Diaphragm Check Valves and Diaphragm Control Valves
Diaphragm valves are separated into two major categories: diaphragm check valves and diaphragm control valves.
Diaphragm check valves ensure materials flow unidirectional by employing a flexible membrane diaphragm.
Diaphragm control valves allow manufacturers to modify pressure, temperature flow rates, and liquid levels as they go along. They do so with the assistance of a diaphragm made of an elastomer film or membrane.
Seat Valves and Saddle Valves
In turn, check valves and control valves are further divided into two configuration groups: seat valves and saddle valves, or straight-way and weir valves, respectively.
Both of these valve types feature two or more ports through which materials flow. With both, one port serves as an inlet and at least one other serves as a place for exhaust to escape from the body. When the valve is not engaged, materials will simply flow in one port and out the other, but when it is, flow becomes restricted or completely repressed.
The main difference between seat valves and saddle valves deals with the alignment of their ports.
Seat valve bodies use a 90° bend to cause the directional change of a process stream as it moves around a corner. Essentially, seat valves create a nonlinear stream path. Most often, seat valves are used to facilitate angled flow in cistern or tank bottoms.
Saddle valves, on the other hand, direct flow with two ports that are located opposite one another. Essentially, saddle valves create and regulate a linear stream path. Typically, they assist pre-existing flow lines.
Aside from the difference in piping or tubing angle, seat valves and saddle valves are essentially the same. To begin with, they both consist of a spherical or cylindrical body, attached to the tubing or tank that requires the valve, which contains the actuation device and diaphragm. They both also have the same type of diaphragm. The diaphragm of both is thin at the edges and thick in the middle, a feature that permits easy stretching. It lifts up when the valve is opened, allowing for gases or fluids to pass. When the valve is closed, the stem engages the diaphragm by applying pressure. This pressure forces the diaphragm to move towards the opposite wall of the piping to create a flexible but effective flow barrier.