Floating valves are important for every application. Valves control water movement in tanks, pipes, tubes, or other containers. The valve manufacturers design some valves as on-off types. At the same time, many valves are designed to allow correct control of the passage of media. Similarly, a valve is a device used to control the flow of gas, liquid, or solid medium across the piping system. When these valves link up with other valves, they start and stop the flow of liquids and gases. These valves can control water and gas flow in the plumbing system.

Some valves that can control the flow rate are known as control valves. This article will teach you about floating valves, their workings, types, selection criteria, materials, and applications.

What Is Floating Valves?

A float valve is turned on and off depending on the liquid and gas volume in an enclosure, such as a tank or drill pipe. In other instances, float valves are referred to as non-return valves. Such valves also form walls that prevent surplus water from rising into the drill string.

They become vital in the drilling operation to block the flow of liquid, gas, or oil outwardly into the surrounding water. The influx of water causes results that are damaging to the environment and blocks the creation of a way up the drill pipe and string.

If a valve manufacturer is making or disregarding connections on the rigout, they lock down the flow of liquids until the corrections are made. In most straightforward words, floating valves are utilized in drilling systems to move liquids and gases.

What Is the Function of a Float Valve?

Floating Valve Sizes

How Floating Valve Components

How Does Floating Valves Work?

Float valves are responsive to the liquid supply by arresting the fluid level. They are also mounted to regulate the water flow. They open and close into or out of the tank at rising levels. Materials used to manufacture float valves include plastic, brass, cast iron, bronze, and stainless steel.

Floating valves consist of a body, float, disc, or stem. The float is in the shape of a tube and is a hollow valve that allows moving up and down inside the space. It is attached to the stem and made from brass or stainless steel.

The valve was opened or closed when the float moved up or down, which helped the stem attached to the body. The three floating valves include the diaphragm, pilot, and ball float valves.

Types of Floating Valves:

There are three main types of float valves: diaphragm, pilot, and ball float valves. Each type has its benefits and disadvantages. Choosing which kind to use depends on the application and system requirements.

Diaphragm Float Valve:

The first type of floating valve is the diaphragm float valve. The diaphragm valves are the direct motion valves used mainly for start-stop and controlling applications. In diaphragm float valves, a flexible diaphragm is attached to a device arm and a valve. With the increase in the liquid level, the diaphragm expands.

They move the device constituent or open and close the valve while the fluid level drops and the diaphragm contracts to move the lever arm and open the valve.

· Applications:

1. The diaphragm control valve uses an elastomeric or plastic diaphragm to control flow through the valve.
2. Diaphragm valves are used to control liquids with solid particulate material.
3. They are also widely used in the food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

Ball Float Valve:

The ball float valve is the second and most common type of floating valve. They consist of a hollow plastic or metal ball that floats on the water inside the tank. At the top of the ball, it is connected to a device arm attached to a valve.

As the water level falls, the ball falls, and, via the motion, the device arm opens the valve. When the water level rises, the ball increases, and, through motion, the device arm closes the valve.

· Applications:

1. Ball Valves are mostly used for flow and pressure-controlling purposes.
2. Ball valves are used in the oil, manufacturing, chemical storage, natural gas, and residential sectors.
3. Ball float valves are used mainly in industrial, toilet, and agricultural water systems.

Pilot Float Valve:

Pilot float valves help to keep the water at a continuous level. Pilot float valves also set high and low-pressure levels in a water tank. When the water level in the tank is low or high, the pilot float valves are open or closed. It has the flexibility of changing the high-low level of the water tank by regulating the two plugs along the floating pole. The pilot float can installed either on or away from the main valve.

· Applications:

1. Pilot float valves are mainly used to control the pressure of liquids or gases in pipelines and tanks.
2. Pilot float valves can control the temperature of fluids in a system.
3. Pilot float valves can also control water pressure in plumbing systems.

Material of Floating Valves:

Float valves are made with different materials. They are visible in environments with diverse levels of temperature, pressure, harsh substances, and longevity, which are significant problems. Stainless steel is another different material.

Materials may be different or combined, depending on the company and applications. Float valves are made of plastic, brass, stainless steel, cast iron, bronze, and other materials. On the other hand, the body of float valves is often made of cast iron, stainless steel, and plastic.

