Needle Valves

Needle valves have a slender, tapered point at the end of the valve stem that is lowered through the seat to restrict or block flow.  Fluid flowing through the valve turns 90 degrees and passes through an orifice that is the seat for a rod with a cone shaped tip.  These small valves are widely used to accurately regulate the flow of liquids and gases at low flow rates. The fine threading of the stem and the large seat area allow for precise resistance to flow. Needle valves are used to control flow into delicate gauges, which might be damaged by sudden surges of fluid under pressure. Needle valves are also used in situations where the flow must be gradually brought to a halt and at other points where precise adjustments of flow are necessary or where a small flow rate is desired.  They can be used as both on/off valves and for throttling service.  

Needle valves are often designed with a metal needle (generally brass, bronze, or stainless or other alloys of steel) and an elastomeric seat (generally PVC, CPVC, PTFE, or a wide range of brand name plastics and thermoplastics).  While this is the most common form, valves are available that have metal - metal, plastic – plastic, or plastic – metal needles and seats.  These variations are usually designed with specific applications in mind, especially situations where corrosion, high or low temperatures or extensive wear are possible.  In such cases, it is best to consult with the manufacturer to find which type of valve is best for the application at hand.

Needle valves are used in almost every industry in an incredibly wide range of applications - anywhere control or metering of steam, air, gas, oil, water or other non-viscous liquids is required.  They can be found in every industry from aerospace to zoological sciences, every service from gas and liquid dispensation to instrumentation control and cooling to power generation.  However, needle valves should be avoided in applications where the media is viscous, or in the dispensation of slurries.  The small flow orifice can easily trap thick materials or solids and become blocked.

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Part Numbers for Needle Valves