The number and scope of valves required for ships is much wider than might first be imagined. With applications including fuel lines, steam lines, fire-fighting systems, drinking water, sewage water, bilge control, ballast systems, cargo loading and unloading, and compressed air to name just a few, merchant and naval vessels are home to a wide array of gate, globe, check, ball, butterfly and pressure relief valves. For example, gate valves are commonly found in on/off services in ballast and fuel oil systems, where minimal pressure drop is a concern.
Meanwhile, globe valves are a standard selection for temperature control systems and steam lines due to their ability to manage flow precisely. Ball valves are also used widely on board, such as in fuel and water services. Check valves are commonly utilized in bilge pumping systems and for that matter in any on-board application where reverse flow must be prevented. Butterfly valves are found in HVAC systems, seawater intake, and ballast systems, especially for larger diameter piping due to their compact sizes.