Unit II

AUTOMATION USING HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

Working Principle

Ø Hydraulic systems works based on the incompressibility of fluids and the Pascal’s Law which states that a
pressure change occurring anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted throughout the
fluid such that the same change occurs everywhere. This way high output forces can be produced with
relatively small inputs of pressure.
Ø The hydraulic fluid transmits force applied at one point in the system to some other location - to produce
any desired change in directionor magnitude of this force.
Ø To carry out this function in the most efficient manner, the hydraulic fluid must be relatively
incompressible and must flow readily and because oil has a high bulk modulus, hydraulic systems can be
finely controlled for precision motion applications.

Components and Basic Operation Process

A typical hydraulic power system includes the following components:

1. Electric Motor: An electric motor is used to drive the pump.

2. Hydraulic Pump: Hydraulic pumps convert mechanical energy from a prime mover (engine or
electric motor) into hydraulic (pressure) energy. The pressure energy is used then to operate an
actuator. Pumps push on a hydraulic fluid and create flow.
3. Strainers and Filters: To keep hydraulic components performing correctly, the hydraulic liquid must be
kept as clean as possible. Foreign matter and tiny metal particles from normal wear of valves, pumps,
and other components are going to enter a system. Strainers, filters, and magnetic plugs are used to
remove foreign particles from a hydraulic liquid and are effective as safeguards against
contamination.

a. Strainers: A strainer is the primary filtering system that removes large particles of foreign
matter from a hydraulic liquid. Even though its screen- ing action is not as good as a filter’s, a
strainer offers less resistance to flow.

b. Filters: A filter removes small foreign particles from a hydraulic fluid and is most effective as a
safeguard against contaminates. They are classi- fied as full flow or proportional flow:

4. Pressure Gauge: A pressure gauge tells us the pressure of fluid going into the valve.

5. Pressure Relief Valves: They provide overload protection for circuit components or limit the force or
torque exerted by a linear actuator or rotary motor.

6. Check Valve: Check valves are the most commonly used in fluid-powered systems. They allow flow in
one direction and prevent flow in the other direction. They may be installed independently in a line, or
they may be incorporated as an integral part of a sequence, counterbalance, or pressure-reducing valve.

7. Direction Control Valve: Directional-control valves are devices used to change the flow direction of
fluid within a pneumatic/hydraulic circuit. They control compressed-air flow to cylinders, rotary
actuators, grippers, and other mechanisms in packaging, handling, assembly, and countless other
applications.

8. Hydraulic Actuator: A hydraulic actuator receives pressure energy and converts it to mechanical force
and motion. An actuator can be linear or rotary. A linear actuator gives force and motion outputs in a
straight line. A rotary actuator produces torque and rotating motion. It is more commonly called a
hydraulic motor or motor.

9. Reservoir: A reservoir stores a liquid that is not being used in a hydrau- lic system. It has many other
important functions as well. It also allows gases to expel and foreign matter to settle out from a liquid. It
functions as a cooler. It functions as a “coarse strainer,” providing sedimentation of impurities.It
functions as an air and water separator.It functions as a foundation for pumps, etc.

Applications

Ø Construction machinery: earthmoving equipment (e.g. excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders), cranes,
tunnel boring equipment, rail equipment, building and construction machineries and drilling rigs

Ø Agricultural/forestry machinery: tractors, combines, rice planting machines, lawn mowers, and logging
machines

Ø Industrial processing/forming machinery: steel mill, machine tools, and plastic processing, die casting,
 press, and sheet metal processing machines, automated production lines, loaders, textile machineries, R&D
equipment and robotic systems

Ø Automobiles: power steering, transmissions, brake systems, shock absorbers and accessories for transport
vehicles

Advantages of Hydraulic Systems

Ø High Power Density: Hydraulic systems can generate a significant amount of force from small
components, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Ø Precision and Control: Hydraulic systems offer fine control over speed, force, and direction,
making them suitable for applications requiring precise movements.
Ø Smooth Operation: Due to the incompressibility of hydraulic fluid, the systems provide smooth
and consistent operation, which is crucial in sensitive applications like aircraft control systems.
Ø Flexibility in Design: Hydraulic components can be easily interconnected through flexible
hoses, allowing for a variety of system layouts and configurations.
Ø Self-Lubricating: The hydraulic fluid naturally lubricates the system components, reducing
wear and tear, and extending the system's lifespan.

