Mar. 07, 2024
Mechanical Parts & Fabrication Services
Published: August 1, 2018
Last updated: December 30, 2021
Knowing what makes a valve the right choice
Valves control gas and liquid flow in almost every process and system. As common as they are, choosing the right valve can sometimes be time consuming and confusing.
Begin valve selection by first gathering some basic information on system performance requirements. Knowing this will make it easier to find the right valve. The five tips in this article focus on how to match valve features with these requirements.
Tip 1 – Valve size and type
Choose the right valve type. Every valve needs to perform one or more basic functions:
Function determines the design of standard valve types. These are some of the most common valve types:
Properly sizing the valve is also important. The right valve choice means matching the valve’s size to expected flow through the system.
Common Valve Types at VMA, Valve Manufacturers Association of America
How to Select the Right Valve (with Pros and Cons) at Indelac Controls
Tip 2 – Materials of construction
Know the chemical compatibility requirements. The valve materials need to be compatible with the gases or liquids flowing through it. Plastic valves usually resist harsh or corrosive chemicals better than metal valves.
Miniature Ball Valves: Plastic, Brass or Stainless Steel? at ISM, Industrial Specialties Mfg.
Chemical Compatibility Chart at ISM, Industrial Specialties Mfg.
Tip 3 – Performance requirements
Determine the pressure and temperature requirements. Find out both the temperature and pressure ranges where the valve will be installed. Metal valves tend to withstand higher temperatures and pressures than plastic valves. Metal valves are also usually best for pressurized gases. This is because they tend to be stronger than plastic valves.
A Selection Criterion for Pump and Valve Reliability at Processing Magazine
Tip 4 – Check valves have special requirements
Be sure the new check valve will work as expected. Look at the response time needed as well as the cracking pressure required to open the valve.
Another consideration is normally closed vs normally open. There are basic check valve designs that require positive downstream pressure to open. These are usually referred to as normally closed check valves. There are other designs that require a positive backpressure to close. These are usually called normally open check valves. An appropriate choice between these two can improve check valve reliability. It is usually best to base this decision on whether the valve is usually open more or usually closed more during normal system operation.
Some check valve types may not work properly if mounted vertically instead of horizontally. Flow direction (upwards vs downwards) and fluid density both matter for check valve designs that can be mounted vertically.
Checking Out Check Valves – An Introduction at ISM, Industrial Specialties Mfg.
Tip 5 –Maintenance
Don't forget to consider ongoing maintenance. Any valve choice should include attention to maintenance requirements. This is important for both valve reliability and application stability.
A good example of this are ball valves. They resist clogging, jamming or malfunctioning. But they are not suitable for adjusting flow. Using them to control flow can lead to leaking or premature failure.
Valve connection type affects the ease and speed of repair or replacement. Each connection type (threaded, barbed, push-in, Luer, and so on) has its pros and cons.
Plant and Equipment Maintenance at HSE, Health and Safety Executive
Knowing where to start makes valve choice faster and easier
There it is. Knowing particular information beforehand, makes choosing the right valve easier and more certain. There will always be complications like application requirements, operating conditions and chemical compatibility. Starting with basic valve requirements will simplify and speed up valve selection:
Some additional resources
How ISM can help you find the right miniature valve for your application
Personalized customer service and resources available at the ISM website can be a great help when selecting a valve. Available online resources include chemical compatibility reference guides, dimensional drawings and product data sheets. Our online and PDF flow control valve catalogs provide access to a wide variety of miniature valve types, connection types, materials and sizes:
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Several problems, including the sale of remanufactured and poor-quality valves, plague the industrial valve industry. These issues put engineering safety at serious risk and may result in excessive downtime and accidents.
Therefore, industrial valve purchases must be well thought out to guarantee dependable and secure operations. This article lists six crucial variables to consider when buying valves for industrial applications.
The Use of the Valve Place and Purpose
Verifying a valve’s precise usage and environment before purchasing is essential. Valves can be used to regulate pressure, control flow, or isolate equipment, among other things.
Understanding the valve's intended application aids in choosing the right type, size, and design to satisfy operational requirements successfully.
Source: Unsplash
Valve General Requirements
It is crucial to consider the general criteria particular to the application while buying valves. This involves evaluating the valve's operating circumstances, including pressure and temperature ranges, the type of media being handled (liquids, gases, or slurries), and any unique environmental concerns.
Understanding these elements ensures the selected valve can endure the circumstances and work at its best. The following are some general guidelines for valves that you should remember:
Valve Type
Choose the type of valve best for your application. Ball, gate, globe, butterfly, and check valves are common valve types. Each variety has unique qualities and is suitable for various uses.
