Pipeline Valves are the “heart switch” of industrial systems, accurately controlling the opening, closing and regulation of fluids. This article will take you to understand the core types of valves, key components, common materials, international standards and selection techniques to help you optimize the safety and efficiency of your pipeline system!

What is a Pipeline Valve?

Pipeline Valves ( core control elements of pipeline systems) are key mechanical devices installed in pipeline systems to control the flow of liquid, gas or slurry media, including opening and closing, flow regulation, pressure control and backflow prevention. They change the degree of opening of the fluid channel through the displacement of internal components such as valve discs, gates or balls, thereby achieving precise management of the system. They are widely used in industries such as petroleum, chemical industry, water treatment, and electric power. Their material selection (such as stainless steel, carbon steel) and design standards (API/ASME) directly affect the reliability and life of valves in high pressure, high temperature or corrosive environments.

Working principle of

Pipeline Valve

Mechanical motion drives fluid control. Pipeline Valves drive the valve stem through operating handles, gears or actuators (such as electric/pneumatic devices), which drives the valve disc, gate or ball and other closing parts to move and change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. For example:

• Linear motion (such as gate valve): The gate rises and falls vertically, and the flow resistance is extremely small when fully open, which is suitable for fully open/fully closed scenarios.

• Rotational motion (such as ball valve): The ball can be rotated 90° to cut off or conduct the fluid, with fast action and strong sealing.

• Regulation function (such as stop valve): The gap between the valve disc and the valve seat changes to accurately control the flow and pressure.

Internal sealing is achieved through valve seats, gaskets and packing to ensure that high pressure or corrosive media do not leak. Simply put, a valve is an “intelligent switch that controls the fluid path through mechanical displacement.”

9 Main Pipeline Valves Types

• 게이트 밸브
  

  

  
  The gate can be fully opened or closed by vertically lifting the gate, and the flow resistance is almost zero, which is suitable for large-diameter pipelines (DN50~1200). The working pressure reaches Class 150-2500, the temperature resistance is -29°C~550°C, and it meets the API 600 standard. It is commonly used in oil and water treatment systems.

• 글로브 밸브
  

  

  
  The valve disc and the valve seat form an S-shaped flow channel, which can accurately adjust the flow rate and has a large pressure loss. The pressure level is Class 150-2500, the temperature resistance is -45°C~550°C, the valve seat can be metal or soft seal (PTFE), and it is mostly used in steam and chemical pipelines.

• 볼 밸브
  

  

  
  90° rotation opening and closing, the through hole has the same diameter as the pipe (full bore design), and the sealing level reaches ANSI VI. Pressure resistance Class 150-2500, applicable temperature -196°C (ultra-low temperature) to 200°C, the valve seat material is PTFE or PPL, suitable for natural gas, acid and alkali media.

• 버터플라이 밸브
  

  

  
  The disc valve disc rotates to control the flow, with a compact structure and light weight. Pressure Class 150-600, temperature resistance -40°C~200°C, valve body material cast iron/stainless steel (ASTM A216), widely used in water treatment and ventilation systems, but high pressure is prone to leakage.

• 체크 밸브
  

  

  
  One-way opening and closing, preventing backflow, divided into lifting type and swing type. Pressure Class 150-2500, temperature resistance -29°C~550°C, installation direction must be vertical or horizontal (depending on the design), commonly used in pump outlets and boiler systems.

• Plug Valve
  Conical plug with L/T type flow channel, wear-resistant and fast switching. Pressure Class 150-300, temperature resistance -29°C~200°C, sealing surface can be PTFE or metal, specially used for high viscosity oil and slurry delivery.

• Diaphragm Valve
  Elastic diaphragm (EPDM/PTFE) squeezes the valve seat to cut off the flow, without packing leakage. Pressure Class 150-300, temperature resistance -10°C~150°C, valve body material is SS316 or lined with plastic, suitable for food and pharmaceutical clean processes.

• Pressure Relief Valve
  Automatically release when overpressure occurs, with a set pressure range of 0.1~42 MPa. It complies with API 526 standard, and the discharge volume is calculated according to ASME. It is applicable to media including steam/gas, and protects the safety of boilers and pressure vessels.

