What’s a valve?

Print anything with Printful



Valves are devices that control the flow of liquids, gases, and slurries, and can be found in various designs and sizes. They are also present in the human body, regulating blood and body fluids. Common types include gate, globe, check, and relief valves, which can be manually or system-controlled. Safety valves can be set to activate in emergencies and can be controlled remotely via computer systems.

A valve is a device that can be used to control the flow of liquids, gases and slurries. Also known as regulators, valves can be found in almost any situation. They’re also made in a number of different designs, depending on how they’re used, and can be found in a range of sizes from smaller than a pinky to gigantic. Valves also vary from extremely simple to extraordinarily complex. They are one of the oldest mechanical designs and the basic ones have been in use for thousands of years.

The term “valve” can be used to refer to human anatomy as well as a mechanical device. Those found throughout the body regulate the flow of blood, oxygen, and body fluids. They include the extremely important heart valves, which work with the heart to pump blood through the body. Individuals with damage to those in the heart can replace them with artificial ones to perform this vital body function. The many valves in the human body work together to keep things running smoothly in a person’s daily life.

There are many permutations of the mechanical variety, but the following are common ones that most people probably see and use on a daily basis. The most basic is the gate valve, which has two positions: open and closed. A globe valve is slightly more complex, it controls not only the flow of liquid, but also the quantity, and is also called an accelerator. For example, most faucets are shaped like this, allowing users to turn on the water and determine how much water will come out. Manufacturers also make check valves, designed to limit the flow of a substance in one direction only, and relief valves, which can release dangerous levels of pressure.

This device can be controlled manually, like a faucet, or controlled by a large system, such as in the case of a car, where they open and close to allow fuel to enter the cylinder. In the case of a safety valve, it can be set to activate when a certain pressure level is reached or an emergency signal is sent. Usually, such devices have small springs that will hold them closed until they need to be opened. In other cases, they can be controlled by users via a computer system, as is the case with oil, gas and oil pipelines that stretch for miles; technicians at a central control center can remotely open and close valves as needed.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content