get subjected to different pressure levels, so sophisticated pipeline
systems usually require multiple valves to function properly. Valves come in variety, in terms of how they
function.
Each type of
valve has special characteristics that make them ideal for a specific purpose.
For example, pipelines that transport toxic fluids are too dangerous for humans
to operate manually, so the pipeline requires automatic valves, while water
pipes can have manually operated valves. Nevertheless, they are all designed to
regulate liquid flow inside the pipes.
A valve can
be classified depending on the size of the pipe it is supposed to accommodate
and the nature of the fluid. For
example, a butterfly valve is designed for large diameter pipelines with high volumes
of fluids involved. However, pipelines
that transport toxic liquids and gases need a solenoid valve, like a Spence E valve so
it can be operated safely.
Another common
type of valve is the diaphragm valve, which is commonly seen in non-hygienic
environments. Substances transported by
pipelines using this type of valve usually contain high amounts of acid, so the
valve should be corrosive-resistant.
Unlike the Spence
E2 Valve, the diaphragm valve has a manually operated handle.
A solenoid
valve, like the Spence
E2 Valve, consists of a regular body and a solenoid (which is basically
copper or brass wire wrapped around a metal core. The solenoid produces a magnetic field, which
opens or closes the valve. Since the
valve is automatically operated, it is ideal for places where toxic fumes and
substances pose hazard to people.