· Plastic:

Using plastic decreases manufacturing prices, though most high-excellence products will use stainless steel float valves rather than plastic, as they last extensively and are commonly stronger.

· Brass:

It is a rigid metal with superior heat compared to plastic or stainless steel. Brass float valves have easy shapes for design. Set brass mixtures are mainly banned for plumbing applications. Stainless steel, at the same time, has the lowest cost options.

· Cast Iron:

Both stainless steel and cast iron work equally in high pressure and temperatures. Due to its low carbon content, cast iron is cheaper than other strong metal alloys.

· Bronze:

Some float valves are made with copper combinations in different amounts. Float valves, made of bronze material, look similar to brass cause they have certain equal benefits. It resists strong and better corrosion but is less costly than brass or bronze float valves, primarily used in the petrochemical industry.

Industrial Applications:

· Flow Control:

The primary function of a float valve is flow control, which finds vast applications in the oil and gas industry. Their shape is such that it regulates the flow of fluids going through the pipeline, and workers can adjust the flow rate according to their needs.

· Shut-Off:

Floating ball valves are shut-off valves mainly utilized in the oil and gas industry. These valves provide a closely fitted seal that can prevent leakage and fall. Shut-off valves apply quickly to eliminate flow in piping systems from fluids that can cause damage to equipment or harm the environment.

· Pressure Regulation:

Pressure regulation in floating valves is the third most utilized application in the oil and gas industry. Pressure regulation is crucial in offshore oil and gas construction, where pipelines might focus on extreme environmental conditions and pressures.

· Corrosive Environments:

Floating ball valves are mainly used in corrosive environments in the oil and gas industry. Many floating ball valves are built for ease of use, which is essential for reducing downtimes and costs.

· High-Temperature Application:

Lastly, many floating ball valves have high-temperature applications in the oil and gas industries. High-temperature application is expected in oil and gas construction, where liquids must be conveyed at high temperatures to keep their products.

More read our blog on Ultimate Guide to Float Valve; Efficient Liquid Level Control Solutions for Industrial Applications

Residential Applications:

• Float valves are used as a safety device to stop the overloading of tanks.
• These valves control the water pressure in pools, tanks, and other working vessels.
• Used in boilers, storage tanks, irrigation systems, and cooling towers.
• Maintain the exact water level in the plumbing system.
• Control the water level in irrigation systems.
• Control the fluid flow in drilling operations.

 Advantages of Float Valves:

· Excellent Corrosion Resistance:

The float valve, made of brass, provides brass corrosion-resistant solid products. It is the best choice compared to stainless steel or plastic materials. This means brass float valves can easily survive in tough environments without failing and losing their working capability. Brass float valves can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications because they have strong performance and reliability.

· Exceptional Reliability with Minimal Maintenance:

The third significant advantage of brass float valves is their exceptional reliability fixed with minimal maintenance needs. Brass floating valves can survive easily for a long time without replacements and repairs. The strong shape of brass ensures that the valve components do not wear out easily. This converts into cost savings and peace of mind for operators who can trust the valve’s reliable performance over time.

· High Temperature Tolerance:

The second advantage of the brass floating brass valves is their high-temperature tolerance. Due to this, the floating valve can easily survive without losing its structural reliability. They enable them to use hot or steam in different industries involved. On the other hand, the plastic valves may be melted in the heat, but brass valves exist in a robust form.

How to Choose the Right-Floating Valve?

Carefully consider before selecting the right floating valves and suppliers:

• Size and Connections:

Choose the exact valve size and ensure the connection type equals your piping.

• Materials:

Before selecting suitable float valves, you must choose materials (body, ball, seats) that match the fluid and environment well to ensure strong and stop corrosion.

• Sealing Performance:

Look for valves with a confirmed record of accomplishment of reliable sealing, mainly if leakage is a major concern.

• Operating Conditions:

Before choosing the float valve, calculate your system’s exact pressure, temperature, and liquid properties.

• Reliability and Reputation:

Study the valve manufacturer’s reliability and reputation and choose a valve known for excellence and durability.

• Cost vs. Value:

The last but most important tip of selection criteria is to balance original cost with durable performance and maintenance requirements to control the best complete value.

Conclusion:

To conclude, float valves are important in many agricultural and industrial applications. Float valves in industrial and agricultural applications help control water pressure. After learning the different types of float valves and their applications, you determine the right type.