Control valves can be categorized based on different features and control valve traits. Some prefer to categorize them based on control valve parts as well. The main categorizations are according to the movement profile of the controlling element, functionality, actuating medium, and pressure drop profile. The most common classification is based on motion.
1. Pressure Drop Profile High-Recovery Valve (e.g. Butterfly valve, Plug valve, Gate valve, Ball valve, etc.) Low-Recovery Valve (e.g. Angle valve, Globe valve, etc.) 2. Functionality Check Valve (e.g. Turbine bypass valve, etc.) Shut-off and on-off Valves (e.g. Gate valve, Pinch valve, etc.) Spring-Loaded Safety Valve 3. Actuating Medium Manual Valve Pneumatic Valve Hydraulic Valve 4. Movement Profile of the Controlling Element Linear Motion (e.g. Gate, Globe, Diaphragm, etc.) Rotary Motion (e.g. Ball, Butterfly, Plug, etc.)
