Ever wondered how a single valve could move and act as a controller for flow in your daily shower with water in the morning to gargantuan industrial systems? It all lies in a small yet powerful component that tends to stay unnoticed until it is most needed. With home plumbing or industrial operations getting the upgrade, one component proves to make all the difference. We’re here to introduce you to the diverter valves- what are they? What are their applications and significance? on Brick & Bolt.
What is a Diverter Valve?
A diverter valve is a mechanical valve that can be used to divert a fluid flow from one path into another. Usually, these valves are installed in piping systems and may come in various types of media: water, air, steam, oil, or mixtures of chemical substances are operated by manual, pneumatic, or electric means. The valve may also be provided with two or more outlets and is useful to switch between outputs or to isolate one flow while allowing another.
Valve functions consist of the rotation or axial shifting of some internal mechanism-discs or gates-which redirects flow. This facilitates better system control, optimisation of efficiency, and safer operation by keeping the operator away from direct contact with pressurised or hazardous substances.
Application of Diverter Valve
Industrial Processes
Diverter valves are used in the manufacturing of different components, allowing them to be processed separately. This valve is crucial in chemical processes or when one component should be cooled before moving into the next stage of production.
Home and Commercial Plumbing
These valves are most commonly used in home and commercial plumbing, to direct water from one sink to another, or even to switch from hot water to cold water sources, while in use.
Oil and Gas Applications
Diverter valves are important in oil and gas applications, as they can separate different gases or prevent the mixture of incompatible liquids.
Pros and Cons of the Diverter Valve
Pros
- Flow Control Flexibility: This is perhaps the main winning edge that diverter valves have-they divert flow without forcing an entire facility or unit to shut down.
- Small and Space Efficient: These valves lessen the need for multiple pipes and types of valves and, hence, save space and simplify installation.
- Enhances System Efficiency: By ensuring more direct fluid routing, diverter valves take a toll on the energy consumed and time of operation.
- Cost-saving Maintenance: Many diverter valves allow easy disassembly and maintenance, which reduces downtime.
Cons
- Wear and Tear: Repeated operation, especially at high pressure or with abrasive media, will eventually wear the valve away.
- Leak Potential: When not tightly sealed or maintained, diverter valves can develop points of leakage in the system.
- Cost: A fine-grade or highly specialised diverter valve can carry exorbitant price tags for a buyer and for its installation.
- Complicated Installation: Real-world applications might call for an installation process involving very precise alignment procedures or even integration with control systems.
Types of Diverter Valves
Diverter valves are essential components used in material handling systems to direct product flow from one conveying line to another. They ensure smooth, damage-free transportation of powders, granules, food ingredients, plastics, aggregates and chemicals. Depending on the material type and application, various diverter valves are available each suited to specific operational needs.
- Conveying diverter valves
Use an internal flap plate to redirect materials in pneumatic systems. Constructed from cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel, these valves often include rubber wiper seals for tight sealing and self-cleaning, reducing maintenance.
- Plug diverter valves
Feature a rotating plug instead of a flap. Their 150° rotation allows for high-pressure operation and smooth transition in dense-phase systems, making them ideal for larger particles.
- Scale diverter valves
Sit atop hoppers and are designed for batch filling applications. They enable bypass or fill modes through internal flaps.
- Gravity diverter valves
Used in gravity-fed systems and are highly customizable. Available in two-way or three-way configurations, they come with flap or chute mechanisms and are suitable for standard applications with minimal maintenance requirements.
Installation of the Diverter Valve
Select the Appropriate Valve
At the very beginning of any procedure, choose the diverter valve suitable for the application. Fluid type-gas, water, oil, etc., is all under pressure rating, temperature range, and whether the valve is operated manually or automatically. Making sure it fits from the start, reason prevents you from having to replace it later on.
Turn Off the Supply
Before starting the job, the water, gas, or fluid supply should be turned off. Open nearby taps to relieve pressure and empty the lines. This step guarantees a clean and safe environment for installation.
Prepare the Site
Locate the place where the equipment needs the valve to be installed, clean the location, inspect the piping, and make sure there is easy access to it. In case you are changing an older valve, remove the valve carefully and clean the connecting points.
Dry Fit the Valve
With the help of a vice, hold the valve temporarily on the pipe; do not seal it yet. Checking for alignment and orientation should take place at this point. This will avoid embarrassing mistakes before anything is permanently fixed.
Apply Sealant and Install
Once the alignment is fixed, take the valve off, and apply Teflon tape or pipe sealant to the threaded fittings. Without overtightening, tighten the valve enough to prevent water seepage or leakage. For soldered connections, proceed with heating and safety procedures.
Secure and support the Valve
On certain occasions, such as in-wall or overhead installation, secure the valve by furnishing brackets or other methods that prevent loading onto the piping. Make sure the control mechanism is accessible.
Restore the System and Test
Slowly turn on the fluid supply again and test the valve through all its positions. Make sure it directs flow properly and check that no joint is leaking; re-tighten or reseal if they are.
Finish Off
Once everything has been checked for smooth operation, replace any panel or cover that was removed, documenting the installation in case it should be referred to later. Basic operating instructions or training should be given to future users in a commercial installation.
How Does a Diverter Valve Work?
Diverter valves operate through a mechanism like a lever or knob, which shifts the flow direction. Rotating the control moves internal components to open or close specific ports within the valve, redirecting the fluid to the desired outlet. At its core, a diverter does not allow two paths for the fluid to pass at the same time. In a tub diverter, one would pull the knob to lift an internal gate that stops the flow of water in the water valve to the tub spout, so the water is carried up into the shower pipe. In an industrial system, an actuator would move a disk or a ball inside the valve body so that the flow is redirected to a different outlet pipe. The mechanism can work manually or automatically, depending on the requirements of the system
Difference Between a Transfer Valve and a Diverter Valve
Both the transfer valve and the diverter valve operate between outlets, but the difference is in what they do,
| Aspect | Diverter Valve | Transfer Valve |
| Function | Redirects flow from one outlet to another (e.g., tub to shower). | Allows flow to multiple outlets simultaneously or individually. |
| Flow Path | One input, one active output at a time. | One input, multiple active outputs depending on configuration. |
| Use Case | Common in residential plumbing (tub/shower systems). | Used in more complex setups like dual shower heads or handheld + overhead systems. |
| Control Mechanism | Typically involves a pull or turn action to switch outlets. | Usually operated by rotating a knob with multiple settings. |
| Installation | Simpler, often built into tub spouts or single-point outlets. | More advanced systems, requires specific plumbing configurations. |
| Water Flow Direction | Switches flow from one outlet to another. | Splits or combines flow between outlets. |
Choosing between the two may depend on how much control one wants and how many outputs will be active at once.
Conclusion
Diverter valves serve an important purpose in contemporary plumbing and industrial systems, where they assure control of flow with reliability and efficiency for almost any application. Their function can be anything from diverting the direction of water in showers to rerouting chemical flows in processing plants; by this fact, one can bet on its versatility and importance. There may be some maintenance to consider, along with initial cost; however, the pros of improved control, efficiency, and safety, whether in dwellings or industries, outweigh these elements.