---
title: "Laboratory fittings - types of valves, gases and media in laboratory equipment"
description: "The safety and precision of work in the laboratory largely depend on the quality of the technical installations. Designed and built to measure. Request a quote."
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published: "2026-04-09"
last_updated: "2026-09-16"
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---

# Laboratory fittings - types of valves, gases and media in laboratory equipment

> The safety and precision of work in the laboratory largely depend on the quality of the technical installations. Designed and built to measure. Request a quote.

Published 2026-04-09 · Updated 2026-09-16 · Category: [Utilities and installations](https://www.renggli.pl/en/blog/category/utilities-and-installations) · Author: [Renggli Team](https://www.renggli.pl/en/blog/author/zespol-renggli) · 6 min read

**Laboratory fittings - types of valves, gases and media in laboratory equipment**

The safety and precision of work in the laboratory largely depend on the quality of the technical installations. Laboratory **fittings**, i.e. a system of valves and faucets responsible for controlling the flow of gases and water, play a key role here. It enables the safe use of media, minimizes the risk of failure and supports the maintenance of high hygiene standards in modern laboratories.

## **What are the types of laboratory valves?** {#what-are-the-types-of-laboratory-valves}

**Laboratory fittings** are specialized [**laboratory valves**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves/valves) and faucets that enable precise **flow control** and safe media management in installations. They must be made of materials that are resistant to chemicals, such as **stainless steel** or **brass**, and provide high tightness.

The most important types of valves include:

**ball valves** - used as **shut-off valves**, allow for quick shut-off of the flow while maintaining high tightness

**needle valves** - act as **control valves**, allowing for very precise **flow regulation**

**diaphragm valves** - ideal for working with media requiring high purity, provide tightness and chemical resistance

In more advanced installations, the following are also used:

**coaxial valves** - often made of **brass**, used in gas installations

**solenoid valves** (i.e**. solenoid valves**, e.g. NAMUR type) - allow automatic shut-off of the flow

**Proportional** valves and **pneumatic valves** - used for advanced process control and automation

**measuring valves** - used where accurate control of flow parameters is crucial

Choosing the right type of valve is crucial for the safety and precision of the entire laboratory system.

## **How to choose fittings for tap and demineralized water?** {#how-to-choose-fittings-for-tap-and-demineralized-water}

The selection of the right fittings depends primarily on the type of medium - the installation is designed differently for **cold** and **hot** water thanfor **demineralized water (DEMI)** or **deionized water (DI).** In practice, specialized [**water valves**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves/water) and [**laboratory batteries are used** ](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves/batteries)to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the installation.

In the case of a standard water supply system, the following are used:

**floor-standing faucets** and **wall-mounted faucets** (e.g. **table faucet**, **wall-mounted faucet**)

**single-column and double-column faucets**, including **a two-tap faucet** or **a** [**single-lever mixer**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves/battery-with-single-mixer) **faucet** for temperature control

Solutions adapted to **cold** water, **hot water**, as well as special media such as **ice water** or **distilled water**

Dedicated solutions are used to work with purified water:

**demineralized water faucet** equipped with membrane heads to prevent secondary pollution

materials resistant to high purity of the medium and lack of ions

An important element is also **the elbow faucets**, which, thanks to the extended handle, allow hands-free operation, which significantly improves work hygiene in the laboratory.

The installation is complemented by **spouts** - both **tabletop screeds** and **angle screeds**, used as an element of every **laboratory tap**. They can be equipped with:

aeration aerator water jet

**oil for the hose**, allowing the connection of auxiliary installations

The entire system works with elements such as [**laboratory sinks**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-sinks) and **siphons** to ensure safe drainage of **liquids** and **wastewater**.

