Industrial Valves Explained: Types, Materials, and Functions in Flow Control

Valves are the backbone of modern industry. Whether in water treatment facilities, power generation plants, oil & gas pipelines, or manufacturing environments, industrial valves are essential for regulating the flow of liquids, gases, and steam. The choice of valve directly impacts efficiency, safety, and long-term maintenance costs.

Among all valve types, ball valves—particularly threaded ball valves and flanged ball valves—have become indispensable in a wide range of applications. TSK Valves specializes in these categories, offering solutions engineered for durability, precision, and compliance with international standards.

This article provides a professional overview of industrial valves, covering their types, materials, and functions. It also highlights why threaded and flanged ball valves play such a central role in critical industries.

What Are Industrial Valves?

Industrial valves are mechanical devices designed to control the flow of fluids or gases within a pipeline or system. By opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways, valves manage pressure, regulate flow, and protect infrastructure against failure.

Key characteristics of industrial valves include:

• Flow control: Start, stop, or throttle fluid movement.

• Pressure regulation: Maintain safe system operation.

• Safety assurance: Prevent reverse flow or catastrophic failures.

Industrial valves differ significantly from domestic water valves. They are engineered for high pressures, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments, often requiring compliance with global standards such as API, ANSI, ASME, and ISO.

Common Types of Industrial Valves

Ball Valves

Ball valves are quarter-turn valves that use a spherical disc to control flow. They are valued for their tight shut-off, ease of operation, and minimal pressure drop.

• Threaded Ball Valves
  • Compact and versatile, suitable for small to medium pipeline systems.

  • Available in 1-pc, 2-pc, and 3-pc designs for varying levels of maintenance access.

  • TSK’s threaded ball valves are manufactured in carbon steel and stainless steel, with pressure ratings from 1000 WOG to 3000 WOG.

  • Options include bar stock ball valves and multi-port (3-way) ball valves for complex flow management.

• Flanged Ball Valves
  • Designed for larger pipelines where robust sealing and strength are required.

  • Offered in 1-pc and 2-pc designs, compliant with Class 150–300 and available up to Class 2500 for high-pressure applications.

  • TSK manufactures flanged ball valves in both carbon steel and stainless steel, ensuring durability in demanding environments.

Together, threaded and flanged ball valves cover a wide spectrum of industrial needs, from compact systems to high-capacity pipelines.

Gate Valves

Gate valves operate by lifting a gate out of the fluid path, providing minimal flow resistance when fully open. They are ideal for isolation purposes but not suitable for throttling.

Globe Valves

Globe valves use a linear motion design, making them effective for regulating flow. They provide precise control but result in higher pressure drops compared to gate valves.

Check Valves

Check valves are non-return valves designed to prevent backflow. They operate automatically, ensuring fluid moves in only one direction.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves use a rotating disc to regulate flow. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and suitable for applications requiring quick shut-off in large-diameter pipelines.

Materials Used in Valve Manufacturing

Stainless Steel Valves

Stainless steel valves are widely used for their corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures. They are particularly valuable in chemical, marine, and food industries where contamination resistance is essential.

Carbon Steel Valves

Carbon steel valves offer durability and cost efficiency, making them suitable for general-purpose industrial use. They are common in oil & gas, power generation, and water treatment.

Brass and Bronze Valves

These alloys are used in smaller applications or where corrosion resistance and machinability are prioritized.

TSK’s ball valves are manufactured primarily in carbon steel and stainless steel, aligning with global demand for reliability in industrial environments.

Functions of Valves in Industrial Systems

Valves play multiple roles in ensuring operational safety and efficiency:

• Flow control: Adjusting the flow rate of liquids or gases.

• Pressure management: Preventing overpressure conditions.

• Safety assurance: Protecting equipment and personnel by blocking reverse flows.

• Energy efficiency: Minimizing leakage and reducing pumping costs.

For example, threaded ball valves provide rapid shut-off in compact systems, while flanged ball valves are deployed in high-pressure pipelines to ensure system integrity.

Valve Selection Considerations

When choosing a valve, engineers and procurement teams must evaluate several technical factors:

• Pressure rating and temperature limits – ensuring the valve can handle operating conditions.

• Flow characteristics – different valves (ball, gate, globe) have unique flow behaviors.

• Material compatibility – stainless steel vs. carbon steel depending on the medium.

• Maintenance and lifecycle costs – 2-pc and 3-pc ball valves allow easier disassembly and servicing.

• Industry standards – compliance with API, ANSI, ASME, and ISO certifications.

TSK’s wide range of threaded and flanged ball valves enables tailored solutions based on these criteria.

Trends in Valve Technology

Industrial valve technology continues to evolve to meet modern demands:

• Automation and smart control: Valves are increasingly integrated with actuators and sensors for remote operation and predictive maintenance.

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials and designs reduce fugitive emissions and environmental impact.

• Advanced materials: Duplex stainless steels and specialty alloys extend valve life in corrosive environments.

• Compliance with stricter safety regulations: Particularly in North America and Europe, standards are driving higher manufacturing precision.

By investing in innovation and global compliance, manufacturers such as TSK ensure long-term reliability and market competitiveness.

Why Ball Valves Are Central to Modern Industry

While multiple valve types are essential, ball valves remain the most versatile and widely used in industrial applications. Their advantages include:

• Quick quarter-turn operation.

• Tight sealing with minimal leakage.

• Durability under high pressures.

• Versatility across industries (oil & gas, water, power, manufacturing).

Within this category, threaded ball valves are preferred for compact systems requiring flexibility and ease of installation, while flanged ball valves dominate large-scale industrial applications where strength and sealing are critical.

TSK’s focus on these two core product lines ensures customers receive specialized solutions that align with global engineering standards.

Industrial valves are more than simple mechanical devices—they are critical components that ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency across industries. From flow control and pressure regulation to energy conservation, valves play an indispensable role in modern infrastructure.

Among all valve categories, threaded and flanged ball valves stand out as central to industrial systems. Their versatility, durability, and compliance with international standards make them the preferred choice for engineers and procurement specialists worldwide.

By delivering high-quality carbon steel and stainless steel ball valves, TSK Valves supports global industries with solutions designed for demanding environments. As the market advances toward greater automation and sustainability, TSK remains committed to precision engineering and continuous innovation.