A float valve is a type of product used for liquid level measurement and control. It consists of several key components, including a valve body, piston, lever, and float. The float valve operates using the principle of leverage to open or close the valve, controlling the flow of liquid. To put it simply, it works similarly to the water fill mechanism in household toilet tanks, where a float controls the water intake.
Difference Between a Float Valve and a Ball Valve
While both float valves and ball valves sound similar, they have distinct differences. A ball valve is a type of valve where the valve core (the sealing component) is spherical in shape, used primarily in pipelines to shut off or regulate gas or water flow. On the other hand, a float valve uses a hollow sealed float connected to a lever to automatically control the opening and closing of the valve based on the liquid’s buoyancy. Though their names differ by just one character, their functions and mechanisms are quite different.
Working Principle of a Float Valve
First, open the needle valve and ball valve on the conduit, and slowly open the shut-off valve in front of the main valve. The medium in the conduit passes through the needle valve, the upper chamber pressure chamber, the ball valve, and the small float valve into the pool. The outlet of the upper chamber pressure chamber of the diaphragm is not closed, and no effective pressure can be formed. The main valve core opens under the action of the medium pressure and starts to supply water to the pool.
As the liquid level in the pool rises, the small float valve closes, the outlet of the upper chamber pressure chamber of the diaphragm is closed, and the pressure in the upper chamber of the diaphragm gradually increases. Because the area of the diaphragm is larger than the area of the main valve core, the pressure difference formed causes the main valve to gradually close, and the main valve stops supplying water.
When the water in the pool is consumed, the liquid level drops, the small float valve opens to drain, the pressure in the upper chamber of the diaphragm gradually decreases, and the main valve core opens to supply water under the action of the medium pressure.
In the float valve mechanism, the float consistently stays on the surface of the water. As the water level rises, so does the float. The float’s movement activates the piston within the valve body, either allowing water into the tank or shutting off the flow once the water reaches a pre-set level. This automatic process is the core of how float valves work.
Functions of a Float Valve
The primary function of a float valve is to control the water level in tanks or reservoirs, ensuring that the water does not exceed a pre-determined level. In addition, it ensures that the valve can only open during specified times. This is particularly useful in water supply systems where maintaining a steady water level is critical.
Applications of Float Valves
Float valves are widely used in systems that involve water tanks or reservoirs, such as:
- Water supply systems: Float valves are installed in tanks connected to the municipal water supply, helping to regulate the water inflow and prevent overflow.
- Peak demand control: In water supply networks, the float valve prevents the water intake valve from opening during peak usage times, which can reduce pressure on the water supply system. The valve only opens during off-peak hours, ensuring efficient water usage.
Conclusion
A float valve is an essential tool for managing liquid levels in various systems, from household water tanks to industrial applications. Its automatic function, based on the principle of buoyancy, makes it highly reliable for controlling water inflow, preventing overfilling, and ensuring smooth operation of water systems. Whether for a small residential tank or a larger municipal water system, the float valve offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for water level control.
