Water is a natural resource which is declining and we need to protect it. We should secure water for the next generations and growing population. We should avoid the condition of water scarcity. It is a condition where water demand is more and supply is less. This imbalance of water supply and demand is caused by water pollution , excess water waste in industry, climate change and population pressure and pressure from water intensive agriculture.
Excess water use can be controlled in industry and agriculture by using proper water control valves. Water control valves provide the accurate amount of water to the system without excessive loss of water. Control valves are used to reduce water losses and in controlling the efficiency of water supply management. We can save water by regulating water pressure, flow level of water in the supply network. Water can be controlled using electronic water control valves.
Water scarcity not only impacts humans but it affects the whole ecosystem. The ecosystem includes plants, animals and the planet as a whole. According to researchers, water scarcity can be reduced by 2050 if stakeholders commit to improve their water system productivity, improve irrigation systems and industrial ,home water uses. We should increase water storage reservoirs, limit population growth rate and increase desalination of seawater in coastal regions.
Type of valves used in water control flow
Valves are mechanical devices that open, close, or partially obstruct the flow of fluid to control, direct, or regulate the flow of water or air. They are made up of different materials like bronze, PVC, brass etc. In residential and commercial building valves are being used. They are widely used in water supply systems , waste water treatments and chemical plants for shutting off excess water. They are used in directing the flow of water, preventing backflow and adjusting water pressure in a system. Electronic water control valves control the flow of water in a system.
This article will discuss about four types of water valves to be used in a system
1. Gate Valve
It is widely used in plumbing systems. It includes a wedge shaped metal gate that can be lowered with a knob or handle to stop flow of water or raise the flow as required. These types of valves can be used in circuit systems of all types of fluid such as air, gas, feedwater, steam ,lube oil and hydrocarbon. Because the gate inside the valve changes completely into the body, the valve does not obstruct water flow.
The gradual opening and closing of the valve modifies the water pressure, protecting the pipe from the hammering sound of the water hammer.
2. Butterfly valve
This valve contains a revolving metal disc that enables and inhibits water flow, creating an image resembling a butterfly, hence the name butterfly valve.
Butterfly valves are lighter than other types of valve because they are small, light and short in size.
3. Ball valve
Ball valves are the most dependable and widely used type of valve for controlling the flow of water. To control the valve, a revolving sphere with a hole is attached to a lever handle.
The hole in the sphere is aligned with the pipe in the open position, allowing water to flow through it. When the sphere is closed, the hole is perpendicular to the pipe, entirely preventing water flow. The lever handle tells if the valve is open or closed. The valve is closed when the lever is perpendicular to the pipe.water can be controlled using valves which is an electronic water control valves
4. Globe Valve
Often a global valve is used to regulate or limit water flow in plumbing systems. The system flow changes on a regular basis in the plumbing system.
The interior design features include a stopper on the end of a valve stem that is raised and lowered by the valve’s twist knob. Globe valves are named after their globe-like or ball-like appearance.
Conclusion
Water valves are important in a plumbing system that regulates control flow of water. These devices have various applications in distribution and consumption of water at residential , commercial and industrial levels. Water valves are available in various forms and sizes such as ball, gate, butterfly valves with given specification.
Users manage water supply, prevent leaks, and facilitate maintenance by opening, closing, or adjusting these valves. Water valves continue to evolve, increasing water conservation, minimizing waste, and improving overall system reliability with technologies such as smart valves that can be controlled remotely. Water flow of a system can be controlled using electronic water control valves
