Every single day, there are many things that affect us in ways that we don’t appreciate enough to understand. Even so, the utilities, amenities, and services that we get are made possible through sometimes boring and mundane methods. Among these are industrial valves, which are often considered to be among the least interesting points of topics possible. This is discounting the fact that they play such crucial roles in how modern people live and how society itself works.
Understanding how industrial valves, pipes, waste management, and so on influence how we live is important for several reasons. One of the most pertinent is that it can give us a good idea of what would happen without them and why keeping them in good working condition is essential. Another good reason is that we can find alternative solutions that already exist for us to take advantage of. For instance, there is no shortage of localized renewable energy sources, and home water purification systems that you can get to improve the quality of your life.
Below are a few ways industrial valves affect everyday life:
Table of Contents
1. Heating
In many cold areas in the world, the cold is a problem that is dealt with on a large-scale using underground pipes for heating. This process is assisted by valves by making sure that the heat is controlled and can be directed as needed. You can’t allow steam to flow around wherever there is airflow because this would be a waste of resources. Valves also prevent the buildup of pressure to exceed the threshold of the systems that provide the heating to people.
img source: wikimedia.org
These heating networks can be localized in that they are present within specific buildings or structures, or they can be citywide. Depending on the kind of climate that the area is in and the population density, it can be a combination. Whatever the case may be, industrial valves will be sure to play a huge role in keeping those systems functional. Without valves, it would be almost impossible to heat up any area within a reasonable level of control or convenience.
2. Recycled, Purified Water
Not a lot of people like to think where the water they may be drinking every day is coming from. Suffice it to say, it’s not the most pleasant of sources, even if the water is safe to drink. Once purified, this water will be cleared of all harmful microbes, toxic chemicals and metals, and other contaminants. A huge part of the purification process is industrial valves, which help ensure that every step is done right.
Without high-quality industrial valves, it can be easy for leaks to happen, which would then contaminate the water. This is a major issue that is taken with considerable weight due to how it can affect people’s health. High-quality valves are also easier to operate and have more resistance to corrosion and rust, thus making them last longer. With that being the case, there can be no compromises on what types of valves are chosen for the job.
3. Power From Every Source
At this point, there is now a huge concentration of multiple types of sources that provide power to multiple communities. These can be both renewable and fossil, with nuclear and gas being thrown into the mix depending on the location. For every single one of them, industrial valves are a necessity that allows their operations to function. Without these tools for controlling the flows of everything from fuel to steam, generating power can be a nightmare.
img source: wikimedia.org
With that being the case, it would only make sense that industrial valves affect everyday life on a fundamental level. No valves mean no power and no power means no electricity for modern society to function. More complex power sources will require more of these valves and different types of them, as well. As always, quality is going to be a major priority since power can be destructive if something goes wrong.
4. Refined Fuel
Pipelines and valves have always been an integral part of the oil industry since they are used from start to finish. From extracting the oil in the ground to having it refined, and then pouring it into trucks, pipes, and valves are involved. Even with the rising popularity of electric cars, vehicles powered by fossil fuel are still a major part of society. This is not going to change over the next few decades, thus making the process the same in many ways.
It would also be safe to say that producing fuel would be impossible without the help of industrial valves. At least, this would be the case when the production is on a large scale for worldwide delivery and shipping. Even the tankers that hold the oil make use of industrial valves and these need even higher quality versions. The anti-corrosion properties of valves used by shipping containers resist sea air and humidity, thus keeping the oil secure.
5. Medicine
There are numerous medical functions associated with valves, with tanks filled with various gasses, being one of these examples. The manufacture of drugs, the delivery of medication, the production of medical equipment, and many more all rely on various types of industrial valves. This is especially true in the field of research and development where valves are often put through the wringer. There can be massive and rapid temperature changes with various containers and processes that need to be taken into consideration.
img source: wikimedia.org
With regard to cryogenic tanks, for example, low-quality valves can snap at any moment due to the immense pressure. This is why getting them from a reputable cryogenic valves manufacturer such as XVHAL is highly advised.
Conclusion
Industrial valves are indispensable in the modern world and many things we take for granted wouldn’t be possible without them. Knowing even a little bit about their roles helps with appreciating their contributions and why their proper maintenance is crucial. On top of this, it can help you to be prepared if you ever encounter an issue with one of them.
