Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Valves For Your New Industry

In a hydraulic or air system, valves are mechanical devices that control the flow and pressure of a fluid. They’re crucial parts of pipe systems that convey liquids, gases, vapors, sludge, and a number of other materials.

There are many distinct types of valves. You will find each with its own set of properties, capacities, and applications. There are a variety of operation methods to choose from such as pneumatic, electric, and manual.

In this post, you will find everything you need to know relevant to different types of valves. Also the various applications of valves.  More importantly, this guide will greatly help you determine what knowledge you need to have prior to buying valves for your brand-new industry.

How to Choose a Valve?

Before you choose a valve, you must first decide what it will be used for? Will it be utilized to control or stop the flow of fluid? The sort of media that will circulate in the system must then be determined. You need to tell if it is a gas or a liquid. Is the media caustic, or chemically neutral? Or is it a food product, or a medicinal fluid that necessitates specific hygiene?

It’s crucial to know whether the valve is powered manually or automatically. Especially, when it comes to its operating mechanism. In one situation, someone must be present to operate the valve; in the other, the valve can be controlled remotely. For example from a control station.

Finally, it’s critical to understand how the valve will be integrated into the system. Also, the sort of assembly or installation that will be employed. Particularly if the valve will be welded, bolted via flanges, or screwed in.

After you’ve decided on these diverse variables, you can concentrate on the technical aspects of your installation. Specifically, the flow and pressure, which will help you determine the valve’s dimensions.

How to Calculate the Valve Dimensions?

To calculate the dimensions of a valve, you need to know some important parameters relevant to the operation of the circuit. Here is what you need to know:

• The pressure is an important aspect to consider. On one hand, to prevent undersizing your valve and risking leakage or rupture. On the other hand, to avoid oversizing it and risking difficulties with leakage or rupture.
• The operating temperature. The circulating media’s temperature, also the ambient temperature which is all around the valve body. Both the temperatures must be determined. It is critical to understand the severe temperatures that the valve will be exposed to. This plays an important part when it comes to selecting a valve that is designed to perform in these particular settings.
• The operating pressure. The ideal pressure at which the media is free to circulate in the valve.
• The fluid flow rate and the flow velocity. Flow rate, as well as nominal speed, are the essential elements. They will help you choose the appropriate valve. Especially if you are going to use the valve to regulate a particular flow rate.
• The flow factor (Kv) is known as a theoretical figure set by the manufacturer. It can be used to compute the valve’s nominal flow rate. It is measured in either liters per minute (l/min) or cubic meters per hour (m3/h). Based on the desired flow rate and nominal diameter, valve manufacturers, such as industrial valve SIO, provide charts to determine this factor.
• The valve’s nominal diameter (DN) is in the circuit where it is installed. This is necessary to avoid either oversizing the valve. This could result in unstable installation operation or undersizing it. Therefore, a substantial pressure drop and rapid valve breakage can happen.

Main Types of Industrial Valves

There are various varieties of valves, each of which is more or less suited to your requirements. You can choose a shut-off valve such as a ball valve, a knife gate valve, or a gate valve to stop the flow of fluid.

If you wish to control the flow rate of a fluid, a control valve such as a needle valve, a globe valve, a piston valve, or a butterfly valve is the way to go. Your choice of valve greatly depends on the pressure, flow rate, and type of fluid transported. These factors usually determine the ideal valve material.

When & Where to Use Ball Valve?

Ball valves are best to stop a circulating fluid. The valve is in the form of a sphere. It has a hole drilled in it which is of the same diameter as the pipe. It is also known as a quarter-turn valve with the advantage of not cutting the fluid flow in the open position.

A “full flow” valve is one in which the hole in the ball is the same diameter as the pipe. This sort of valve provides a good sealing system when it is closed. This valve can handle liquids (water, oil, etc.) as well as gases. A conical plug is also included with some ball valves. You can get a ball valve in three and four-way configurations.

Important Industrial Characteristics:

• Flow control
• Quarter-turn valve
• Good sealing system
• Reduced space requirement

Do not use it if it is going to interact with fluids containing particles.

When & Where to Use Butterfly Valve?

Butterfly valves are mostly used to control the flow rate of a fluid. You can use this valve for a variety of fluids depending on the material it is composed of. Water or oil, sludge, culinary items, or pharmaceutical fluids are all examples of chemically neutral fluids. Some butterfly valves are built specifically for use with corrosive fluids.

To make the valve operate, it must be rotated 90 degrees between the open and closed positions. For large diameters, an actuation system with a gearbox to compensate for the pressure exerted directly on the valve may be required.

Butterfly valves are built with a good sealing system in mind. Flange mounting is commonly used for large diameter butterfly valves. When compared to ball valves, butterfly valves use the least amount of space.

Important Industrial Characteristics:

• Shut-off valve
• Quarter-turn valve
• Compatible with liquid and gaseous media

Do not use this valve for fluids containing solid particles. They could prevent the valve from closing completely It also comes with the risk of a water hammer.

When & Where to Use Piston/Globe Valve?

The principle of operation for both globe and piston valves is the same. To stop the flow of fluid, a rod with a saucer-shaped portion or piston at the end lowers into the valve. These valves are especially well-suited to controlling fluid flow based on pipe pressure. A setting spring is present in many globe valve actuators. This allows the valve opening to be adjusted according to pressure.

When the fluid pressure is extremely high, it is difficult to operate a closed position globe valve. The piston/globe valves are also available as 3-way valves.

Important Industrial Characteristics:

• Flow regulation
• Compatible with pressure control

It comes with significant head loss damage and risk of water hammer.