What is the purpose of a by-pass valve?

The purpose of a by-pass valve is to allow maintenance of a system without interrupting the flow of fluid. When a by-pass valve is installed, it provides a pathway for the fluid to continue flowing even when the main system valve requires service or repair. This is particularly important in systems where shutting down the entire flow could cause disruptions or safety hazards.

By-pass valves ensure that operations can continue smoothly, which is essential in many industrial and commercial applications where process continuity is critical. While warming the downstream pipe before main valve operation can be a factor in system design, it is not the primary purpose of a by-pass valve. The design and operation of by-pass valves focus on maintaining flow during maintenance activities, emphasizing their role in effective system management.