Needle Valve: Definition, Types, Function & Application
What is a Needle Valve?
Needle Valve: Definition, Types, Function & Application :- Needle valves, also called plunger valve sometime, are the pressure and flow regulating valves which helps to accurately control the pressure and flow rate of a fluid flowing inside the pipeline. The adjustment or actuation processes of needle valves are so fine that it gives the extremely precise control over the fluid flow. These valves are generally used for low flow rate and high pressure drop from inlet to outlet application.
However, they can also be used to cut-off or shut down the fluid flow in the pipeline. Its working mechanism is more or less similar to the piston check valves except the size of piston used in needle valve is thinner in comparison. In the figure the different parts of a generalized needle valve is labelled.
Function of Needle Valve
The needle valve opens and closes the passage (orifice) between inlet and outlet by the movement of tapered point needle normal to the flow direction. The needle is directly connected to the plunger or stem. The stem is further connected to the handle which converts the rotary motion into to and fro motion by the help of fine internal thread of the bonnet.
As the rotary motion given to the handle the fine up-down movement plunger takes place which subsequently opens or closes the orifice. The locking nut is also attached at the top of the bonnet which prevents the complete unscrewing of the plunger from the bonnet’s internal thread. As the needle goes down it comes in contact to the valve seat and hence provides a leak proof shut-off of the fluid in the pipeline. The bonnet is connected to the valve housing through a screw system.
The actuation of the valve is controlled either by manual rotation of the handle or by automatic. The automated needle valves are generally operated either by electric motor or by hydraulically. The motor or hydraulic actuator precisely controls the position of stem inside the valve housing (bonnet) according to the external requirement.
Applications of Needle Valve
The most common use of needle valves is to regulate the flow and protect fragile gauges from any harm caused by abrupt pressure surges of liquids and gases. Needle valves are perfect for systems using lighter and less viscous materials with small flow rates. Needle valves are usually employed in low-pressure hydraulic systems, chemical processing, and other gas and liquid services.
Another specialty of needle valves is that they can also be applied to elevated-temperature and oxygen service based on their materials. Needle valves are generally made of stainless steel, bronze, brass, or metal alloys. It’s mandatory to opt for a needle valve made with the material that perfectly suits for the service you need. This way one can ensure longer service life of the valve and keep the systems running smoothly and safely
Selection Criteria of Needle Valve
The needle valves can be selected on the basis of four main criteria; material, pressure, port & orifice size and temperature. The most common material used for the manufacturing of the needle valve is stainless steel and brass. The brass valves are suitable for the non-corrosive applications such as potable water flow system. Whereas, the stainless steel valves are generally used for high corrosive media such as seawater, acids etc. however, both of the material can handle the high temperature of fluid but the stainless steel valves are superior to brass needle valves in terms of durability and corrosion resistance.
The valves can be selected on the basis of pressure handling capacity. A robust needle valve can handle pressure up to 415 bars. However, there exist such needle valves too which can handle a pressure up to 690 bars. There are huge varieties of port and orifice size is available for the needle valves. The port size of commonly used needle valves ranges from 2mm to 12 mm. the correct port and orifice size may increase the flow efficiency and prevents the leakage in the system. Needle valves are suitable for the range of temperature applications. It can easily handle the very low as well as high temperatures depending upon the sustainability of the sealing material. The Teflon sealing material can sustain from -54oC temperature to 232oC temperature. Whereas, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) sealing material can go up to temperature 315oC.
Types of Needle Valves
The needle valves are basically of two types which are described below;
1. Inline Needle Valve: ( Types of Needle Valves )
These valves are having its inlet and outlet port in a straight line. These valves can be installed, generally, in a straight line flow system.
2. Angle Needle Valve: ( Types of Needle Valves )
These valves are having its inlet and outlet at certain angle. Generally, a 90 degree angle is incorporated between the inlet and outlet for better system incorporation. This type of valve is used at the place where the pipe bends.