• 제어 밸브
  

  

  
  Integrated sensor and actuator (electric/pneumatic), flow characteristics are linear and equal percentage. Pressure resistance Class 150-2500, communication protocol supports HART/Fieldbus, used for chemical and power process automation control.

In addition to the above 9 common Pipeline Valves, Needle valves, Safety valves, Steam traps, Pinch valves, Knife gate valves, Drain valves, Pressure reducing valves, Breathing valves and other subdivided types each play their own role in the industrial system and complement the core valves. For example:

• Needle valves specialize in precise regulation of micro-flow in laboratories and instruments;

• Emergency release of the safety valve in case of overpressure protects the safety of chemical and energy systems;

• The steam trap automatically discharges condensed water from the steam pipe, improving the efficiency of thermal equipment;

• The pinch valve cuts off mud or corrosive media by squeezing through the rubber tube, which is suitable for mining and environmental protection scenarios;

• Knife gate valves use sharp gate discs to cut off high-viscosity or solid-containing media and are specially used in papermaking and sewage treatment;

• The drain valve quickly removes impurities from the bottom of the boiler or tank to ensure the cleanliness of the system;

• The pressure reducing valve stably controls the downstream pressure and is suitable for city gas and hydraulic systems;

• The breathing valve balances the air pressure inside and outside the storage tank to prevent oil and gas volatilization and tank deformation.

Although these valves are not mainstream, they are specially designed to cover extreme working conditions (such as high temperature and vacuum), fill the functional blind spots of the main valve, and ensure the reliability and flexibility of the pipeline system in complex scenarios.

Other minor valve types include: Needle valve, Safety valve, Angle valve, Steam trap, Pinch valve, Knife gate valve, Drain valve, Pressure reducing valve, Breathing valve, Sampling valve, Foot valve, Flap valve, Solenoid valve, Emergency shut-off valve, Balancing valve, Mud discharge valve, Insulation valve, Low temperature valve, High temperature valve, Vacuum valve and Fuorine-lined valve, Etc.

Key components of Pipeline Valves

• Valve Body
  The main structure of the valve is directly connected to the pipeline and bears the medium pressure. The material needs to match the working conditions (such as carbon steel, stainless steel), and the internal flow channel design affects the flow rate and pressure loss.

• Bonnet
  Covers the top of the valve body, fixes the valve stem and seals the internal components. It needs to be made of the same material as the valve body and is usually connected by bolts or threads. High temperature conditions require an extended neck design to dissipate heat.

• 줄기
  Connect the handle/actuator and the valve disc to transmit the operating force. The material must be corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant (such as 304 stainless steel). It is divided into lifting and rotating types. The sealing depends on the packing and bearing.

• 좌석
  It cooperates with the valve disc to form a sealing surface. The material is divided into metal (hard seal) and non-metal (PTFE soft seal). The temperature resistance and wear resistance directly affect the valve life.

• Disc/Gate
  The core opening and closing parts, the gate valve uses a wedge-shaped gate plate, the stop valve uses a disc valve disc, the ball valve is a sphere with a hole, and the surface hardening treatment (such as tungsten carbide) can enhance the wear resistance.

• Gasket
  Fill the gap between the valve body and the valve cover, and the flange. The materials include graphite, rubber or metal spiral wound gaskets, which must be resistant to temperature and pressure (such as ASME B16.20 standard).

• Handle/Actuator
  Manual operating lever or automatic drive device (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic), the torque output needs to match the valve resistance, and the smart actuator can integrate position feedback and remote control.

• Spring
  Used for automatic valves such as check valves and safety valves to provide reset force or pressure setting. The material must be fatigue-resistant (such as piano wire). Inconel alloy is selected for high temperature conditions.

• Packing
  Fill the dynamic seal area between the valve stem and the valve cover. The material is mostly graphite or PTFE braided ring, which requires regular maintenance to prevent leakage (in accordance with API 622 standard).

• Bearing
  Support the rotation or lifting movement of the valve stem to reduce friction. Common materials are bronze or stainless steel. High temperature and high pressure valves need to add grease to extend their service life.

