Valves are elements used to stop or control the flow of fluids through a pipe. The correct use of valves allows one or more components to be precisely dosed in a given process. Valves are also used to safely block the passage of fluid. There are numerous types of valves depending on the application for which they are required and there is not yet a unified way to classify them. There are classifications that are based on the geometric shape of the valve, for example: straight valves (one inlet and one outlet on the same shaft), corner valves (the inlet and outlet are at right angles) and angle seat valves (fluid locking mechanism is generally 45 ° from flow direction), among others.

Depending on the type of locking mechanism, there are also different types of valves. Among the main ones are the following

Gate valves: These are valves that have a linear closing system in which a wedge, disk or gate-shaped plate moves perpendicular to the direction of flow, completely or partially interrupting the movement of the medium.

Ball Valves: The closing mechanism is a ball that has a through hole along its central horizontal axis. The ball can rotate freely about its central vertical axis. When the axis of the ball hole is aligned with the direction of flow, the medium passes freely through. If the axis is perpendicular to the flow direction, the medium is completely interrupted. It is a fast-operating control valves of blackhawk supply, as it can start or stop flow with as little as a quarter turn (90 °) of the actuator shaft.

Butterfly valves: The valve has a flat disc inside (called butterfly) that has a diameter close to the inside of the pipe. The disc can rotate within the valve body around its central axis. When the face of the disc is perpendicular to the flow direction, the medium stops. When the face of the disc is parallel to the direction of movement of the medium, the flow reaches its maximum value.

Globe valves: This type of valve controls flow through the action of a linear piston that drives a disc that gradually closes against a conical seal. When the disc moves upwards when opening the valve, an annular opening is generated through which the medium flows. By knowing exactly the geometry of the disc, the seal and the relative position between them, it is possible to accurately determine the annular area and thus control the flow