High pressure valves are generally like any other valves, but of higher quality so they have high pressure ratings. This makes them serviceable to a wider range of industrial applications, like high pressure steam systems.

Nearly any valve mechanism works for high pressure situations, but some are better than others. For example, gate valves and plug valves are available with high pressure ratings, but typically, these types of valves are best for low pressure applications. Here are some of the most typical types of valves available from high pressure valve distributors:

1. High pressure ball valves, especially a trunnion ball valves, have a ball that anchors to both the top and bottom of the valve body.

2. High pressure globe valves are often useful in petroleum and chemical industries, as well as other heavy industrial applications.

3. High pressure power actuated valves, like high pressure hydraulic valves, are more precise and easier to operate than manual varieties.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make a purchase from one of many high pressure ball valve manufactures

High pressure valve manufacturers and high pressure valve suppliers usually carry a decent selection of ball valves. So, shop around. As with any high pressure application, know the high end limits of your application and make sure every component you buy and install exceeds those limits.

I recommend: Triad Process Equipment carries full port ball valves with pressure ratings up to 6000 psi. They have several series to choose from and cover sizes from 1/4 inch to 3 inches. For the most extreme conditions, however, check out the High Pressure Equipment Company. Their stock includes trunnion style ball valves that go all the way up to 20,000 psi.

Buy high pressure globe valves from suppliers of high pressure valves

Globe valves serve a wide range of applications in many sectors, including large-scale and high-pressure industrial process applications.

I recommend: Tyco Flow Control manufactures high quality globe valves fabricated out of various steels and alloys. Their pressure ratings are as high as 4500 psi, and they also handle operating temps up to 1200 degrees. Capital Valves Group also carries globe valves with pressure ratings similar to Tyco's. Their stock includes angle and Y-pattern types. Another good source for high pressure globe valves is Emerson Process Management. They have universal, chemical service, and general purpose globe valves as well.

Locate less common types of high pressure valves

In general, the mechanical structure of gate valves and plug valves do not seat or maintain a seal in the same way as other types of valves. In other words, it's not as easy to for a manufacturer of high pressure valves to produce high pressure gate or plug valves as compared with other types. However, there are high quality gate and plug valves with fairly high ratings.

I recommend: Tyco Flow Control is also a great place to turn for large and super heavy duty industrial valves of many types, including gate valves, among which are models that rate as high as 4500 psi, an atypical rating for gate valves. Swagelok has detailed online catalogs for their plug valves. They have numerous options for their plug valves, including pressure ratings all the way up to 3000 psig.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When installing components in high pressure systems, be sure to include high pressure relief valves. These valves are vital to the safety of your employees, as well as the maintenance of your equipment.