To Identify Stainless Steel Valves

Sep 2, 2013

A valve is a device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically valves fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category. In an open valve, fluid flows in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure.

The simplest, and very ancient, valve is simply a freely hinged flap which drops to obstruct fluid (gas or liquid) flow in one direction, but is pushed open by flow in the opposite direction. This is called a check valve, as it prevents or "checks" the flow in one direction.

Valves have many uses, including controlling water for Irrigation, industrial uses for controlling processes, residential uses such as on / off & pressure control to dish and clothes washers & taps in the home. Even aerosols have a tiny valve built in. Valves are also used in the military & transport sectors.

Valves are found in virtually every industrial process, including water & sewage processing, mining, power generation, processing of oil, gas & petroleum, food manufacturing, chemical & plastic manufacturing and many other fields.

Stainless steel is an excellent material for making valves. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and heat, and is an all around durable metal. A stainless steel valve holds up better over time than an ordinary steel or aluminum valve due to its resilient properties, making it a higher quality valve. Being able to identify stainless steel valves will enable you to determine whether or not the valves in your home are made of high quality metal.

1、Examine the finish of the valves. Stainless steel has a finish much brighter and more reflective than ordinary steel.        
2、Test the valves to find out if they're magnetic. Steel is magnetic, unlike copper or aluminum. All stainless steels are magnetic with the exception of austenitic grades; however, even some austenitics can become magnetized. If a magnet sticks to the valve, it is most likely steel.        
3、Compare the magnetism of the valves to an ordinary piece of steel. Stainless steel has a weaker magnetic pull than ordinary steel. If your magnet sticks to the ordinary steel much better than the other valves, they are most likely stainless steel.