Steam Control Valves

The whistle valve, a steam whistle or steam control valve, was first introduced in the early 19th century to communicate important information in noisy industrial settings. This first generation of whistle valves used steam to produce loud, piercing sounds that could be heard over long distances, and if you haven’t heard one in person, you’ve heard one in an old movie, where a loud whistle in a factory signals something to the workers. They were, and still are, an essential tool for getting workers’ attention in factories and aboard ships. They are often essential safety devices that can alert people to potential hazards, in addition to signaling the end of a work day. Whistle valves are used in many industries and, in addition to factories and ships, are found on trains.

Over time, the whistle valve became increasingly sophisticated and was eventually adapted for use in a variety of other applications, and is still an important safety device in extensive industrial facilities.

How a Whistle Valve Works

A whistle valve is a quick-opening, self-closing gate valve with a Teflon™ disc that controls the flow and pressure of steam. Pressure keeps the valve closed, and the stem packing is only exposed to pressure when the valve is open. When the valve is opened, steam is forced through a narrow opening, creating a jet of steam that causes vibrations and produces the signature whistling sound. In other words, when it’s open, it blows a whistle. 

Modern Uses

In modern industrial settings, steam whistles are still used in some facilities as a simple and reliable way to alert workers to important events or emergencies. While newer technologies like sirens and electronic alarms have replaced steam whistles in some uses, the whistle valve continues to be popular in many industries because it’s simple to install, lasts a very long time, and is effective.

Something important to remember: Whistle valves should not be used in place of a pressure relief valve on a boiler. 

United Brass has the Whistle Valve You Need 

United Brass Works offers Industrial Whistle Valves, including quick-opening self-closing globe valves. Our steam whistle valves are designed with precision to ensure proper functioning and durability. They consist of a valve stem, seat, and outlet to control the flow of steam. The design of the valve influences the pitch and volume of the sound produced by the whistle.

All of our whistle valves and steam valves are 100% pressure tested and available in various sizes. All sizes have 200 WSP.