ANSI ISA-Certified Valves
Baelz two-way and three-way ANSI ISA-certified valves offer a complete line of actuator solutions, with emphasis on two major types: electric and pneumatic.
Learn More About ANSI Valves
How Do 2-Way Valves Work?
2-way valves are simple devices that direct and control the movement of fluid (i.e., liquid or gas) through a tube or pipeline. They have three positions: open, which allows fluid to flow freely. Closed, which stops the fluid. Modulate, which allows the specific amount of fluid needed for a system or user.
The main components of a 2-way valve are:
- The valve body through which fluid passes
- The actuator that moves to open or close the valve
- The stem connecting the actuator to the plug
- The yoke for mounting the valve to the actuator stem and accessories
- The plug that opens or closes the valve
2-way control valves are often used with actuators. These are electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic external power sources that open, close, and controls the valve’s operation. For example, the actuator may be used to maintain pipeline system parameters and receive a signal to close the valve to prevent uncontrolled fluid movement or open it to prevent pressure buildup. Actuators contribute to significant cost and energy savings for the control valve’s service life.
Valves also often have built-in seals to prevent leaks or changes in temperature or pressure. Cooling tube, bellow seal, and packing options is how valves prevent fluids or gases leaking into the environment while protecting the operator. Baelz North America’s 2-way valves are available in diameters from 15 mm to 300 mm or 1” to 6”.
Applications
2-way valves are used to control fluids in many commercial, industrial, and consumer or residential applications. Some common examples are:
- Heating, Cooling, and Steam Applications: 2-way valves are ideal for heating and cooling hot oil, water, and steam applications. For example, if your operating temperature is at 300 °F, but you only want it to be at 250 °F, a 2-way valve can help make that adjustment using sensors. The valve would make any needed adjustments in the flow (e.g., pressure, temperature, stream) in order to keep the preferred temperature range.
- Manufacturing Systems: 2-way valves can control process fluids. They can also be used to create modular fluid systems by isolating sections of a pipeline for maintenance or repair work.
- Industrial Processing: 2-way valves are frequently used in chemical, power generation, food processing, and oil and gas processing systems.
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Valves manage the flow of fluid for reliable operation of equipment.
- HVACs: Valves control coolant so the fluid provides optimal heating and cooling.
Industries
2-way valves are used in many industrial settings to control fluid movement in various types of equipment such as HVAC systems, as well as processing systems, tools, and machinery. At Baelz North America, we specialize in serving these industries with specialty 2-way valves and fluid control hardware:
- Wood
- Automotive
- Food and Beverage
- Municipal Steam
- Marine
- Petroleum
- Chemical
- Textile
How to Choose the Right 2-Way Valve
There are many 2-way valve options available in different materials, sizes, and configurations. When selecting the right valve for an application, consider these factors:
- Fluid Type: Corrosive fluids can damage or wear through valves. Stainless steel and specialized plastics resist corrosion from acidic and alkaline fluids.
- Pressure and Temperature: Consider the maximum and standard operating pressures and temperatures of your systems, and choose valves rated for those conditions.
- Valve Size: Size control valve to ensure the sizes and diameters are correct and correspond to the pipeline or system they connect to while maintaining its capacity.
- Actuator: Manual, electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators are available depending on the frequency of opening and closing, pressures, temperatures, and other cases.
Contact Baelz North America for 2-Way Control Valves
Whether you’re considering using a valve for basic on/off applications or variable flow systems that experience changes in pressure, temperature, and/or flow, consider working with Baelz 2-way control valves. These valves not only allow for enhanced efficiency but also bring about significant cost savings. Contact us to discuss your specific project.
