A valve is a device or natural object that opens, closes, or partially obstructs various passageways to regulate, direct, or control the fluid flow. Stainless steel of grade 304 is austenitic. It contains a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and a maximum of 0.08 percent carbon. A Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy is generally what it’s called. 304 is the most widely used grade of SS as it possesses many favorable characteristics such as Excellent toughness, Good corrosion resistance, Good welding and forming abilities, Durable, Aesthetical appeal, Ease of cleaning, etc. Stainless Steel 304 Needle Valve is a popular choice of material for the construction of needle valves.
A needle valve is a type of valve that is used to precisely control the flow rate of clean gases or fluids. They are designed similarly to globe valves, with the exception of the pointed needle-like disc. Needle valves are used in small-diameter piping systems to provide extremely precise flow control.
STRUCTURE OF A NEEDLE VALVE
The needle valve gets its name from the long, tapered, needle-like point at the end of the valve stem. This is often referred to as the ‘plunger’. They have a ‘handwheel’ on the outside which is used to control the position of the plunger inside the valve. The plunger then fits into a ‘seat’. Because of the needle form of the disc, a portion of it can pass through the seat opening until it comes into contact with the seat, which has the same tapered nature as the disc. This configuration allows for a very gradual increase or decrease in the size of the opening.
HOW DO NEEDLE VALVES FUNCTION?
Needle valves can be operated manually or automatically. On manually operated needle valves the distance between the plunger and the valve seat is controlled by a handwheel component. The plunger is raised when the handwheel is rotated in one direction, opening the valve and allowing fluid to flow through. Automated needle valves have a hydraulic motor or an air actuator device that opens & closes the valve automatically.
The handwheel on the needle valve is threaded, thus, it takes time for the plunger to change locations. These threads benefits in better regulation of the flow in the piping system.
USES OF SS 304 NEEDLE VALVES
- Commonly used in flow metering systems, specifically when a precise, low flow rate must be retained.
- Can be used as a throttle valve as well as an on/off valve.
- SS 304 Needle valves are used to monitor flow and protect fragile gauges from liquid and gas pressure surges.
- Based on their chemical components, they can be used in high-temperature and oxygen operation.
- Optimal for systems with low flow rates and lighter, less viscous content.
- Used in water heating applications
- Can be used in low-pressure hydraulic systems, chemical manufacturing, and several liquid and gas applications.