• Seal Ring
  Auxiliary static sealing components, such as ball valve seat O-rings, are made of rubber (NBR/EPDM) or flexible graphite to prevent leakage of the medium.

• Guide Sleeve
  Guide the movement trajectory of the valve stem or gate to ensure centering. The material is mostly wear-resistant bronze or chrome-plated steel to avoid jamming and eccentric wear.

8 Common Pipeline Valve Materials

• 탄소강
  High strength, high pressure and high temperature resistance, ASTM A216 WCB is a common grade, widely used in oil and natural gas pipelines, economical and practical but requires anti-corrosion coating.

• 스테인리스 스틸
  Strong corrosion resistance, ASTM A351 CF8M (316 stainless steel) is suitable for acid and alkali media, and is the first choice for the food and chemical industries, but the cost is relatively high.

• 청동
  Resistant to seawater corrosion and low wear, ASTM B584 C83600 is often used in ships and water supply system valves, but its strength is lower than that of steel.

• 놋쇠
  Corrosion-resistant and easy to process, ASTM B16 is suitable for low-pressure and low-temperature scenarios (such as household water pipes), but it is easy to deform at high temperatures.

• 주철
  Low cost and corrosion resistance, ASTM A126 is used for low-pressure water system valves (such as municipal water supply), which is highly brittle and not impact-resistant.

• Alloy Steel
  The addition of chromium and molybdenum elements improves the high temperature and high pressure resistance. ASTM A217 WC6/WC9 is used for power station boiler valves and has strong creep resistance.

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  Lightweight, chemically resistant, suitable for drainage and weak acid-base systems (temperature ≤ 60°C), low cost but poor mechanical strength.

• 모넬
  Nickel-copper alloy is resistant to hydrochloric acid and seawater corrosion. ASTM B165 is used in extreme environments (such as offshore platforms and petrochemical reaction valves) and is expensive.

Industrial Application of Pipeline Valves

• 석유 및 가스

• Scenarios : Oil and gas extraction, long-distance pipelines, LNG storage and transportation, and refining and chemical plants.

• Typical valves : fully welded ball valve (API 6D), sulfur-resistant gate valve (NACE MR0175), ultra-low temperature globe valve (-196°C).

• Function : High-pressure sealing, emergency shut-off (ESD system), resistance to hydrogen sulfide corrosion, ensuring safety in extreme working conditions in deep sea and polar regions.

• Industry and Petrochemical

• Application scenarios : acid and alkali storage tanks, polymerization reactors, and corrosive medium transportation.

• Typical valves : fluorine-lined butterfly valve (PTFE lining), Hastelloy ball valve, bellows-sealed stop valve.

• Function : To withstand strong corrosion (such as hydrofluoric acid), prevent packing leakage, and accurately control reaction temperature and pressure.

• Water treatment and municipal

• Scenarios : sewage treatment plants, drinking water networks, pumping station flood control.

• Typical valves : eccentric butterfly valve (bidirectional sealing), silent check valve, mud discharge valve (cast iron body).

• Function : Low-cost large flow control, prevention of water hammer effect, and removal of pipeline sediments.

• Power and Energy

• Application scenarios : main steam pipelines in thermal power plants, cooling systems in nuclear power plants, and hydraulic control in wind power plants.

• Typical valves : high temperature gate valve (540°C/ASME B16.34), nuclear grade bellows valve (IEEE standard), electro-hydraulic actuated control valve.

• Function : Anti-creep design, radiation shielding, and precise power regulation of new energy systems.

• Pharmaceuticals and Food

• Application scenarios : Aseptic filling line, CIP cleaning system, biological fermentation tank.

• Typical valves : sanitary diaphragm valve (3A certification), quick-release ball valve (Ra≤0.8μm), aseptic sampling valve.

• Function : No dead angle structure, in compliance with GMP standards, eliminating the risk of microbial contamination.

• Mining and Metallurgy

• Scenarios : slurry transportation pipelines, blast furnace cooling water systems, and tailings treatment.

• Typical valves : knife gate valve (to cut off solid media), ceramic lined ball valve, wear-resistant plug valve.

