Selecting the right industrial valve involves more than just sizing and material selection. How that valve connects to your pipeline—the "end connection"—is critical for system integrity, leak prevention, and maintenance ease. Whether you are working with high-pressure steam or hygienic food processing, the connection type dictates the installation method and the pressure rating of the assembly.
In this guide, we break down the most common valve connection types found in industrial and commercial piping systems.
Threaded connections are the most common method for joining small-diameter valves (typically 2 inches and smaller) to pipes. They are economical, quick to install, and do not require heavy tools like welding machines.
Threaded connections are excellent for low-to-medium pressure systems but are generally avoided in extremely high-pressure or corrosive environments where crevice corrosion could occur in the threads. For versatile applications, a Threaded Two-Way Gate Valve is a staple in residential and light commercial plumbing.
As pipe size increases, threading becomes impractical. Flanged connections use two flat, circular plates bolted together with a gasket in between. This is the industry standard for bulk flow control and allows for easy removal of the valve for cleaning or replacement without cutting the pipe.
Flanges are categorized by standards such as ANSI (American), DIN (European), or JIS (Japanese). When selecting a Stainless Steel Flanged Ball Valve, ensure the flange class (e.g., Class 150, PN16) matches your piping system.
Key Advantages:
For larger water infrastructure projects, a Handwheel Flanged Butterfly Valve is often preferred due to its compact design compared to gate valves.
In industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, hygiene is the priority. Threads and flanges can trap bacteria. The solution is the Tri-Clamp (or Tri-Clover) connection.
These connections use a polished, clamp-style fitting that creates a smooth, crevice-free bore. This design facilitates Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures. A Tri-Clamp Sanitary Butterfly Valve allows for rapid disassembly and sanitization, ensuring product purity.
For systems requiring zero leakage potential—such as high-pressure steam or toxic chemical lines—welded connections are used.
While permanent and leak-proof, welded valves are difficult to service, so they are typically reserved for systems that do not require frequent maintenance.
Modern plastic piping systems utilize unique connection methods.
Q: Can I connect a plastic valve to a metal pipe? A: Yes, but you must use the correct transition fitting. Often, a flange adapter or a specialized Union Ball Valve with a threaded end is used to bridge the gap between dissimilar materials.
Q: What is the difference between a wafer and a lug style connection? A: These terms apply to butterfly valves. A Wafer Style Butterfly Valve is sandwiched between two pipe flanges using long bolts. A Lug Style Butterfly Valve has threaded inserts (lugs) on the valve body, allowing it to be bolted directly to a flange. This allows for dead-end service (removing piping from one side while keeping the valve closed).
Choosing the correct end connection ensures your system remains leak-free and easy to maintain. For detailed standards on pipe flanges and flanged fittings, resources like the ASME B16.5 Standard are invaluable.
Whether you need a robust flanged gate valve for an oil refinery or a hygienic tri-clamp valve for a brewery, identifying the right connection is the first step toward a successful installation. If you are unsure which connection suits your existing piping, contact our support team for guidance.
