A valve assembly includes all parts related to valve installation and operation, including the fluid control mechanism, casing, actuation mechanisms, connectors, sensors, and fasteners. It is used to stop, start, or throttle fluid or gas flow. Ancillary features may be included. The assembly may also include external controllers, fasteners, adapters, and replacement parts.
A valve assembly is a complete valve mechanism that includes all peripheral devices directly related to valve installation and operation. The term can be applied to all types of valves, including gas or fluid flow control valves and internal combustion engine valves. A valve assembly typically includes the entire fluid control mechanism and its casing, electrical or mechanical actuation mechanisms and any related connectors, external sensors, and fasteners. In some cases, valve assemblies are supplied with ancillary features, such as mounting adapter sets, shim selections, and replacement seals.
In terms of system flow of fluids and gases, a valve is understood as any mechanical device used to stop, start or throttle a flow of fluid or gas through a system. In this sense, “throttle” refers to the act of controlling the amount of flow. In these applications, “valve assembly” is a collective term used to describe the entire valve mechanism and all parts that play a direct physical role in its actuation, operation and control during operation. Valve assemblies are typically purchased complete to ease the replacement process, but in the case of larger valves they can be ordered piece by piece to reduce cost.
The main component of any valve assembly is the fluid or gas control mechanism and, where applicable, its casing. In some applications, this may be a simple entity such as an internal combustion engine valve, while, in others such as gate, ball or butterfly types, a complex arrangement of parts enclosed in an outer casing known as a valve body . In the case of a manually operated valve, the operating mechanism will usually be an integral part of the main valve body. If the valve is automated, the second component of the assembly will be the actuator. This can be an electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic unit or solenoid, along with all associated hoses or electrical connections and wires.
Depending on the nature of the application, the valve assembly may also include external controllers such as stop/start stations and limit switches. Valve specific fasteners such as dowels, bolts and circlips will also be included in the description of the valve assembly. Any ancillary equipment required for valve installation and operation, such as threaded and flanged adapters, would also be considered part of the valve assembly and is often supplied as a standard accessory. In the case of tappet valves, valve shim sets can also be included. These peripherals also often include replacement parts for high wear parts of the internal or external mechanisms, including replacement O-rings, bushings or sealing elements.
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