Valve, Actuation & Engineered Products Division

Valves start, stop, throttle and protect the flow in your piping system. Centro stocks ball, butterfly, gate, globe, check, control and specialty valves for water, steam, air, chemicals and slurries, in both manual and actuated versions.

How to Choose the Right Valve

1. Start with the job. Do you need shutoff, throttling, backflow prevention or pressure relief? That answer narrows the field quickly.
2. Know your conditions. Line size, pressure, temperature, flow rate and what is moving through the line. Abrasive or corrosive media will change the right choice.
3. Pick the valve type. Ball valves for quick shutoff, globe valves for precise throttling, butterfly valves for large lines where space is tight, gate valves for full-open isolation and check valves to stop backflow.
4. Match ends and materials. Threaded, flanged, socket weld or sanitary clamp. Brass and bronze for general service, carbon steel for higher heat and pressure, stainless steel or plastic for corrosive media. For critical service, ask about API 598 testing, ASME B16.34 ratings and API 607 fire-safe designs.
5. Decide on actuation. Manual, pneumatic or electric. If the valve is automated, decide whether it should fail open or fail closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which valve is best for throttling?
Globe valves are the standard choice. V-port ball valves and high-performance butterfly valves also control well with less pressure drop.

What is the difference between full port and standard port ball valves?
A full port valve has an opening the same size as the pipe, so flow is not restricted. A standard port is smaller and costs less, but adds some pressure drop.

Can I automate a valve I already have?
Often, yes. Send us the valve details and service conditions, and we will tell you whether an actuator kit will work or a full replacement makes more sense.

Need Help Choosing?

Send us your line size, media, pressure and temperature. A Centro product expert will recommend the right valve, along with the actuator and accessories if you are automating it.

Shop by type: Ball Valves | Butterfly Valves | Gate Valves | Globe Valves | Check Valves | Control Valves | Solenoid Valves | Needle Valves | Plug Valves | Diaphragm Valves | Pressure Reducing Valves | Relief Valves and Vacuum Breakers | Valve Repair Kits & Parts

Related categories: Steam Products | Electrical | Power Transmission & Application Tools

Actuation refers to the process of causing something to move or operate. This can be achieved by using an actuator, a device that converts a source of energy into motion. There are two types of actuators: linear actuators, which move in a straight line, and rotary actuators, which produce rotary motion. Actuators are commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

Engineered products are designed and manufactured to meet specific technical and performance requirements. They are typically custom-made or tailored to fit a particular application or need. Some examples of engineered products include actuators, heat exchangers, loading systems, and filtration systems.

Shop by type: Transducers | Washdown Systems | Volume Boosters | Actuators | Regulators | Positioners and Limit Switches

Related categories: Sanitary Equipment | Instrumentation, Measurement and Control | Pumps | Process Systems and Process Equipment

Steam traps are automatic valves that filter out condensate and non-condensable gases such as air without allowing steam to escape. In the industry, steam is utilized regularly for heating or as driving energy for mechanical power. Steam traps prevent condensation from being wasted. There are three types of steam traps thermostatic, mechanical, and thermodynamic. Thermostatic steam traps act in response to the surrounding steam temperature. There are three types of thermostatic steam traps liquid expansion traps, bimetallic and balanced pressure thermostatic traps. Each operates differently and is suited to specific kinds of applications. Mechanical steam traps depend on the difference in density between steam and condensate. They can constantly pass large volumes of condensate and are fit for a wide range of process applications. Mechanical steam trap types include ball float and inverted bucket steam traps.

Shop by type: Steam System Ancillary Products | Steam Traps

Related categories: Valves | Electrical | Power Transmission & Application Tools

Isolation rings, also known as isolation mounts or isolation pads, are essential components used to prevent the transfer of vibrations and shocks between interconnected machinery or equipment. These rings are typically made of resilient materials like rubber, neoprene, or silicone, and are designed to absorb and dampen vibrations generated by rotating or moving equipment. By creating a barrier between the equipment and its surroundings, isolation rings effectively reduce noise, protect sensitive machinery from damage, and improve overall system performance. They find widespread applications in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where precision and stability are crucial. Isolation rings play a critical role in maintaining smooth and efficient operations while ensuring the longevity of equipment and machinery.

Related categories: Seals | O-Rings | Seal Accessories | Diaphragm Seals