Disadvantages of Hydraulic Systems

Ø Leakage and Maintenance: Hydraulic systems are prone to leaks, which can lead to a loss of
efficiency and the potential for fluid contamination. Regular maintenance is required to prevent
these issues.
Ø Complexity: Hydraulic systems can be complex, requiring a higher level of expertise to design,
maintain, and troubleshoot.
Ø Environmental Concerns: Hydraulic fluid spills can be hazardous to the environment, leading
to contamination of soil and water.
Ø High Initial Cost: The cost of hydraulic systems can be higher compared to other types of
systems (like pneumatic or electric), especially when considering the need for specialized
components and materials.

Key Factors in Selecting Hydraulic Fluid

1. Viscosity:
Viscosity is a critical property that affects the flow and lubrication of the hydraulic fluid.
The fluid must have the right viscosity for the operating temperature range. If the viscosity is too
high, the fluid will not flow easily; if it’s too low, it may not provide adequate lubrication.
ISO viscosity grades (e.g., ISO VG 32, 46, 68) are commonly used to specify hydraulic fluids.
2. Lubrication Properties:
Proper lubrication minimizes wear and tear on system components. The fluid should have
good anti-wear properties to protect pumps, valves, and other moving parts. Anti-wear additives,
such as zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP), are often included in hydraulic fluids TO improve
lubrication.

3. Thermal Stability:
The fluid must maintain its properties at high operating temperatures. A fluid with good
thermal stability will resist breakdown and maintain viscosity over a wide temperature range,
reducing the risk of deposits and varnish formation.

4. Oxidation Stability:
Resistance to oxidation extends the fluid’s service life and prevents the formation of
sludge and acids. Fluids with high oxidation stability are necessary for systems that operate at high
temperatures or have extended service intervals.
5. Compatibility:
The fluid must be compatible with system materials, including seals, hoses, and other
components. Incompatibility can lead to seal degradation, leaks, and system failures.
6. Environmental Impact:
Environmental considerations are increasingly important in fluid selection.
Biodegradable or environmentally-friendly fluids, such as synthetic esters or vegetable-based oils,
are often used in environmentally sensitive applications.
7. Fire Resistance:
In certain industries, fire-resistant fluids are required for safety. Water-Glycol: Mixtures
with high water content that resist ignition. Phosphate Ester: Synthetic fluids known for their high
fire resistance.
8. Operating Conditions:
Higher pressure systems may require fluids with specific additives to handle extreme
conditions. Temperature: Fluids should maintain their properties at the lowest and highest operating
temperatures of the system.
Additives:
o Detergents: Keep the system clean by preventing deposit formation.
o Anti-Foaming Agents: Reduce foaming and air entrapment in the fluid.
o Corrosion Inhibitors: Protect metal components from rust and corrosion.
Common Types of Hydraulic Fluids
Ø Mineral Oil-Based Fluids: Widely used due to their good lubrication properties and cost-
effectiveness.
Ø Synthetic Fluids: Offer better thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and fire resistance but are
more expensive.
Ø Water-Based Fluids: Include water-glycol and water-oil emulsions, used in applications
requiring fire resistance.
Ø Biodegradable Fluids: Made from vegetable oils or synthetic esters, suitable for
environmentally sensitive applications.

Hydraulic Pumps

A hydraulic pump works by taking in fluid from a reservoir and then pushing it into the
hydraulic system. The pump's mechanical action (such as the rotation of gears, pistons, or vanes)
displaces the fluid, creating flow.