Valve Size
Specify the suitable valve size based on your system’s flow rate and pipe dimensions. Valves come in various sizes, usually in inches or millimeters.
Pressure Rating
Consider the operating pressure in your system when choosing a valve, and select one with a pressure rating that is higher than or equal to the needed pressure. In most cases, pressure ratings are given in pounds per square inch (psi) or bars.
Temperature Range
Consider the range of temperatures across which the valve will function and select a valve that can withstand those conditions. Different substances and building techniques are appropriate for various temperature ranges.
Valve Material Compatibility
Featured content:Check the valve's material to ensure it is compatible with the liquid or gas passing through it. Different substances, such as PVC, brass, bronze, or stainless steel, offer differing corrosion resistance and compatibility with various media.
Flow Characteristics
Consider your system's flow requirements when choosing a valve, such as whether you need one that can turn on and off or throttle and regulate flow. Specific flow control applications suit some valves better than others.
End Connections
Choose the appropriate end connections for your piping system. Fittings that are threaded, flanged, welded, or compressed are examples of common types. Verify that the valve's end connections meet the needs of your system.
Operation and Actuation
Consider if you need a manually operated valve or one that can be automated using actuators or control systems for operation and actuators. Applications requiring frequent operation, precision, or remote control are good candidates for actuated valves.
Compliance & Standards
Depending on your application's demands, ensure the valve complies with pertinent industry standards like ANSI, API, ISO, or particular certifications like NSF, UL, or ATEX.
Maintenance & Service
Consider the ease of maintenance, the accessibility of replacement parts, and the reputation of the supplier or manufacturer for technical assistance and post-purchase support.
Source: Unsplash
6 Factors That Should Be Considered When Purchasing Valves
1. Valve Material Requirements
In industrial settings, various corrosive, erosive, and abrasive chemicals are exposed to valves. The material requirements for the valve shell and its internal components must be examined.
The material selection should be appropriate for handling the media to avoid early wear, leakage, or failure. When choosing the valve, chemical compatibility, thermal resistance, and mechanical strength should be carefully considered.
2. Compliance with Safety Standards and Pipeline Regulations
In terms of industrial applications, safety comes first and foremost. Confirming that the valves being purchased adhere to the necessary safety requirements and pipeline laws is crucial.
Following these guidelines ensures a safe and legal working environment by reducing the possibility of leaks, equipment breakdowns, and potential hazards.
3. Valve Performance and Packaging/Transportation Requirements
Based on the application’s needs, it is crucial to determine the performance criteria for valves, including sealing performance and leakage rates.
To safeguard the valves during shipping and handling, consideration should also be paid to the packing and transportation requirements. Protective coatings can be required to prevent corrosion if the valves are exposed to hostile environments.
4. Quality Testing of the Valve
It is crucial to confirm the quality of the valves through meticulous testing to guarantee their dependability and longevity. It also entails determining if the valves adhere to the necessary design specifications.
Ball valves, for instance, must follow API6D, while butterfly valves must follow API609. Quality testing should cover various topics, including material integrity, dimensional accuracy, and functional performance, to ensure the valves satisfy the necessary criteria.
5. Valve performance requirements and packaging and transportation requirements
It's essential to consider the performance specifications of valves before buying them and to ensure they adhere to established industry standards. Sealing performance requirements and protective coating needs are two important things to consider.
Performance Requirements for Sealing: Valves must adhere to strict sealing regulations to ensure operating effectiveness and prevent leaks. To suit the unique requirements of your application, factors including sealing grade and sealing leakage should be carefully examined.
6. Quality testing of the valve
It is essential to conduct quality testing on valves to guarantee their dependability and efficiency. Valve makers frequently conduct extensive testing processes to ascertain whether the valves adhere to the design criteria.
API6D for ball valves and API609 for butterfly valves are a few examples of design standards that are frequently utilized.
Final Words
Several things must be considered when buying valves for industrial applications to guarantee dependable and secure operations. Engineers and procurement experts can make well-informed selections and choose valves that best meet their unique application needs by carefully assessing the use, general requirements, material compatibility, safety regulations, performance criteria, and quality testing.
Dombor: Your Trusted Valve Solution Supplier
Dombor is a reputable supplier that offers a one-stop purchasing solution for industrial valves. We ensure that customers can discover the ideal valves for their particular applications by offering various valves created to fulfill the needs of various industries. Dombor offers pre-sale consulting services to help customers choose the best valves for their needs while providing invaluable technical advice.
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