Everything You Need To Know About Manifold Valves

Instrument valves are essential components used to isolate fluids and gasses in many applications. If your fluid system requires reliable and durable manifold valves, Hy-Lok’s M series instrument manifolds provide guaranteed quality and unbeatable value. Learn more about our manifold valves below!

What Is a Manifold Valve?

In piping, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, manifold valves are used to control the flow of liquid, gas and other materials. A valve manifold is a component used in such systems that consists of one (or more) block or isolation valves. Ball, needle, bleed and vent valves are commonly used to form a valve manifold. A popular form of a manifold valve is a block and bleed valve, which is used to keep upstream fluid from coming into contact with the downstream components by separating the fluid flow.

Types of Manifold Valves

Manifold valves are classified depending on the design and the number of valves used. Some of the most common types are 2-way manifold valves, 3-way manifold valves and 5-way manifold valves.

2-valve manifolds

Mainly used in static pressure gauge and instrument applications, the 2-valve manifold consists of a process isolation valve and a vent valve. Commonly found in pressure transmitters, the 2-valve manifold features NPT threads and IEC connections and offers both direct instrument mount and remote mount. They’re typically manufactured using 316 stainless steel and are available in in-line type, Y-shaped or L-shaped configurations.

3-valve manifolds

The 3-valve manifold is also used in differential pressure transmitter applications and consists of one equalizing valve and two process isolation valves. The block valves are often identified with blue handles, whereas the equalizing valve usually has a green handle. During operation, the block valves provide instrument isolation, and the equalizing valve provides equal pressure on both sides. They’re available in NPT and IEC connections and feature remote or direct instrument mounts.

5-valve manifolds

Similar to the 2-valve and 3-valve manifolds, the 5-valve manifold is also used in differential pressure transmitter applications. It can be manufactured with two vent valves for oil (with red labels), two isolation valves (with blue labels) and one equalization valve (with a green label) or with one vent valve for gas, two isolation valves and two equalization valves. They’re commonly used in the oil and gas industry and are available in NPT threads and IEC connections.

Benefits of Manifold Valves

Valve manifolds are integral in a range of applications, starting from small electronic devices to large industrial applications. There are many benefits to using manifold valves, including the following:

  • Reducing the loss of pressure and head due to shorter flow pathways
  • Increasing energy efficiency
  • Reducing the number of fluid connections
  • Reducing oil leaks and maintenance due to fewer connections
  • Compact installation and lower installation expenses

High-Quality Manifold Valves in Canada

Hy-lok Canada is proud to have one of the largest and most diverse valve inventories in Canada. We offer clients a diverse selection of instrument manifold valves and gauges designed to withstand the most demanding environments.

Since all our components are 100% interchangeable Parker and other manufacturers’ components, you can easily integrate any of our components into your current systems. With our nationwide network of distributors across Canada and our expedited shipping services, Hy-lok Canada is ready to deliver the parts you need when you need them. Our range of manifold valves is readily available, and we offer custom orders when requested! You can always count on Hy-Lok to supply quality flow control components for all projects across Canada.

Contact us today to learn more about our manifold valves or receive a quote in less than 24 hours when you submit your order online!