Pump Classifications

All hydraulic pumps fall into one of two classifications

1. Non-Positive Displacement Pumps – Non-positive displacement pumps, also known as
dynamic or kinetic pumps, move fluid by imparting velocity to the fluid, which is then
 converted to flow. These pumps do not move a fixed volume of fluid per cycle.
2. Positive-Displacement Pumps – Positive displacement pumps move a fixed amount of fluid
with each cycle (rotation, stroke, or movement) of the pump. They create flow by
mechanically trapping fluid in cavities and forcing it into the hydraulic system
Types of Positive-Displacement Pumps:
Reciprocating Pump

o As the piston extends, the partial vacuum created in the pump chamber draws liquid from
the reservoir through the inlet check valve into the chamber. The partial vacuum helps seat
firmly the outlet check valve.
o As the piston retracts, the inlet check valve reseats, closing the valve, and the force of the
piston unseats the outlet check valve, forcing liquid out of the pump and into the system.
The same amount of liquid is forced out of the pump during each reciprocating cycle.

Gear Pump:

o Consists of two meshing gears. As the gears rotate, fluid is trapped between the gear teeth
and the pump housing, then moved from the inlet to the outlet.
o Fluid Entry: As the gears rotate, the teeth unmesh at the pump's inlet, creating a vacuum
that draws fluid into the cavities between the gear teeth.
o Fluid Transport: The fluid is trapped between the gear teeth and the walls of the pump
housing. It is then carried around the outer edge of the gears as they rotate.
o Fluid Discharge: As the gears continue to rotate and mesh again at the pump's outlet, the
fluid is pushed out of the cavities and into the hydraulic system under pressure.
Screw Pump:

o Consists of two or more intermeshing screws that rotate to move fluid along the axis of the
screws.
o Fluid Entry: Fluid enters the pump at the inlet, where the screw threads begin to engage
with the fluid.
o Fluid Transport: As the screws rotate, the fluid is trapped between the screw threads and
the pump casing. The rotation of the screws moves the fluid along the length of the screws,
pushing it toward the outlet.
o Fluid Discharge: The fluid is continuously transported along the screws and is discharged
from the pump's outlet under pressure.
Non-Positive Displacement Pump
A non-positive displacement pump, also known as a dynamic or kinetic pump, moves fluid by
imparting velocity to the fluid, which is then converted into flow. Unlike positive displacement
pumps, non-positive displacement pumps do not trap a fixed volume of fluid in cavities. Instead,
they rely on the fluid's kinetic energy to generate flow. The flow rate in these pumps is variable and
depends on the system pressure and pump speed.
Centrifugal Pump:

It uses a rotating impeller to impart velocity to the fluid. The fluid enters the pump near the
center of the impeller, is accelerated outward by centrifugal force, and is discharged through the
pump casing.
Applications: Widely used in water supply systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning), chemical processing, and wastewater treatment.
 Hydraulic Valves

Hydraulic valves are crucial components in hydraulic systems, used to control the flow,
pressure, and direction of hydraulic fluid. These valves play a vital role in ensuring that the
hydraulic system operates safely, efficiently, and as intended. There are several types of hydraulic
valves, each designed for specific functions within the system.
Types of Hydraulic Valves
1. Directional Control Valves:
Control the direction of the hydraulic fluid flow within the system. The valves enable flow
direction control of fluid in a hydraulic circuit and both control of the direction of movement or
(shutting off) stopping of their appliances
Types:
o Check Valve: Allows fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.
o Spool Valve: Uses a movable spool to direct fluid to different paths within the hydraulic
circuit.
o Pilot-Operated Valve: Controlled by a smaller pilot valve and used in high-pressure
systems.
Used in hydraulic circuits where fluid direction needs to be controlled, such as in cylinders or
motors.
2. Pressure Control Valves:
Regulate the pressure within the hydraulic system to protect components and ensure safe
operation. These valves protect the system from excessive pressure, which can lead to component
failure, system damage, or safety hazards. There are several types of pressure control valves, each
with a specific function.
o Relief Valve: Limits the maximum pressure by diverting excess fluid when a set pressure is
reached.
o Pressure Reducing Valve: Maintains a lower pressure in a part of the system.
o Sequence Valve: Ensures operations occur in a specific sequence by controlling pressure in
different parts of the system.
 o Counterbalance Valve: Controls the pressure to prevent uncontrolled movement in
applications like lifting.

