valves

View Tameson's range of valves. These valves form a great solution for fluid control applications. More information on each valve type is given below. If you need help with choosing a valve, please contact us .

Solenoid valve

Solenoid valves are electromechanical controlled valves. A solenoid controls the valve’s plunger that closes off a small orifice. Different kind of solenoid operation types exist. For a complete overview please read our article about solenoid valve types.

Advantages

• Fast response time
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Disadvantages

• Sensitive to contaminated or dirty fluids/gasses
• Usually only a single flow direction permitted
• Indirect operated models require a pressure differential to function properly
• Larger pressure drop in comparison with comparable sized ball valves

2-Way solenoid valves

3-Way solenoid valves

Proportional solenoid valves

Ball valves

A ball valve is a shut-off valve but it can also be used for flow modulation. It controls the liquid or gas flow using a rotary ball with a bore. Through rotation of the ball the flow is let through or blocked. The valve does not require a pressure difference to function. ISO top ball valves can be fitted with either a manual handle or an electric/pneumatic actuator.

Advantages

• Suited for fluids and gases with contaminations
• Quick shut-off of flow
• Can be used as a control valve
• Long service life
• Can withstand a higher pressure at small diameter applications

Disadvantages

• Relatively poor flow control/throttling characteristics compared to throttling valves. High velocity flow can rapidly erode the partially exposed seat.

Ball valves categories

2-Way ball valves

3-Way ball valves

Butterfly valve

Butterfly valves are quarter-turn valves. It consists out of a “butterfly” disk that is connected to a rod. The flow is controlled by rotating the rod. Butterfly valves can act as a shut-off valve or a control valve. ISO top butterfly valves can be fitted with either a manual handle or an electric/pneumatic actuator.

Advantages

• Light weight
• Lower costs than ball valve
• The hand operation allows for easy and quick operation and understanding.
• Relative low torque to switch position compared to ball valves.
• High Kv-value because fluid can flow in straight line.

Disadvantages

• Relatively poor flow control/throttling characteristics but better than ball valves.

Butterfly valve categories

Directional control valve

Directional control valves are used in pneumatic systems. They control the compressed air flow to their appliances. They are can for example be used to control a pneumatic cylinder. Directional valves can have 2 or more ports. They are also able to fulfill various circuit functions.

Advantages

• Various circuit functions
• Fast operation time

Disadvantages

• Complex construction of the valve
• Can only be used for air. These valves discharge a bit of air to the environment during a cycle.
• Most types are not suitable for vacuum

Pneumatic directional control valve categories

Check valve

Check valves, also known as non-return valves allow flow in only one direction. Their main purpose is to prevent backflow.

Advantages

• Prevents backflow
• Maintains pressure
• Spring loaded versions can be installed both horizontally and vertically

Disadvantages

• Difficult to determine if valve is open or closed
• Require a minimum pressure differential to open

Check valve categories

Gate valve

Gate valves exist out of a gate that is lifted out or into the flow. The valve is operated using a handwheel. The distinct feature of a gate valve is the straight-through unobstructed passage way, which induces minimal pressure loss over the valve.

Advantages

• Small torque for on/off control required.
• Flow direction is not restricted
• Short housing length

Disadvantages

• Large installation space due to total valve height.
• Slower than quarter-turn valves

Gate valve categories

Needle valve

Needle valves are used for accurate flow rate control. They can be suitable for clean gasses or fluids. They can also be used as a shut-off valve. They are mainly used for low flow rates. Needle valves have a relatively large pressure drop over the valve.

Advantages

• Accurate flow control
• High control precision

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for high flow rate situations.

Needle valve categories

Angle seat valve

Angle seat valves have a spindle that is placed under an angle to close the orifice. They can either be manually or pneumatically controlled. The are suitable for high flow rates and have a relatively high Kv value. They are characterized by their long lifespan of millions of cycles. There is a risk of water hammer, this can be resolved by versions that close against the flow direction.

Advantages

• High flowrate compatibility
• High Kv value
• Long life span (millions of cycles)
• Can be pneumatically controlled
• Low maintenance required.
• Water hammer risk can be resolved using version that closes against the flow direction

Disadvantages

• Large in comparison to solenoid valve
• Water hammer risk for standard version (closing into flow direction)

Angle seat valve categories

Valve actuators

Tameson also offers quarter turn valve actuators. These actuators can be mounted on ball-, butterfly- or other valves that have an ISO 5211 flange. Tameson offers electrically or pneumatically operated versions. For more precise control of the flow an electric actuator is recommended.

Advantages

• Electric actuator:
  • Compact
  • No piping supply pressure required
  • Relatively good throttling
  • Fail safe function for J+J actuators
• Pneumatic actuator:
  • Fast closing and opening
  • Compact
  • High torque from actuator

Disadvantages

• Electric actuator:
  • Limited duty cycle
  • Slow actuation speed
• Pneumatic actuator:
  • Positioner required for throttling

Valve actuator categories