Tech
Flow control unleashed: a comprehensive guide to different valve types in manufacturing

Valves play a critical role in manufacturing by controlling the flow of materials, gases, and other substances. Valves can be designed to provide precise control over the open-close cycle, allowing for more efficient production processes. This guide will explore different types of valves commonly used in manufacturing and discuss their functions and applications. Whether you’re a professional engineer or just curious about this technology, we’ll provide the critical information you need to understand valves and their role in industrial processes.
Flanged ball valve
Flanged ball valves are quarter-turn rotary valves used in many industries. As the name suggests, these valves use a flanged connection to attach them to pipelines; this allows for quick and easy installation and maintenance. The internal mechanism of this valve consists of a ball with a hole drilled in the center. When the valve handle is rotated, it aligns the hole in the ball with either the inlet or outlet port of the pipe, allowing fluid to flow through. This type of valve has several advantages, including excellent control over flow rates and tight shutoff capabilities. Flanged ball valves are often used for applications involving higher pressure or temperatures, such as in chemical and petrochemical processing. They can also be used to isolate specific pipeline sections for maintenance purposes.
Angle seat valve
Angle seat valves are pneumatically actuated control valves that use compressed air to open and close the valve. This type of valve features an angle seat, which controls the flow rate. The angle seat valve has a piston and actuator connected to the valve body. When compressed air is passed through the actuator, it pushes against the piston and opens or closes the flow path accordingly. It allows for accurate, controlled regulation of flow rates. Angle seat valves are commonly used in applications involving fluids with high viscosity, such as food processing and chemical production. They also provide reliable shutoff in applications with higher operating pressures or temperatures. Angle seat valves offer several advantages, including fast response times, reasonable control of flow rates, and precise control over the open-close cycle.
Butterfly valve
Butterfly valves are quarter-turn rotary valves that use a disc to control the flow of fluids. The butterfly valve consists of a cylindrical body and a disc-shaped valve that is moved between the open and closed positions. The disc is connected to a stem, which is actuated by a handle or lever. When the handle is rotated, it moves the disc into the fully open or closed position, allowing for precise control over flow rates. This type of valve has several advantages, including its low cost and easy installation. Butterfly valves are often used for applications involving low-pressure and low-velocity fluids, such as water or air. They can also regulate the flow of liquids in various industrial processes. It also provides reliable shutoff in applications where other valve types may not be suitable.
Globe valve
Globe valves are linear motion control valves that use a disc to regulate the flow of fluids. The valve body is designed with a cylindrical shape and a disc-shaped closure element connected to a stem. The stem can be actuated using a handwheel or other external actuator, allowing precise control over the open-close cycle. Globe valves, such as steam and oil pipelines, are often used in high-pressure and temperature applications. They are also used to isolate specific pipe sections for maintenance purposes. The globe valve also has excellent shutoff characteristics, making it ideal for applications with rapid on-off control. Manufacturers use this valve in many industries, including oil and gas production, chemical processing, and water treatment.
Solenoid valve
Solenoid valves are electrically operated control valves that use an electromagnetic coil to move the valve body between open and closed positions. This type of valve typically consists of two parts, the solenoid, and the valve body. When an electric current is passed through the solenoid, it creates a magnetic field that causes the valve body to move and open or close the flow path. Solenoid valves are generally used in applications requiring precise control over the open-close cycle, such as gas control systems or medical equipment. They provide reliable operation even in low-pressure environments and can be used to switch between multiple flow paths. It can control the flow of fluids in a wide range of industries in terms of size, pressure, and temperature.
Diaphragm valve
Diaphragm valves are linear motion control valves that use a flexible diaphragm to regulate the flow of fluids. The body of this type of valve is designed with an inlet and outlet port, as well as a diaphragm connected to an actuator. When the actuator is operated, it pulls or pushes on the diaphragm, allowing precise control over the open-close cycle. Diaphragm valves are often used for applications involving corrosive or viscous fluids, as they can reduce the risk of leakage and corrosion. They are also used in food processing and other industrial processes to regulate the flow of gases or liquids. Manufacturers use diaphragm valves to provide reliable shutoff capabilities and precise control over the flow rates. It also has a high resistance to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for applications with frequent operation.

Tech
Queuing Software vs. Traditional Queues: Which Is More Effective?

