Valves & Flow Control

Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026

Specification	Details
Types	Ball, gate, globe, butterfly, check, solenoid, pressure relief, needle, diaphragm
Materials	Brass, stainless steel, cast iron, bronze, PVC, PVDF
Standards	BS EN 12516 (shell design), ISO 5211 (actuator mounting), BS EN 1092 (flanges)
Actuation	Manual (lever/handwheel), pneumatic, electric, hydraulic

## What are Valves & Flow Control? Valves and flow control components regulate fluid or gas flow within piping systems by opening, closing, or throttling to control pressure, temperature, or flow rate. ### Types of Valves & Flow Control Ball valves offer a quick on/off function with low torque requirements. Gate valves provide reliable shut-off but aren't suitable for regulating flow. Globe valves feature tapered seats that allow precise flow regulation and leak tightness in closed positions. Butterfly valves have a pivoting disc to control flow, making them ideal for large pipes due to their compact design. Check valves prevent backflow by automatically closing when reverse pressure occurs. Solenoid valves use electromagnets to open or close fluid paths quickly, often seen in automated systems. Pressure relief valves protect equipment from overpressure by opening at preset pressures and discharging excess fluid. Needle valves provide fine flow control with a small orifice and long stem for precise adjustments. Diaphragm valves seal liquids using an elastomer diaphragm, making them suitable for corrosive fluids. ### Materials and Specifications Valves & Flow Control components are available in various materials such as brass (CZ120-1), stainless steel (AISI 316L), cast iron (EN-GJS-400-15), bronze (CuSn8), PVC, and PVDF. Standards include BS EN 12516 for shell design, ISO 5211 for actuator mounting, and BS EN 1092 for flange dimensions. ### How to Choose the Right Valves & Flow Control Selecting the right valve involves considering factors like flow rate, pressure, temperature, fluid type, and whether the application requires manual or automated operation. For example, if you're dealing with high-pressure applications, a gate valve might be necessary due to its strong sealing ability. Conversely, for precise flow control in chemical plants, needle valves are important. ### UK Suppliers MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House, ensuring that procurement managers can find reliable sources for Valves & Flow Control components like those manufactured by companies adhering to strict quality standards and offering a wide range of products compliant with ISO 9001. ### Common Applications Valves & Flow Control are used across various industries. In the water treatment sector, butterfly valves manage large volumes efficiently, while check valves prevent backflow in pipelines. In oil and gas, solenoid valves control automated systems in refineries. Food processing plants rely on stainless steel ball valves for hygiene and durability. Pharmaceutical companies use diaphragm valves to handle sterile fluids without contaminating the product. By understanding these aspects, engineers and procurement managers can ensure that their projects are equipped with the right Valves & Flow Control components to meet specific needs and maintain system integrity.