Valves are designed to control the flow of some type of media through a system at a given point in the system. Valves can be designed for use with air, gas, steam, liquids or slurries, or for liquids with high or low viscosity.
Additionally, the right valve has the ability to do the job it is intended to perform. This may be to allow flow or shut off the flow through the valve, to prevent backflow through a system, or to control the rate of flow through the valve.
Each of these considerations has an impact on the best type and the best material for the valve. With many different types of processes, a brass needle valve is the ideal option. Knowing when to use these types of valves helps to determine if this is the right valve for the given application.
The Benefits of Brass
While brass is not the lowest cost material for valve construction, it offers several advantages that are well worth the small price difference. Brass is a very durable and long-lasting material, that is resistant to both damage from the interior as well as from the outside environment.
Brass can stand up to high media and ambient temperatures, as well as cold temperatures. While brass does expand and contract, it is at much higher temperatures than typical system applications ever reach.
A brass valve is resistant to corrosion, which means it offers a long life cycle, does not produce rust inside the system, and continues to operate without any maintenance.
Needle Valves
The design of a needle valve is a long, tapered seat and plunger. The valve is turned by the operator and can be finely tuned to allow the desired amount of media through the valve. With a miniature brass needle valve, the turning is very fine to be able to create the desired flow volume adjustments, making them both user-friendly and also very precise.