## **What valves are used for technical and flammable gases?** {#what-valves-are-used-for-technical-and-flammable-gases}

Specialized gas valves **and** pressure reducing valves **are used for gas installations in** laboratories to ensure safe **flow** and pressure control. They handle **both combustible gases** (e.g. **hydrogen**, **propane-butane**, **LPG**, **methane**, **natural gas**) and **technical** gases and **non-flammable gases**, such as **nitrogen**, **helium**, **oxygen** or **argon**, as well as more demanding media such as **ammonia**, **chlorine**, **hydrogen chloride** or **sulphur dioxide**.

The key element of the installation are **pressure reducers** (one- and two-stage), which are responsible for precisely lowering the pressure of gas from **gas cylinders** and stabilizing it in the system. They are used in **expansion stations**, at **tapping points** and in the entire **gas distribution system**, where they cooperate with control devices such as **pressure gauges**, **pressure transducers** or **pressure switches**.

In the case **of high-purity** gases and **UHP (Ultra High Purity) gases,** the fittings must meet very strict material standards (e.g. purity 6.0 and higher) in order to avoid contamination of the medium. This also applies to **medical gas** and **inert gas applications**.

Modern gas fittings are increasingly integrated with automation and safety systems - they cooperate with **gas analyzers**, leak detection systems and control systems, which allows for ongoing monitoring of the installation and quick response in emergency situations.

## **What valves support vacuum and compressed air systems?** {#what-valves-support-vacuum-and-compressed-air-systems}

Specialized vacuum valves **are used in laboratory installations** to ensure tightness and precise control of parameters in systems where there isa **vacuum**. Components such as **vacuum connections**, **seals** and **O-rings** are crucial here, as they prevent vacuum loss and guarantee stable **operating pressure**.

In the case of systems using **compressed air**, compressed air valves **are standard**, most often in the form of ball valves, valued for their durability and reliability when operating under a specific **static** pressure and **nominal pressure PN.** Such installations work with power sources, such as **compressors** or **pumps**, which supply the medium to the system.

Both vacuum and compressed air are distributed to the workstations via **hydraulic systems**, including **pipes**, flexible **hoses** and appropriate connections. Depending on the application, the system can also handle other media, such as **steam** or **oil**, that require properly selected fittings and sealing materials.

## **How are station fittings and fume hood valves installed?** {#how-are-station-fittings-and-fume-hood-valves-installed}

The fittings are installed as [**countertop**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-countertops) **valves** on **laboratory tables**, **wall-mounted valves** on walls and **panel valves** in built-in systems. Depending on the needs, various configurations are also used, such as **single, double and quadruple valves**, as well as **three-way**, **pass-through** or **check** ball valves, which provide adequate control of the flow of media.

A special role is **played by fume valves**, installed in [**fume hoods**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/fume-hood), **hoods** and **extractors**, where they are responsible for safe control of utilities and effective **removal of fumes** from the working chamber. In such installations, the control valve is often separated from the spout and connected to it by a flexible **connection hose**, which increases safety and ergonomics.

## **What standards and safeguards apply to laboratory fittings?** {#what-standards-and-safeguards-apply-to-laboratory-fittings}

[**Laboratory fittings**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves) must meet safety standards and requirements for working with **chemicals and aggressive media**, ensuring tightness, durability and risk control. The markings are basedon **colour markings in accordance with EN 13792** - e.g. yellow for flammable gases and blue for oxygen, which allows for quick identification of the medium. Mechanical protections are also used, such as **the Press & Turn (PRESS-TURN) function**, which prevents the gas valves from being opened accidentally. In practice, fittings often operate as part [**of laboratory fume hood kits** ](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-armature-and-valves/dygestory-sets)that integrate valves into exhaust systems and flow control

In addition, the fittings have **chemical-resistant coatings (e.g. epoxy)** and sealing materials (PTFE, EPDM, NBR), which increases resistance to corrosive substances and solvents. Such systems also use [**a sink made of monolithic ceramics**](https://www.renggli.pl/en/offer/laboratory-sinks/with-monolitic-ceramics), resistant to aggressive chemicals.

Emergency devices such as **laboratory eye** washes, **safety showers** and **eye showers are also mandatory in the safety system**, which allow for a quick reaction in the event of contact with chemicals.