Queuing software and traditional queues both serve the purpose of managing & organizing customers in a sequential manner, but they have distinct advantages & disadvantages. However, the choice between smart queuing and traditional queues depends on specific needs and circumstances. So to make an informed decision, you should consider the efficiency, customer experience, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and adaptability to various industries and scenarios.
In this write-up, you will get deep insights about the traditional queuing approach and the modern smart queuing solution. Let’s start the comparison guide and figure out which one is effective for you.
Comparative Guide on Traditional Queues vs. Advanced Queuing Solutions
The following are the differences between traditional and smart queuing software.
Traditional Queues
Traditionally, when a customer wants to avail of any product or service, he/she must stand in a queue and take a physical token. This token indicates the queue number when it is the customer’s turn. The staff member verbally calls the customer with the assigned token number. After the customer has waited a long time, he/she goes to the counter and uses the service. Here are some pointers given below on the traditional queuing process:
Simple and Familiar Method
People are generally familiar with the concept of forming a queue line and waiting for their turn to avail of services. It is simple to implement and widely understood by customers, whether they are going in a large or small organization. The queuing process remains the same and is widely followed.
Physical Presence Required
Traditional queues involve people physically waiting in line, whether it’s at a retail store, a bank, or a hospital. This can be effective in situations where in-person interactions are necessary but at the same time, it’s a very time-consuming and hectic task.
Resource Allocation
Staff allocation in traditional queues can be a challenging task. The business owner has to allocate staff or resources in consideration of changing customer demand and footballs manually. This leads to double booking and customer dissatisfaction.
Scalability
Traditional queues struggle to handle fluctuations in customer traffic. This leads to customer dissatisfaction.
Limited Efficiency
Traditional queues can be less efficient at managing wait times, and even physical customer queue lines are improperly organized. Customers or tasks are served on a first-come, first-served basis, which may not always match with task priorities or customer urgency. This leads to customer dissatisfaction with the business services.
Queuing Software
In the advanced technology era, almost every business process gets automated but sometimes customers still have to wait to avail of the services. However, with the help of a smart queuing solution, this problem can be solved. This software allows customers to remotely join the queue lineups and get a real-time update on the queue status. Here are some pointers given below on the smart queuing process:
Digital Automation
Cloud-based queuing software automates the queuing process, which allows customers to join a virtual queue without physically waiting in line. This can be done through websites, mobile apps, or self-service kiosks. The software automatically sends real-time notifications to the customers when their turn arrives.
Remote Access
Customers can secure their spot in the queue remotely, which reduces the need to be physically present on the business premises. This is especially beneficial in situations where social distancing or remote access is preferred, such as during a COVID-19 pandemic.
Resource Optimization
A robust waiting queue system enables better resource allocation. It can dynamically assign staff or resources based on real-time demand data, which boosts staff productivity as well as business image.
Elevate Efficiency
An all-in-one queuing solution elevates your overall business productivity and efficiency. For example, it facilitates virtual queuing, which gives extra time to staff to do other crucial tasks instead of managing the customer queue lines. This improves staff productivity and builds a greater experience for customers.
Fully Secured Database
The system has the ability to record customer data in its secured database in a single place. It provides access control and multi-level authentication for securely managing the data. So, there is no stealing of any information, which can impact the business’s reputation and customer experience.
Scalability
Queuing software can easily adapt to changing demand. Whether it’s a sudden rush or a slow day, the system can efficiently adjust the customer’s flow and ensure that resources are optimally utilized.
Pros of Integrating the Queue Management Software into the Business Premises
In this section, we will see and know the advantages of using robust queue management software.
Shorten Customer Waiting Time
Most customers drop the idea of purchasing the products when they see the long queue lines in the business premises. However, with the integration of queue management software, customers no longer have to wait for long hours. It automatically notifies the customers about their average waiting time and updates real-time queue status information. This reduces customer frustration and perception of long waiting times on the premises.
Increase Staff Efficiency
The queue management software offers a glance view of the dashboard, where staff can manage customer services. This reduces all the guesswork that happens due to unorganized queues. The system provides in-advance or real-time information to the staff as well as customers, which enhances efficiency and satisfaction.
Gain Customer Insights
The waiting line system helps you to drill down the data and understand the trends at the specific customer and overall business level. The reports generated by the system provide multiple insights and help you to make sound decisions. This improves the overall business efficiency and bottom line.
Improve Accessibility to Services
The queuing software improves access to customer services through:
- QR codes.
- Online appointment scheduling through a mobile app.
- Third-party integration.
Significantly, this provides convenience to customers and makes the entire experience far better.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, as you can see and observe the difference between both, which one is the more effective and efficient method for your business. Of course, a smart queuing solution is an effective option for managing crowded queue lines rather than using a traditional approach. This saves a lot of time, effort, and resources for the business as well as customers.
Author Bio:
Allen Daniel is a passionate writer associated with Qwaiting since 2018. She provides technology and software-related content which is very informative and knowledgeable. With the help of her content, you can grow your business.
