Armaturen

Armaturen refer to the range of components used in piping systems to control, regulate, or terminate the flow of liquids or gases. They are essential in residential, commercial, and industrial installations and encompass devices such as valves, fittings, regulators, and measurement and control instruments. The term is widely used in Dutch-speaking contexts, as well as in other European languages, to describe the hardware installed between a fluid source and its consumer.

The main groups of armaturen include valves (kleppen) such as ball valves, globe valves, gate valves and butterfly valves; fittings (fittingen) such as elbows, tees, couplings, and reducers; as well as regulators, safety devices, and instrumentation like pressure gauges, flow meters, and thermostatic mixing valves. These components may be manually operated or actuated by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation. They serve purposes ranging from simple shut-off and diversion to precise regulation of pressure, temperature, and flow rate.

Common materials for armaturen are brass, stainless steel, bronze, cast iron, and various plastics, chosen for properties such as corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and compatibility with the conveyed media. Selection depends on the media (water, gas, chemicals), ambient conditions, pressure and temperature ratings, and regulatory requirements.

Applications span potable water systems, heating and cooling networks, gas supply, chemical plants, and irrigation. Standards and certifications (such as EN norms or region-specific requirements) guide design, safety, and interoperability. Regular maintenance—inspection for leaks, lubrication of moving parts, calibration of meters, and replacement of seals—ensures reliable operation and extends the service life of armaturen.