Types of Valves Used in Distillery Plants

Distillery plants use different types of valves for controlling steam, water, mash, alcohol, CIP chemicals, compressed air, and process fluids. Selection depends on pressure, temperature, hygiene requirements, corrosion resistance, and flow control accuracy.

Common Valve Materials Used in Distilleries

• SS304 Stainless Steel

• SS316 / SS316L Stainless Steel

• Cast Iron

• Carbon Steel (WCB)

• PTFE / EPDM Seats

• Food-grade elastomers

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1. Butterfly Valve

Used for:

• Fermentation lines

• Water pipelines

• CIP systems

• Low-pressure alcohol transfer

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Quarter-turn
Size Range	1” to 24”
Pressure Rating	PN10 to PN40
Temperature	-20°C to 180°C
Body Material	SS304 / SS316 / Cast Iron
Seat Material	EPDM / PTFE / NBR
End Connection	Wafer / Lug / Flanged
Operation	Manual / Pneumatic / Electric

Advantages

• Lightweight

• Fast operation

• Low cost

• Suitable for large pipe sizes

Approximate Price

• Manual SS304 Butterfly Valve: ₹1,200 – ₹8,000

• Pneumatic SS316 Butterfly Valve: ₹8,000 – ₹35,000

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2. Ball Valve

Used for:

• Alcohol transfer

• Steam lines

• Utility pipelines

• Isolation applications

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Quarter-turn ball
Size Range	½” to 12”
Pressure Rating	Class 150 to 800
Temperature	-29°C to 260°C
Body Material	SS304 / SS316 / Carbon Steel
Seat Material	PTFE / Reinforced PTFE
End Type	Screwed / Socket Weld / Flanged
Operation	Lever / Pneumatic / Electric

Advantages

• Tight shutoff

• Low leakage

• Long service life

• Quick opening and closing

Approximate Price

• Manual Ball Valve: ₹500 – ₹6,000

• SS316 3-piece Ball Valve: ₹2,500 – ₹15,000

• Automated Ball Valve: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

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3. Gate Valve

Used for:

• Main process pipelines

• Steam distribution

• Utility isolation

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Linear motion
Size Range	2” to 48”
Pressure Rating	Class 150 to 2500
Temperature	Up to 540°C
Body Material	Cast Steel / SS316
Seat Type	Metal seated
Operation	Handwheel / Gear / Motorized

Advantages

• Full bore flow

• Very low pressure drop

• Suitable for large pipelines

Limitations

• Slow operation

• Not suitable for throttling

Approximate Price

• CI Gate Valve: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000

• SS316 Gate Valve: ₹6,000 – ₹45,000

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4. Globe Valve

Used for:

• Steam flow control

• Condensate systems

• Precise throttling applications

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Linear throttling valve
Size Range	½” to 16”
Pressure Rating	Class 150 to 1500
Temperature	Up to 550°C
Material	SS304 / SS316 / WCB
Seat Type	Metal / Soft Seat
Operation	Manual / Pneumatic

Advantages

• Excellent flow control

• Good throttling capability

• Reliable sealing

Limitations

• Higher pressure drop

Approximate Price

• Manual Globe Valve: ₹2,500 – ₹20,000

• Control Globe Valve: ₹15,000 – ₹1,20,000

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5. Diaphragm Valve

Used for:

• CIP systems

• Hygienic applications

• Chemical dosing

• Fermentation process

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Flexible diaphragm
Size Range	½” to 12”
Pressure Rating	Up to 10 bar
Temperature	Up to 180°C
Body Material	SS316L
Diaphragm Material	EPDM / PTFE
End Connection	Clamp / Flanged / Threaded

Advantages

• Hygienic design

• Leak-proof

• Excellent for corrosive media

• Easy cleaning

Approximate Price

• Manual Diaphragm Valve: ₹3,000 – ₹18,000

• Pneumatic Sanitary Valve: ₹12,000 – ₹60,000

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6. Check Valve (Non-Return Valve)

Used for:

• Pump discharge lines

• Condensate systems

• Preventing reverse flow

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Automatic non-return
Size Range	½” to 24”
Pressure Rating	PN10 to PN100
Material	SS316 / Cast Iron / WCB
Type	Swing / Lift / Spring

Approximate Price

• ₹800 – ₹18,000

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7. Safety Relief Valve

Used for:

• Boilers

• Pressure vessels

• Steam systems

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Valve Type	Automatic pressure relief
Pressure Setting	1 bar to 100 bar
Material	SS316 / Bronze / WCB
Application	Steam / Gas / Liquid

Approximate Price

• ₹2,000 – ₹40,000

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8. Control Valve

Used for:

• Automated process control

• Flow regulation

• Temperature control

• Pressure control

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification
Control Type	Pneumatic / Electric
Size Range	½” to 20”
Pressure Class	ANSI 150–600
Actuator	Pneumatic diaphragm
Body Material	SS316 / WCB

Approximate Price

• ₹15,000 – ₹2,50,000

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Valve Selection Criteria in Distillery Plants

Application	Recommended Valve
Steam Line	Globe Valve / Gate Valve
Alcohol Line	Ball Valve
Hygienic Process	Diaphragm Valve
Water Distribution	Butterfly Valve
Pump Protection	Check Valve
Pressure Protection	Safety Valve
Automated Control	Control Valve

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Typical Standards Followed

• ASME B16.34

• API 598

• ANSI Class 150/300

• DIN Standards

• FDA Food Grade Compliance

• ISO 5211 Actuator Mounting

Industrial distillery plants mainly prefer SS316/SS316L valves because of corrosion resistance, hygienic operation, and compatibility with alcohol-based fluids.