3. Flow Control Valves:

Control the rate of fluid flow within the hydraulic system, influencing the speed of actuators
like cylinders and motors. Its function is to allow the flow in one direction only. It does not permit
the flow in the opposite direction.
For this reason, they are also known as non-return valves. In order to avoid any leakage, these
valves are always of poppet type construction. They consist of a ball or a poppet, which is kept in
its normally closed position by a spring. When the fluid pressure overcomes the spring force, the
poppet is forced off its seat, allowing flow in that direction. Flow is not possible in the opposite
direction. This valve is used frequently in hydraulic and pneumatic circuits because of its number of
applications.

Hydraulic Filters

` Hydraulic filters are essential components in hydraulic systems, designed to remove

contaminants from the hydraulic fluid. Metal particles are continually produced by mechanical
components and need to be removed along with other contaminants. Contaminants such as dirt,
metal particles, and other debris can cause damage to hydraulic components, reduce system
efficiency, and lead to premature failure. By keeping the hydraulic fluid clean, filters help ensure
the reliable and efficient operation of hydraulic systems.

Types of Hydraulic Filters

 Filters may be positioned in many locations and based on the location it can be classified as
1. Return Line Filters:
o Positioned in the return line of the hydraulic circuit, these filters clean the fluid as it
returns to the reservoir.
o Used to remove contaminants from the fluid after it has passed through the hydraulic
components.
o Helps protect the hydraulic pump and other components by ensuring that only clean fluid is
returned to the reservoir.
2. Pressure Line Filters:
o Installed in the high-pressure line of the hydraulic circuit, these filters remove
contaminants before the fluid reaches critical components like the hydraulic actuators or
valves.
o Protects sensitive components from damage caused by contaminants in high-pressure fluid.
o Ensures that the fluid delivered to high-pressure components is free from harmful particles.
3. Suction Line Filters:
o Located in the suction line leading to the hydraulic pump, these filters prevent
contaminants from entering the pump and causing damage.
o Protects the hydraulic pump by filtering the fluid before it is drawn into the pump.
o Prevents damage to the pump and extends its operational life.
4. Inline Filters:
o These filters are installed directly in the hydraulic lines, either in the pressure or return
lines, depending on the application.
o Can be used in various parts of the hydraulic system to provide additional filtration.
o Offers flexibility in filter placement and can be easily replaced or serviced.
5. Breather Filters:
o Installed on the reservoir to filter the air entering and exiting the tank, preventing
contaminants from entering the hydraulic fluid.
o Protects the hydraulic fluid from airborne contaminants and maintains pressure equilibrium
in the reservoir.
o Helps to keep the hydraulic fluid clean and maintain proper fluid levels in the reservoir.
Advantages of Hydraulic Filters
o Component Protection: Prevents contaminants from causing wear or damage to hydraulic
components, extending their lifespan.
o System Efficiency: Helps maintain the efficiency of the hydraulic system by ensuring clean
 fluid flow.
o Reduced Maintenance Costs: Prevents costly repairs and downtime by keeping the
hydraulic fluid clean and reducing the risk of system failures.
o Improved Performance: Contributes to the smooth operation of hydraulic systems by
maintaining proper fluid cleanliness and flow.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Filters
o Pressure Drop: Filters can cause a drop in pressure across the filter, which can impact
system performance if not properly designed.
o Maintenance: Requires regular inspection and replacement or cleaning of filter elements to
ensure continued effectiveness.
o Contamination Risk: If not maintained properly, filters can become clogged or damaged,
potentially allowing contaminants to pass through.

