Diverter Valves Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with diverter valves terminology

By Howard Robertson

Diverter valves are useful in various applications in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. These valves play a significant role in applications such as waste processing, chemical manufacturing and various pneumatic systems.

Whether you want to become a diverter valve manufacturer or diverter valve supplier, you will need to know the various technical terms related to diverter valves. This guide intends to familiarize you with diverter valves key terms, such as NC or NO position, wye line diverter valve, gravity diverter valve, conveying diverter valve, PSI and UL standard 429.

NC or NO position

The position of a valve is defined as normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO). You will need to understand the meaning of this term to define your application requirement. A normally closed valve is closed in routine application and is opened as required. For a normally open valve, the case is the opposite.
Try: Plast-O-Matic Valves, a supplier of industrial valves, offers a glossary that explains valve terms and abbreviations, including NC and NO.

Wye line diverter valve

A wye line diverter valve contains a hinged disc for closing one of the two outlets. This valve is suitable for handling dry bulk materials.
Try: Advanced Bulk & Conveying, Inc. (PDF), a supplier of pneumatic conveying and materials management systems, provides information about wye line diverter valves.

Gravity diverter valve

A gravity diverter valve is extremely useful for gravity applications where little or no pressure is involved.
Try: Solids Processing Equipment Company (SPEC), a systems integration company, provides information regarding gravity diverter valves.

Plug type diverter valve

Plug type diverter valves are useful in the pneumatic conveying applications to re-route powder or granules from one discharge point to another. Plug valves are the most suitable valves for high vacuum conveying systems or where leakage or cross contamination is not acceptable.
Try: Polimak Ltd., a manufacturer of gear boxes and pneumatic conveying systems, provides detailed information about plug valves.

Conveying diverter valve

A conveying diverter valve consists of strong bodies manufactured in two sections. These units are used on pneumatic conveying applications with smooth internals that do not allow lodgment points.
Try: For information regarding a conveying diverter valve, you can refer to Sunco Powder Systems, a reputable supplier of bulk material handling components and systems.

Pneumatic actuator

A pneumatic actuator is a device that regulates a valve. A pneumatic actuator converts the energy from compressed air into motion. Depending on the type of actuator, the motion can be rotary or linear.
Try: Valve World, a magazine on valves and associated products, provides a glossary of technical terms, including pneumatic actuators.

PSI (Pound per Square Inch)

PSI is the unit of pressure resulting from a force of one pound to an area of one square-inch.
Try: For explanation of PSI, read through SensorsONE Ltd, a knowledge resource for pressure monitoring instrumentation.

UL standard 429

Industrial valve manufacturers mention that their diverter valves and valve products are compliant with the UL standard 429. This standard assures the safe working of electrically operated valves.
Try: You can read through the scope of UL standard 429 at Underwriters Laboratories, a reputable certification and standardization organization.