Ports are a
key component of any pipe valve. They
serve as the main passageways connecting two or more pipes to the valve. Fluid flowing through large pipes can flow
through the port either to contain it or to increase its flow. This allows fluid to go through varying pipe
sizes without any danger of leaking and eruptions throughout the entire pipe
system.
You will
often see calves with two ports; one is connected to the “tail” of one pipe
(where the fluid comes from) and the other connects to a second pipe (where the
fluid flows to). The ports may be connected to the pipes using various methods,
depending on the type of substance flowing through them. Some systems only require basic threading,
but systems with more fluid substances require compression fittings and even
permanent welding to avoid possible leaks.
Valves
usually have three holes, but only two of these serve as actual ports. The third hole is controlled by a disc called
the diaphragm. When the valve opens, the disc is lifted up, allowing the fluid
to flow through the obstruction and pass through the other end. Small valves use flexible materials, like
rubber and synthetics, instead of metal discs to regulate the amount of fluid
passing through the ports.
There are
many valves that use more than two ports.
In fact, there are heavy-duty valves with 15-20 individual ports,
transferring fluids to multiple pipes at varying pressure levels. However, two-port valves are still the most
common valves. Even solenoid valves,
like the Spence T14 Pilot is designed
with only two ports.
In pipeline
systems transporting oil and chemicals, two-port valves are often set to
“normally open” or “normally closed”.
Normally closed calves are only open if required; otherwise, they stay
closed most of the time. Special valves,
like the Spence T14 Pilot, are often
normally closed.
Three-point
and four-point valves are often used in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing
industries, where different fluids are transported in multiple directions. Unlike the Spence
T14 Pilot, these valves are made of metals that do not react to the
substance passing through them to avoid product contamination.