Valve Tray

A valve tray was developed to improve a drawback that a sieve tray has a narrow operating range. Different types and characteristics of valve trays are made by different companies. Common valve trays are circular, but sometimes square valve trays are also used. According to use, standard valves, caged valves, and venturi valves are available.

The operating range is generally 3:1, but it can be extended up to 7:1 if two different weight valves are used. Valve trays have higher process capacity and flexibility than sieve trays, but they are slightly more expensive.

The drawback is that it is feared that valves may be plugged. Once plugging occurs, they are hard to clean. Therefore, valve trays are most suitable for service free from polymer or plugging problems. Today, they are the most widely used tray types.