Glossary · Pneumatics and hydraulics
Valve technology
Also known as: Valve engineering
German: Ventiltechnik
In fluid power and process engineering, valve technology is the field covering the design, selection, actuation, control and maintenance of valves for gases and liquids, from pneumatic and hydraulic valves to process valves.
- Fluid power
In one sentence
Valve technology covers the design, selection, actuation, control and maintenance of valves for gases and liquids.
Example
The plant's valve technology specification defines approved valve types, materials, actuators and naming for all new projects.
How it applies
- Engineering: Valve selection depends on medium, pressure, temperature, flow, response time, actuation and fail-safe behavior. Plant standards often restrict the approved types.
- Commissioning: Valve functions are tested against circuit diagrams and P&IDs.
- Maintenance: Standardized valve types simplify spare parts and training.
- Documentation: A plant-wide valve terminology helps: consistent names for valve types and functions in specifications, P&IDs, circuit diagrams and manuals. Record term pairs such as "Wegeventil = directional control valve" and "Druckbegrenzungsventil = pressure-relief valve" in the terminology database.
Valve technology vs. fluid power
Fluid power covers the whole system (pumps, compressors, actuators, lines). Valve technology focuses on the valves that control it, and also includes process valves outside fluid power.