• Function : Resist particle erosion (hardness ≥ HRC60), prevent scaling and clogging, and extend valve life.

• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

• Application scenarios : ballast water system, submarine oil pipeline, marine engine fuel control.

• Typical valves : bronze stop valve (ASTM B584), deepwater ball valve (3000m pressure resistance), seawater butterfly valve (bidirectional stainless steel).

• Function : Resistant to salt spray corrosion, adaptable to swing conditions, and meeting IMO environmental regulations.

• Environmental protection and waste disposal

• Scenarios : Flue gas desulfurization (FGD), hazardous waste incineration, and landfill leachate treatment.

• Typical valves : duplex steel butterfly valve (resistant to Cl⁻ corrosion), vacuum breaker valve, fluorine-lined drain valve.

• Function : Tolerate acidic exhaust gas, prevent toxic gas leakage, and meet EPA emission standards.

International standards for Pipeline Valves 

The design, manufacture and inspection of Pipeline Valves must comply with strict international standards to ensure their safety, interchangeability and global applicability. The following are the three major international standard systems and their core specifications:

API Standards (American Petroleum Institute)

• API 6D “Pipeline Valves”
  It covers the design, materials, testing and inspection requirements for gate valves, ball valves, check valves and plug valves for oil and gas pipelines. The latest edition (25th edition) strengthens the structural length and sealing performance test requirements for high-pressure large-diameter valves (such as ball valves above DN1000).

• API 570 “Pipeline Inspection Specification”
  It specifies the inspection, rating and maintenance procedures for in-use piping systems (including valves). The 2024 new version adds inspection requirements for pressure relief devices and integrates the risk-based inspection (RBI) approach.

• API 598 Valve Testing and Inspection
  Clarify the pressure test methods for valves (such as shell test, seal test), which are applicable to valve products of API 6D, API 600 and other standards.

Learn more about API Standards Guide《API Valve Standards Comprehensive Guide》

Learn more about API Standards《Full Analysis of API Valve Core Standards: 11 Major Technical Systems》

ASME Standards (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

• ASME B16.34 Valve Design and Manufacturing
  It defines the pressure-temperature ratings, material requirements and test specifications for valves with flanges, threads and welding ends, and is a common benchmark for valve design worldwide. For example, carbon steel valves must comply with ASTM A216 standards, and flange connections must match ASME B16.5 dimensions.
• ASME B31 Series Piping Codes

• • B31.1 (power pipeline) : requires valves to comply with ASME B16.34 or API standards, emphasizing creep design for high temperature and high pressure conditions.

• • B31.3 (Process Piping) : Covers valve selection for the chemical industry, recommends standards such as API 6D and API 600, and specifies the pressure design responsibilities for non-standard valves3 .

• • B31.8 (Gas Transportation Pipelines) : Mandatory valve compliance with API 6D, and prohibition of cast iron and thermoplastic valves.

ISO Standards (International Organization for Standardization )

• ISO 14313 “Petroleum and natural gas industry – Pipeline Valves”
  Highly compatible with API 6D, it is equivalently adopted by China GB/T 19672-2005, suitable for valves in the pressure range of PN16~PN420, and newly added nominal pressure PN16~PN40 to adapt to low pressure scenarios.

• ISO 5208 “Industrial Valves – Pressure Test”
  It specifies the leakage level of valves (such as Class A to Class G), which complements API 598 and is equivalently adopted by GB/T 13927-2022.

Learn more about ISO Standards Guide《In-Depth Analysis of ISO Valve Standards in 2025 – A Guide to Global Market Access and Industry Upgrade》

Learn more about ISO Standards《Full Analysis of ISO Valve Core Standards: Technical Guide from Design to Application》

Standard Differences and Synergies

• Comparison of material pressure bearing capacity : Under the same pressure level, the pressure bearing capacity of materials in ASME B16.34 and European EN 12516 varies with temperature. For example, the pressure bearing capacity of ASME Class 900 at high temperature is about 24% lower than that of EN PN160.

• Domestic standard connection: China GB/T 19672-2005 adjusts the welding inspection rules based on ISO/API, and increases the structural length of ball valves above DN1000 to meet the needs of domestic long-distance pipelines.

