There are two main categories of diaphragm valves: one type seals over a "weir" (saddle) and the other (sometimes called a "full bore or straight-through" valve) seals over a seat. In general, straight-through diaphragm valves are used in on-off applications and weir-type diaphragm valves are used for control or throttling applications. While diaphragm valves usually come in two-port forms (2/2-way diaphragm valve), they can also come with three ports (3/2-way diaphragm valves also called T-valves) and more (so called block-valves). When more than three ports are included, they generally require more than one diaphragm seat; however, special dual actuators can handle more ports with one membrane.

Diaphragm valves can be manual or automated. Automated diaphragm valves may use pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuators along with accessories such as solenoid valves, limit switches and positioners.

In addition to the well known, two way shut off or throttling diaphragm valve, other types include: Three way zero deadleg valve, sterile access port, block and bleed, valbow and tank bottom valve.

Many diaphragm valve body dimensions follow the Manufacturers Standardization Society MSS SP-88^[1] However, most non-diaphragm valves used in industrial applications are built to the ANSI/ASME B16.10 standard.^[2] standard. The different standards makes it difficult to use diaphragm valves as an alternative to most other industrial valves. Some manufacturers offer diaphragm valves that conform to ANSI B16.10 standards thereby making these diaphragm valves interchangeable with most solid wedge, double disc, and resilient wedge gate valves as well as short pattern plug and ball valves.

Diaphragm valves can be controlled by various types of actuators e.g. manual, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric etc. The most common diaphragm valves use pneumatic actuators; in this type of valve, air pressure is applied through a pilot valve into the actuator which in turn raises the diaphragm and opens the valve. This type of valve is one of the more common valves used in operations where valve speed is a necessity.

Hydraulic diaphragm valves also exist for higher pressure and lower speed operations. Many diaphragm valves are also controlled manually.

Depending on temperature, pressure and chemical resistance, one of the following is used:

Diaphragm Valves are ideally suited for:

• Corrosive applications, where the body and diaphragm materials can be chosen for chemical compatibility. (E.G. Acids, Bases etc.)
• Abrasive applications, where the body lining can be designed to withstand abrasion and the diaphragm can be easily replaced once worn out
• Solids entrained liquids, since the diaphragm can seal around any entrained solids and provide positive seal
• Slurries, since the diaphragm can seal around entrained solids and provide positive seal

Diaphragm valves have many applications in the following markets:

• History of the diaphragm valve, internet archive
• Internal Structure of the diaphragm valve, internet archive
• Pneumatic Actuators for diaphragm valves