Sleeve valves can be divided into multiple types according to its application field, structure design and operating mechanism. Here's a look at their breakdown:
I. By Application Area
Engine Sleeve valve:
Double sleeve valve: Each cylinder is equipped with a pair of reciprocating concentric sleeve to adjust the inlet and exhaust ports. The design was widely used in luxury cars such as the Willys-Knight car and light truck before World War II. However, it often burns lubricant or grabs due to insufficient lubrication.
Single cylinder valve: Each cylinder uses a single cylinder that combines reciprocation and rotation to adjust the port. The design, developed by Scottish engineer P. Burt, was simpler and sturdier. It was used by British aircraft engines such as the Napier Sabre, Bristol Hercules and Centaurus 1940s.
Industrial sleeve valves:
Pipe sleeve valves: Pipe sleeve valves, also known as pinch valves, use only rubber sleeve in contact with the medium, while the metal shell is kept separate from the operating mechanism. Suitable for low leakage, corrosion and abrasion resistance in chemical and petroleum industries.
Wellbore valves: Used for oil and gas exploration and development. These valves are mounted on bushing to insulate the wellbore. According to its structural design can be divided into metal/ceramic sleeve valves, energy storage sleeve valve and socket connecting sleeve valves.
Special-purpose sleeve valves:
Aerospace Sleeve Valves: used in aircraft engine nacelles and small aircraft, with engine anti-ice regulation, high pressure exhalation regulation, environmental control system flow control and other functions.
Energy dissipation sleeve valve: suitable for controlling water level of storage tank in distribution system storage tanks.
II. By Structural Design
Open-Frame Sleeve Valves:
These valves lack a metal casing covering the casing. Instead, they rely on a metal frame with two bars fastened to metal flange brackets. The top and bottom brackets are connected to the beam or flange to form a structural unit. This kind of design is simple, easy to inspect casing, but easy to be influenced by the environment, thus shortening casing service life.
Closed frame sleeve valve:
These valves have a metal casing that completely closes the casing, protecting the casing from the external environment. The metal casing is designed to be split along the centerline of the flow path and connected with bolts to facilitate casing assembly.
Multi-Port Sleeve Valves:
These valves feature bushing with multiple ports working around them, allowing for more complex flow control. They are often used in applications that require precise flow regulation, such as turbine bypass systems.
III. By operational mechanism
Mechanical sleeve valves:
These valves are operated mechanically, such as through a handwheel, levers, or gear mechanism. They are suitable for applications that require manual control or no power.
Hydraulic Sleeve Valves:
These valves are operated by hydraulic pressure. They are typically used in oil and gas drilling operations operations, where hydraulic control systems provide the necessary power to open and close valves.
Pneumatic sleeve valves:
These valves are operated by compressed air. Because of its fast response speed and easy integration with pneumatic control system, it has been widely used in industrial automation system.
Cover Valves:
These valves are operated by electric motors or electromagnets. They provide precise controls that can be easily integrated with electronic control systems, making them suitable for applications that require automation or remote operation.
