How Are Float Valves Classified?

There are many ways of classifying float valves, which can be classified according to the structure form, float material, connection mode, purpose and so on. The breakdown is as follows:
1.By Structural Form
This is the core classification method according to valve opening and closing mechanism and internal structure:
Straight to float valve
Structure: The valve body is tubular, and the float is connected directly to the valve core through a connecting rod. When the liquid level changes, the float rises and falls, driving valve core to open and close and controlling the direct flow of the fluid.
Features: Simple structure, low flow resistance.
Applicable scenarios: small water tanks, household water heaters and other small flow, open space.
Angle float valve
Structure: The valve body is designed at 90° right angle, the inlet is perpendicular to water outlet, and the angle of the float connecting rod is more suitable for the corner space.
Features: Save installation space and apply to pipe corners.
Applicable scenarios: corner pipe and small water storage equipment of central central air conditioning water replenishment systems system.
Leveraged float valve
Structure: The lever principle is used to amplify the power of the float. Floaters are small in size but can drive large diameter cores (ordinary pistons or diaphragm cores).
Features: Large flow rate and high pressure fluid can be controlled with high precision.
Applicable scenarios: large oil storage tanks, industrial cooling tower, boiler water supply systems, etc..
Hydraulic float valve
Structure: The float does not drive the valve core directly, but controls the valve action indirectly through the hydraulic signal produced by the liquid level change, and is more responsive.
Features: can achieve remote control, suitable for high level adjustment.
Applicable scenarios: Precision chemical reactors, automatic water supply equipment, etc..
2. By Floatation
Floating material determines corrosion resistance, temperature adaptability and service life:
Plastic float valve
Material: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.
Features: Low cost, lightweight, acid-base resistance, but poor heat resistance (generally ≤ 60°C).
Applicable scenarios: civil tap water systems, acid-base solution storage tanks, etc.
Metal float valve
Material: Brass, stainless steel (304/316), cast iron, etc.
Features: High strength, high temperature resistance (stainless steel can withstand more than 200°C), high pressure resistance, brass has excellent sealing.
Applicable scenarios: Industrial piping, high temperature hot water system (such as boiler), lubricating oil, etc.
material float
Structure: For strength and buoyancy, metal shell (e.g. stainless steel) is filled with foam or plastic.
Features: High impact resistance, lightweight, suitable for large caliber valves.
Applicable scenarios: ship water supply and drainage, large-scale water conservancy projects, etc..
3. By Connection Method
According to the installation and fixed form of pipe:
Threaded float valve
4. Connection: valve body has internal/external thread and the external thread is tightened directly and connected to the pipe.
Features: Easy to install and disassemble, suitable for small-diameter (≤DN50) low-pressure pipelines.
Applicable scenarios: temporary or simple systems for household pipes and small equipment.
Flange-connected float valve
Connection: flanges are provided at both ends of the valve body, and the flanges are bolted to the pipe flanges.
Features: strong sealing, suitable for large caliber (DN50 and above) high voltage system, good stability.
Applicable scenarios: industrial pipelines, municipal water supply and drainage projects, etc..
Welded float valve
Connection: Valve body and pipe are welded and fixed, no leakage risk.
Characteristics: excellent sealing, but not easy to remove, suitable for long-term fixed and infrequent maintenance.
Applicable scenarios: flammable and explosive fluid systems such as high pressure steam pipes and gas.
IV. INTRODUCTION By Application
Inlet Flotation Valve: controls the entry of liquid into the container (e.g. water tank filling) and closes the inlet when the level reaches the specified height.
float valve: controls the discharge of liquid from the container (e.g., pool drainage) and opens the discharge when the level exceeds the set value.
V. By Drive Mode.
Automatic float valve: completely depends on the change of liquid level, automatic control of opening and closing, without manual intervention.
Manual adjustment of float valve: the level of the valve needs to be manually pre-set (such as adjusting the length of the rod) and then run automatically.
Different types of float valves are suitable for different working conditions. When selecting, fluid properties (corrosion, temperature and pressure), installation space, flow requirements, etc., need to be taken into account.