Hydraulic Reservoirs

Hydraulic reservoirs are crucial components of hydraulic systems, serving as storage tanks for
hydraulic fluid. They provide a place for the fluid to be stored, allow for expansion and
contraction of the fluid due to temperature changes, and help in the separation of contaminants
and air from the fluid. Proper design and maintenance of hydraulic reservoirs are essential for the
efficient and reliable operation of hydraulic systems.
o The reservoir should have sufficient capacity to contain all of the fluid in the hydraulic
system with at least a 10% excess margin. On mobile units it is often necessary to have a
smaller reservoir.
o The return line to the reservoir should be at the furthest end from the pump inlet feed to
allow solid particle drop out and entrained air to be released to the open surface.
o The return pipe can include a pepper pot arrangement well below the fluid surface level to
encourage dispersion of flow
o The reservoir should be designed with a safe working level such that the pump inlet and the
system return pipe are continuously immersed at all times during the operating cycle.
o The oil flow through the reservoir should be at a low rate and preferable through perforated
 baffle plates to encourage air and precipitation of contaminants.

Hydraulic Accumulator
It works as an intermediate device between supply lines of hydraulic fluid from pump to
required machines like hydraulic lift, hydraulic press, hydraulic cranes etc. It temporarily stores the
pressurized hydraulic fluid when operating machine is at ideal condition. Some hydraulic machines
require high pressure for a small period of time. It stores the pressurized hydraulic fluid at ideal
time and supply to the machine when it is required.

o A simple hydraulic accumulator consists of a cylinder with inlet and outlet ports for the
hydraulic fluid, inlet are attached with the pump whereas outlet is connected with the
operational machine. Cylinder consists of a ram with reciprocating motion inside the cylinder
and having some weight on the top of the ram. The arrangement of the ram and cylinder should
be vertical in position.
o Pump continuously supplies the hydraulic fluid to the operating machine through the
accumulator, when there is no requirement of the fluid the outlet becomes close.
o This time continuous supply from the pump raises the ram/plunger in the upward position
gradually till the extreme end or until the outlet is open.
o This operation helps to store the hydraulic energy inside the accumulator for a small period of
time. As the operating machine require pressurized fluid for the power stroke then the outlet
port becomes open and ram with weights on the top starts slides downward gradually which
results high pressurized liquid is delivered to the operating machine during its power stroke.
o This whole operation repeated continuously and helps us to do difficult tasks with small
investment of energy.

Hydraulic Actuators
Pneumatic actuators are normally used to control processes requiring quick and accurate
response, as they do not require a large amount of motive force. A typical piston-type hydraulic
actuator is shown in Below Figure. It consists of a cylinder, piston, spring, hydraulic supply and
return line, and stem.
The piston slides vertically inside the cylinder and separates the cylinder into two chambers.
The upper chamber contains the spring and the lower chamber contains hydraulic oil.

o The hydraulic supply and return line is connected to the lower chamber and allows hydraulic
fluid to flow to and from the lower chamber of the actuator. The stem transmits the motion of
the piston to a valve.
o Initially, with no hydraulic fluid pressure, the spring force holds the valve in the closed
position. As fluid enters the lower chamber, pressure in the chamber increases
o This pressure results in a force on the bottom of the piston opposite to the force caused by the
spring. When the hydraulic force is greater than the spring force, the piston begins to move
upward, the spring compresses, and the valve begins to open.
o As the hydraulic pressure increases, the valve continues to open. Conversely, as hydraulic oil is
drained from the cylinder, the hydraulic force becomes less than the spring force, the piston
moves downward, and the valve closes. By regulating amount of oil supplied or drained from
the actuator, the valve can be positioned between fully open and fully closed

