Selector valves divert fluid or gas flow between two or more points. They come in various types and designs, including rotary spindle, piston, and dual position ball valves. They are used in a range of industries and applications, and are available in different sizes and capacities. Rotary spindle and ball valves have a rotating central shaft or ball that aligns with exit ports to choose the outlet. Piston valves feature a stem with piston heads that block or open exit ports as the piston moves.
Selector valves are valves used to divert a flow of fluid or gas between two or more points rather than simply shutting it off or letting it pass. There are a substantial number of different types of selector valves available with many specific industries or applications using custom designed variants. Most, however, fall into a couple of basic categories, such as rotary spindle, piston, or dual position ball valves. As regards their construction and the materials used, also the shuttle valves are divided into groups according to the specific needs of the relative application for which they are used. Although they differ in layout and function, selector types most often share many of these specifications with conventional flow valves used in similar applications.
Valves are universally used to control the flow of fluids and gases. They can be of a relatively simple on/off design used to allow or stop flow, or they can be used to regulate the amount of flow in a system. A particular family of valves is used to divert the flow of fluid or gas from their sources to one or more specific destinations. These selector valves are used where downstream or consumer demands of the system require flow to be directed to different parts of the system when required. A simple Y-shaped garden hose manifold is a good example of this type of valve.
Selector valves are commonly found in a wide range of industries ranging from complex plumbing systems to simple home sprinkler systems and are available in a corresponding range of sizes, configurations and capacities. Most, however, operate under one of a small group of common projects. High pressure shuttle valves are typically rotary spindle, piston or multi-position ball with a high strength, close tolerance design. Lower pressure valves intended for use with non-hazardous fluids such as sprinkler systems will often be with a multi-position spindle or ball design of less robust construction.
Rotary spindle and ball selector valves operate along similar lines and have a rotating, close-fitting central shaft or ball located within a casing or chamber. The mandrel or ball has an opening for fluid flow to pass through it and form the path of fluid or gas flow. Included within the enclosure are two or more corresponding exit ports, which align linearly with this opening. As the spindle or ball is rotated, the flow path will alternately align with one of the ports allowing the operator to choose which outlet to use. These designs are available for both high and low pressure.
Piston shuttle valves are typically only used in high pressure applications. These valves feature a central stem fitted with one or more larger diameter piston heads along its length. The piston travels within a close-fitting tube punctuated by exit ports that are alternately blocked or opened as the piston moves along its length. The position of the piston is chosen by the operator and the fluid flows inside the tube passing through any open outlet port. These valves are most commonly found in high demand plumbing systems.
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