Valve definition

The definition of a valve is a control component in a fluid delivery system, which has the functions of truncation, regulation, diversion, prevention of reverse flow, pressure regulation, shunt or overflow pressure relief. These functions are achieved through the opening and closing of the opening and closing parts (such as disc, plate, etc.) inside the valve, thereby controlling the flow of fluids (such as liquids, gases, powders, etc.). Valves play a vital role in the pipeline system, they can accurately adjust and control the flow rate, pressure, flow direction and other parameters according to the need to ensure the normal operation of the fluid transport system. The design, selection, installation and maintenance of valves need to be carried out in strict accordance with relevant standards and specifications to ensure their safe and reliable work.

Classification of valves

Classification by pressure

Vacuum valve: Valve with absolute pressure less than 1 kg/cm ².
Low pressure valve: nominal pressure PN≤1.6Mpa valve.
Medium pressure valve: nominal pressure 1.6Mpa
High pressure valve: nominal pressure 6.4Mpa
Ultra-high pressure valve: nominal pressure PN≥100Mpa valve.

Classified by function and use

Cut-off valve type: mainly used for cut-off and conduction of medium flow. Including gate valve, globe valve, diaphragm valve, plug valve, Ball valve, Butterfly Valve and so on.
regulating valve type: mainly used to adjust the flow and pressure of the medium. Including regulating valve, throttle valve, pressure reducing valve, etc.
Check Valve type: mainly used to prevent the backflow of the medium. Check valves of various structures are included.
Diverter valves: Used for distributing, separating or mixing media. Including various structures of distribution valves, traps and so on.
Safety valve class: Used for system overpressure safety protection. Various types of safety valves are included

Valve history

First, the origin of the valve

The earliest valve originated in China, as early as more than two thousand years ago, that is, the Spring and Autumn Period, Shu people installed wooden plunger valves on one end of hollow bamboo to prevent leakage, and then put bamboo into the well to draw brine to make salt. This is the earliest prototype of the valve, showing the wisdom and creativity of the ancient Chinese people.
Second, the development of valves
Ancient development:
In ancient China, bamboo pipes and cork valves were used in the water pipeline, then sluices were used in the irrigation canal, and plate check valves were used in the bellows for smelting.
In 1800 BC, when the ancient Egyptians built a large-scale water conservancy to prevent the Nile from flooding, they used a similar wooden cock to control the distribution of water.
During the Industrial Revolution:
In 1769, Watt invented the steam engine, so that the valve officially entered the field of machinery industry. Plug valves, safety valves, check valves and butterfly valves are widely used on steam engines.
From the 18th century to the 19th century, the rapid promotion of steam engines in mining, smelting, textile, machinery manufacturing and other industries, the number and quality of valves are increasing, so there are new valves such as slide valves, globe valves with threaded stem and wedge gate valves with trapezoidal threaded stem.
Modern development:
After the Second World War, due to the development of various special materials (such as polymer materials, lubricating materials, stainless steel, etc.), the variety of valves has increased and the quality has improved, and the valve manufacturing industry has gradually become an important sector of the machinery industry.
Modern valves are not only used to control the flow of fluids, but also have a variety of functions such as regulation, distribution, safety protection, etc., and are widely used in many fields such as petroleum, chemical industry, electric power, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, building water supply and drainage.
Third, the classification and application of valves
Valves have different performance and application scenarios according to different types and uses. Common valve types include globe valves, gate valves, check valves, safety valves, regulating valves, etc. These valves play a vital role in industrial production, such as controlling the direction of the fluid, pressure, flow, etc., to ensure the smooth progress of the production process.

Fouth, The development of China's valve industry
China's valve industry started late, but it is developing rapidly. In the 1960s began to develop single-seat valves, two-seat valves and other products, mainly imitation of the former Soviet Union products. With the deepening of reform and opening up and the expansion of industrial production scale, China's valve industry continues to introduce foreign advanced technology and equipment to improve product quality and technical level. At present, China has become one of the world's largest valve producers, with many competitive valve manufacturers and products.

Valve market trends

Market size and growth

According to the latest market research report, the size of China's valve market is expected to continue to grow in the next few years, but the growth rate may gradually slow down. This is mainly due to the booming development of domestic industry, especially the continued growth of petrochemical, energy and power industries, and the demand for valve products has increased accordingly. However, with the gradual saturation of the market and the uncertainty of the international economic environment, the growth rate has also shown a slowing trend.
Global market size: The market size of the global valve manufacturing industry is also continuing to grow, and is expected to reach $92.3 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. As the largest industrial valve market in the Asia-Pacific region, China occupies an important position in the global market, second only to the United States and other countries.

Market demand change
Diversification and specialization: With the country's continued investment in infrastructure construction and new energy industry, valves as a key control component, its market demand has shown a trend of diversification and specialization. Different industries have different requirements for the performance, material and specifications of valve products, which has promoted the segmentation of the valve market.
Increasing demand for high-end valves: With the continuous progress of industrial technology and industrial upgrading, the demand for high-end valves is increasing. These valves are usually used in extreme working conditions, which require very high product quality and technical level. Therefore, the competition in the high-end valve market is also more intense, mainly occupied by internationally renowned enterprises and domestic leading enterprises.

Competition pattern and brand development

Fierce competition: The competitive pattern of the valve industry is becoming increasingly fierce, not only the fierce competition between domestic brands, but also the acceleration of international brands into the Chinese market. The competition between brands is not only reflected in product quality and technical level, but also in many aspects such as brand awareness, market share and service ability.
Increasing brand concentration: With the intensification of market competition and the continuous progress of technology, the brand concentration of the valve industry has gradually increased. Some brands with technical strength and market influence gradually stand out and occupy a leading position in the market