7 key factors in valve selection

1. Operating Pressure
   The valve must match the maximum working pressure and instantaneous impact pressure of the pipeline system. For example:
   • High-pressure system (Class 600 and above): Forged steel valve body (ASTM A105) or fully welded ball valve is preferred, and the sealing structure must pass API 598 high-pressure test.
   • Vacuum system: Use bellows-sealed stop valve or low-emission packing design (ISO 15848 certified) to prevent gas leakage.
2. 온도 범위
   The temperature resistance of materials and seals directly affects the life of the valve:
   • Ultra-low temperature (-196°C): Austenitic stainless steel (SS316L) or monel alloy is used, and the valve stem extension neck design prevents cold brittleness.
   • High temperature (≥400°C): Choose alloy steel (ASTM A217 WC9) or hard seal structure to avoid softening and failure of non-metallic materials such as PTFE.
3. Fluid Properties
   • Corrosive media (acid/alkali): fluorine-lined valves (PTFE/PFA) or Hastelloy (C276).
   • Slurry containing solid particles: knife gate valve or ceramic coated ball valve (hardness ≥HRC60), full-diameter flow channel design to prevent clogging.
   • Inflammable and explosive gases: in compliance with ATEX explosion-proof certification, valve body static electricity lead-out structure (resistance <10Ω).
4. 유량 용량
   • Fully open/fully closed scenario: gate valve or ball valve (high flow resistance coefficient Kv value).
   • Flow regulation requirements: globe valve or V-type ball valve (equal percentage flow characteristics), with intelligent positioner to achieve precise control.
5. Environmental Conditions
   • Outdoor/Marine Environment: Stainless steel (SS316) or duplex steel, salt spray tested to ASTM B117 1000 hours.
   • Clean room/sterile environment: sanitary polishing (Ra≤0.8μm) and quick-release clamp design to avoid medium residue.
6. 유지보수 요구사항
   • High maintenance cost scenarios: Choose modular control valves or DBB ball valves to reduce downtime.
   • Hard-to-reach pipes: Use maintenance-free bellows-sealed valves or metal hard-sealed structures with a service life of up to 100,000 openings and closings.
7. Budget Constraints
   • Initial cost is preferred: cast iron or PVC valves (suitable for low-pressure water systems), but the full life cycle cost needs to be evaluated.
   • Long-term economic efficiency is a priority: Valves made of alloy steel or special materials (such as titanium alloy) have a high unit price but can reduce replacement and failure losses.

Selection decision process recommendations

1. Clarify operating parameters: organize basic data such as pressure, temperature, and medium.
2. Match valve type: Preliminary screening of valve structure based on functional requirements (opening, closing/regulation).
3. Material and standard screening: Narrow the scope based on corrosivity and international certification (API/ASME).
4. Actuator options: manual, pneumatic or electric, depending on automation requirements and response speed.
5. Cost-benefit analysis: Compare procurement, installation, maintenance and risk costs and select the best solution.

By systematically evaluating these seven factors, the risks of leakage, shortened life or system downtime caused by selection errors can be avoided, and the best balance between safety and economy can be achieved.

As a JH valve manufacturer, we have been deeply involved in the field of drive valves for 60 years. We strictly follow the API 607 ​​fireproof certification and ISO 5211 actuator interface standards. From precision casting (CT7 grade) to severe working condition testing (-196°C~550°C), each process has passed ISO 9001 quality system and API Q1 certification. We provide high-performance valve solutions with full drive modes (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) and full pressure levels (Class 150-2500) for the petroleum, chemical, power and water treatment industries. We support customized intelligent control (Modbus/Profibus communication protocol, IoT real-time monitoring) and extreme working condition adaptation (ultra-low temperature cryogenic treatment, anti-hydrogen sulfide hardening process), and ensure safety through ATEX/IECEx explosion-proof actuators and TA-Luft A-level leakage standards. Contact the JH technical team immediately to get free selection guidance and 1-on-1 working condition analysis, so that JH can become your solid backing for industrial automation control with its excellent quality of zero leakage and million lifespan!