Valve manifolds can perform very different jobs. Some isolate a process line, some prevent reverse flow, some change actuator direction, and others regulate pressure or respond automatically to electrical signals.
Selecting a manifold therefore requires more than choosing a valve size. The required system function should be established first, followed by the operating conditions and physical requirements of the installation.
First Step
Identify the Required Valve Function
The most useful starting point is determining exactly what the valve needs to accomplish.
Comparing Technologies
Common Valve Manifold Types
Ball Valves
Strong choice for isolation and rotary switching using two-way or multi-port valve arrangements.
Explore Ball Valves → 02Check Valves
Automatically permit flow in one direction while restricting reverse movement.
Explore Check Valves → 03Butterfly Valves
Rotary-disc valves useful for isolation and control in larger flow paths.
Explore Butterfly Valves → 04Diaphragm Valves
Use flexible diaphragms to separate process media from much of the operating mechanism.
Explore Diaphragm Valves → 05Solenoid Valves
Electrically actuated valves suited to automated liquid, gas, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Explore Solenoid Valves → 06Directional Valves
Switch supply and return or exhaust paths to control actuator direction.
Explore Directional Control →Isolation
When to Consider Ball or Butterfly Valves
Ball and butterfly valves are both rotary valve technologies, but their internal geometry differs.
Industrial ball valves use a rotating spherical closure element and are frequently associated with shutoff and switching.
Butterfly valves use a disc that remains within the flow path and can be particularly useful in larger-diameter piping and process systems.
Automatic One-Way Control
When to Consider a Check Valve
A check valve is appropriate when the valve should react automatically to fluid pressure rather than waiting for a manual or electrical command.
Check valves can prevent reverse flow, help maintain pressure, and protect selected circuit branches from unwanted fluid movement.
Cracking pressure, reverse pressure, flow capacity, and contamination sensitivity should be considered.
Process Systems
When to Consider Diaphragm Valves
Diaphragm valves can be useful when isolating process fluid from valve operating components is an important design objective.
Diaphragm valves use a flexible sealing membrane and can be incorporated into process manifolds with closely integrated fluid passages.
Automation
When to Consider Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves are appropriate when an electrical control signal needs to operate the valve automatically.
Solenoid valves can interface with programmable controllers, switches, sensors, relays, and other machine electronics.
Voltage, valve state, flow capacity, operating pressure, and media compatibility should all be matched to the application.
Fluid Power
Directional and Pressure-Control Valves
Hydraulic and pneumatic machines often need more than simple on/off isolation.
Directional valves determine where fluid travels, while pressure valves determine how the system responds to pressure conditions.
Hydraulic systems can incorporate many forms of hydraulic valves into a single machined manifold block.
Engineering
Valve Manifold Selection Factors
Final Selection
Match the Valve to the Complete System
The correct manifold valve cannot be selected in isolation from the system around it. Pumps, compressors, actuators, tubing, hoses, fittings, sensors, process equipment, and control electronics all influence how the valve will operate.
Evaluating the complete flow path helps avoid selecting a valve that performs the correct function but creates unnecessary pressure loss, poor response, incompatibility, or maintenance problems.
Explore Manifold Design →