By definition, a valve is a device that controls the flow of fluids.Specifically, it is a mechanical device designed to direct, start, stop, mix or regulate the flow, pressure or temperature of a process fluid. The "fluid" handled by the valve may be air, water, steam, corrosive chemicals, mud, oil, gas, liquid metal, powder, slag or other dry materials, etc. By driving its closing member to move up and down, slide, rotate or swing, the valve can change its flow area to control the flow of fluids.