Hydraulic Intensifier
It takes the high volume, low-pressure flow from the pump and converts a portion of this flow
to a required value of high pressure. A pressure intensifier is analogous to a step-up transformer in
electrical power transmission, which receives, low voltage and high current and converts it into
high voltage and low current.
 The principle of operation of an intensifier is illustrated in the above sketch. As shown in the
sketch, besides on larger side piston,
F = P1 X A1
And on smaller side piston this force gets applied to the fluid present in the chamber. Hence
pressure developed in that chamber is,
P2 = F/A2
From these two equations, we can say
P2 = P1 X A1 / A2
And thus, P2 = (A1/A2) X P1
In other words, the output pressure is multiplied by the ratio of areas. Thus higher the ratio of
the bigger piston area to the smaller piston area, the higher the pressure intensification will be.
Intensifiers often have pressure ratios ranging up to 50, so they find most useful applications
where the pressure required is much higher than are obtainable from a pump, as in high-pressure
presses, testing machines, etc.
Types of Hydraulic Intensifiers
1. Piston Intensifier:
Uses a piston to achieve pressure amplification. A small-diameter piston applies force to a
larger-diameter piston, creating a higher pressure on the larger piston side. Fluid enters the
small-diameter side of the piston, and the force applied by this fluid is transferred to the larger-
diameter piston, resulting in higher pressure on the output side.
2. Hydrostatic Intensifier:
Uses hydrostatic pressure multiplication to achieve pressure intensification. It often
involves a series of connected pistons or cylinders - Hydraulic fluid is transferred through a
series of pistons or cylinders that multiply the input pressure to achieve higher output pressure.
3. Mechanical Intensifier:
Utilizes mechanical means, such as gears or cams, to increase hydraulic pressure -
Mechanical components are used to amplify the pressure of the hydraulic fluid through a
mechanical linkage or gearing system.
 Different Valve Types, Applications & Suitability
There are a large variety of valves and valve configurations to suit all services and conditions;
different uses (on/off, control), different fluids (liquid, gas etc; combustible, toxic, corrosive etc)
different materials and different pressure and temperature conditions. Valves are for starting or
stopping flow, regulating or throttling flow, preventing back flow or relieving and regulating pressure
in fluid or gaseous handling applications.

Common valve types include: Ball, Butterfly, Check, Diaphragm, Gate, Globe, Knife Gate,
Parallel Slide, Pinch, Piston, Plug, Sluice, etc. The following types of valves are used in a variety of
applications; these descriptions may provide a basic guideline in the selection of valves.

BALL VALVES

Because of their excellent operating characteristics, ball valves are used for the broadest spectrum
of isolation applications and are available in a wide range of sizes and materials and are available in full
fl ow and full through conduit. Advantages - quick acting, straight through fl ow in either direction, low
pressure drop, bubble tight shut off & operating torque, easily actuated. Disadvantages - temperature
limitiations on seating material, long “relative” face to face dimension.

BUTTERFLY VALVES
 The butterfly valve derives its name from the wing-like action of the disc which operates at right
angles to the fl ow. It’s main advantage is a seating surface which is not critical. It is designed for fl ow
isolation. The disc impinges against a resilient liner to provide bubble tightness with low operating
torque. Compact and with a simple construction, butterfly valves facilitate easy pipe arrangement. Due to
disc, they have slightly reduced fl ow characteristics. Advantages - quick acting, good regulating
characteristics, compact & light, low pressure isolation. Butterfly valves are simple, reliable and range in
size from 40mm to 1000mm and beyond. They can be controlled by a notched lever, handwheel as well
as by pneumatic or electric actuator. A shaft turns a disc 90º within a pipe. The disc angle within the pipe
can provide a restriction varying from drip-tight through to almost full fl ow (except very small sizes).

