Valve assemblies may also employ external control mechanisms to regulate their motion. Start and stop stations may be used to initiate and stop motion. Travel sensors may also be used to restrict movement of linkages. Special fasteners are normally used in a valve assembly. Some of the common types used include circlips, grub screws and bolts. Any other auxiliary equipment needed during the installation of the valve is regarded as part of the valve assembly. Peripherals include spare parts for sensitive parts such as the bushes, O-rings and sealer elements which are exposed to high rate of wear and tear.
Valve assemblies are designed in a manner that suits their operation. The components are made resistant to the heating and cooling processes involved. They can work best with non-corrosive medium such as glycol, water or steam. Most companies dealing with the manufacture of valves supply them as a whole assembly at a subsidized cost. However, some companies give their customers an option to purchase valve assembly parts separately. This is because most buyers purchase linkages, actuators and bodies separately to complete their existing assemblies.
The main part of valve assemblies is the valve body. It comes in two distinct versions: stem end open and stem end closed. Other types that are also supplied by some companies include the diverting valve and 3-way mixing valve bodies. There are numerous sizes available and the choice depends on the task ahead. The available types range from 0.5 inches to 6 inches. Various styles are also available and are made of different materials. The most common ones are made of cast bronze and cast iron. Actuators come in two main designs. These are linear stroke and rotary stroke. A valve assembly can be manipulated into different designs to produce different types of motion. One only needs to consider purchasing the right auxiliary components to achieve the desired effect.