Complete Guide to Valve Classification: By Usage, Pressure, Temperature & Actuation

Valves are core components in fluid pipeline systems used to control media on/off, pressure, flow rate and flow direction. There is a wide variety of valve types. In the industry, valves are generally classified by function & purpose, nominal pressure, operating temperature, drive mode, nominal diameter, structural features, connection method, valve body material and stroke type.

1. Classification by Function & Purpose

• Isolation Valves: Also known as shut-off valves, used to start or stop media flow in pipelines. Includes gate valves, globe valves, plug valves, ball valves, butterfly valves and diaphragm valves.

• Check Valves: Also called non-return valves, to prevent backflow of media. Foot valves belong to the check valve family.

• Safety Valves: Protect pipelines and equipment by limiting system pressure below setpoints and releasing overpressure safely.

• Regulating Valves: Including control valves, throttle valves and pressure reducing valves, used to adjust media pressure and flow.

• Diverting Valves: For distributing, separating or mixing pipeline media, such as diverter valves and steam traps.

• Air Release Valves: Auxiliary pipeline components widely used in boilers, HVAC, oil & gas and water supply & drainage. Installed at high points or elbows to vent trapped air, improving pipeline efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

2. Classification by Nominal Pressure

• Vacuum Valves: Operating pressure below standard atmospheric pressure

• Low Pressure Valves: Nominal pressure PN ≤1.6MPa

• Medium Pressure Valves: Nominal pressure PN 2.5～6.4MPa

• High Pressure Valves: Nominal pressure PN 10～80MPa

• Ultra-High Pressure Valves: Nominal pressure PN≥100MPa

3. Classification by Working Temperature

• Cryogenic Valves: Media temperature t＜－100℃

• Low Temperature Valves: Media temperature －100℃≤t≤－29℃

• Normal Temperature Valves: Media temperature －29℃＜t＜120℃

• Medium Temperature Valves: Media temperature 120℃≤t≤425℃

• High Temperature Valves: Media temperature t＞450℃

4. Classification by Drive / Actuation Type

• Self-acting Valves: Driven by media energy without external power supply. Examples: safety valves, pressure reducing valves, steam traps, check valves.

• Power-operated Valves: Driven by external power sources

• Electric valves: Electrically actuated

• Pneumatic valves: Driven by compressed air

• Hydraulic valves: Driven by hydraulic oil

• Combined actuation: e.g. electro-pneumatic valves

• Manual Valves: Operated by handwheel, handle or chain wheel. Worm gear reducers available for high torque; remote shaft operation supported.

5. Classification by Nominal Diameter

• Small Bore Valves: DN≤40mm

• Medium Bore Valves: DN 50～300mm

• Large Bore Valves: DN 350～1200mm

• Extra Large Bore Valves: DN≥1400mm

6. Classification by Structural Features

• Globe Type Valves: Closing member moves along the seat centerline

• Plug Valves: Plug or ball rotates around its own central axis

• Gate Type Valves: Closing member moves perpendicular to valve seat center

• Swing Valves: Closing member rotates around a shaft outside the seat

• Butterfly Valves: Disc-shaped closure rotates around a shaft inside the seat

• Slide Valves: Closing member slides perpendicular to flow channel

7. Classification by Connection Method

• Threaded Valves: Valve body with internal/external threads for threaded pipe connection

• Flanged Valves: Valve body equipped with flanges, connected by flange bolts

• Welded Valves: Valve body with bevel ends for welding to pipelines

• Clamped / Wafer Valves: Quick assembly with clamp fittings

• Ferrule Connection Valves: Sealed and compressed by ferrules

• Wafer Type Valves: Bolts directly pass through valve body to clamp adjacent pipes

8. Classification by Valve Body Material

• Metal Valves: Cast iron valves, carbon steel valves, alloy steel valves, copper alloy valves, titanium alloy valves, etc.

• Non-Metal Valves: Plastic valves, ceramic valves, enamel valves, fiberglass reinforced plastic valves

• Metal Lined Valves: Metal substrate lined internally with rubber, plastic or ceramic anti-corrosion layers

9. Classification by Operating Stroke

• Quarter-turn Valves: Ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves, etc.

• Linear Stroke Valves: Gate valves, globe valves, angle seat valves, etc.

10. About Us

Shenzhen Juchang Precision Co., Ltd. is located in Pingshan District, Shenzhen. It is a high-tech enterprise specializing in R&D, manufacturing and processing of high-end precision ceramic pumps, ceramic plunger pumps, ceramic filling pumps, ceramic injection pumps and alumina, zirconia precision ceramic components. The company owns full sets of core equipment including isostatic pressing, high-temperature sintering, 5-axis CNC precision machining and mirror polishing. We focus on solving fluid transfer challenges under strong corrosion, high wear, high cleanliness and high precision conditions. Our products are widely used in new energy lithium battery, pharmaceutical & medical, semiconductor, fine chemical, environmental water treatment and other high-end industrial sectors. We provide standard products and customized one-stop fluid control solutions.

Product Advantages

• Ultra-high dimensional accuracy: Machining tolerance up to ±0.001mm, ceramic mirror polishing Ra≤0.025μm. Stable fitting clearance enables long-term zero leakage;

• Strong corrosion resistance & no precipitation: High-purity zirconia / alumina ceramics feature excellent chemical inertness, resist strong acids and alkalis, no metal ion leaching, meeting high cleanliness requirements for pharmaceutical and lithium battery industries;

• Long service life & wear resistance: Ceramic materials have high hardness, anti-wear and anti-aging properties. Service life is greatly extended compared with metal parts, lowering equipment maintenance cost;

• Full custom capability: Customizable material grade, flow rate and structural dimensions according to working conditions. One-stop delivery from material formulation, component machining to assembly;

• Strict quality control: Equipped with complete precision inspection instruments. Batch performance testing ensures stable product quality.

For more technical articles and product solutions about industrial valves and fluid control, please visit our official website: https://www.zhmidi.com/