CHECK VALVES

Sometimes referred to as a non-return valve, the check valve prevents back-flow in the piping by
constantly keeping fluid flowing in one direction. Check valves operate automatically. Some piston/disc
check valves are spring loaded for fast operation, (minimum cracking pressure should be specified).
Vertical downwards flow requires a spring loaded check valve.

o Swing Check Valves: - Swing & Wafer checks cease reverse flow with a flap that swings onto a
seat. Use swing checks only for forward flow that is horizontal or vertical upward.
o Piston Check Valves: - Piston & Spring checks cease reverse flow with a spring loaded plunger.
o Ball Check Valves:- Ball checks have a ball that slides into a hole as forward flow slows.
Consider a ball check for semi-solids such as pulp or effluent.
o Titlting Disc Check Valves: - Tilting Disc check valves are similar to Swing check valves but in
most installations, slamming is minimised upon reversal of fl ow so noise and vibration are
reduced.

GLOBE VALVES
Globe/Stop Valves: - The flow path through globe valves follows a changing course, thereby causing
increased resistance to flow and considerable pressure drop. Because of the seating arrangements, globe
valves are the most suitable for throttling flow, however avoid extremely close throttling when the
repeatable pressure drop exceeds 20%. Close throttling creates excess noise, vibration and possible
damage to valves and piping.

Stop Check Valves (SDNR): - Stop check valves are essentially the same as Globe valves, except there is
no mechanical connection between the stem and the disc. They provide a combination Stop valve and a
Piston check valve in one valve. However, they are not designed for throttling. They are used in steam
boiler outlet piping when two or more boilers are connected to a common header. Valves must be
installed with pressure under the disc, and when the stem is raised, only boiler pressure can raise the disc
whenever boiler pressure exceeds header pressure. They prevent backflow from the header to boiler.

GATE VALVES

Wedge Gate Valves: - Commonly used in industrial piping for stop or isolating – to turn on and shut off
the flow as opposed to regulating flow. Gate valves are named from the gate-like disc which operates at a
right angle to the path of the flow. Gate valves are general service valves that can be made in a broad
spectrum of sizes using a variety of different materials. Wedge gate valves are metal seated but are also
available with resilient seat insert if drip tight shut off is required. They can meet the demands of a wide
range of pressure and temperature conditions and is available in full port. Advantages - low pressure
drop, straight through flow either direction. Disadvantages - slow acting, bulky. Not drip tight shut off
(over 150NB). Do not partially open as this will cause damage to seat/disc.

Knife Gate Valves: - Useful for many applications in larger sized pipework (50mm up). Unlike
traditional gate valves, they are able to throttle (at lower pressures) depending on line media and degree
of opening. Metal seated knife gate valves are not leak tight shut off. Some knife gate valves have a
resilient seat in order to ensure they close drip-tight. Available in v-port, o-port and lined they are ideally
suited for the control of effluent, slurries, waste products, semi solids, pulp, bulk powders. Most knife
gate valves are designed for single flow direction.
Parallel Slide Gate Valves: - Popular in steam applications as the energized disc design handles thermal
expansion without sticking like wedge gate valves. Another advantage is lower torque then wedge gate
valves especially in venturi (Ferranti) reduced bore configuration. Parallel slide valves consist of two
parallel gates that are energised against the seat at all times by springs or a wedging spreader bar between
the two gates. No mechanical stress is exerted between the discs, and the valve is not subjected to
dangerous strains in opening and closing. This design of valve maintains fluid tightness without the aid
of wedging action. These valves are used for saturated and super-heated steam.

Pipeline Slab Gate Valves: - Available in parallel solid slab and expanding 2 piece wedging slab. Both
styles protect the seat area from the flow in all operating positions. These valves have a full through
conduit configuration with a hole in the slab. Slab style gate valves have seats that are spring energized.
The expanding slab features two opposed sliding v-shape segments that maintain pressure against the
seats. These valves are for API6D pipeline applications but are also used for API6A wellhead valves. All
these valves are made in metal to metal and soft seat configuration.

PLUG VALVES

Plug valves are valves with cylindrical or conically-tapered “plugs” which can be rotated inside
the valve body to control flow through the valve. The plugs in plug valves have one or more hollow
passageways going sideways through the plug, so that fluid can flow through the plug when the valve is
open. Plug valves are simple and often economical.