Valve Selection Guide: Things You Must Know

Choosing the appropriate valve for various industrial processes can be quite challenging. Valves play an essential role in numerous applications, spanning from power facilities to water treatment systems and beyond. Selecting the right valve is crucial for ensuring optimal efficiency and safety. Therefore, understanding the basic principles of valve selection is vital before making a choice.

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Within this valve selection guide, individuals will learn the key factors to consider when choosing a valve and how to determine the most suitable type for different uses. Covering aspects from valve categories to material composition and operational necessities, this guide provides pertinent information necessary for making confident decisions.

Determining the Appropriate Valve Type

When selecting a valve, it is essential to analyze the requirements based on the service medium. Considerations include flow direction, operational temperature and pressure, the type of actuator involved, and the necessary leak tightness.

Choosing the right type of valve is crucial for a functional piping setup. Valve classifications can be based on the medium they control (liquid or gas) and their internal design, like globe, gate, or ball valves.

Industrial Ball Valve

The industrial ball valve provides a shut-off point for liquid or gas flow. This valve is designed to remain closed until a lever is turned to open it. This feature allows for convenient regulation of fluid or gas flow within pipelines. Furthermore, it possesses excellent sealing capabilities due to its quarter-turn operation, minimizing leakage risks.

Needle Valve

This type of valve is commonly utilized to control the flow of liquids, gases, and other substances. It consists of a threaded needle with a tapered tip, typically made from brass or stainless steel. The valve operates by gradually adjusting the aperture at the base of the needle as the user turns the stem.

Globe Valve

A globe valve features a spherical body that contains an internal seat paired with a disc-shaped plug. The plug can be maneuvered against the seat to open or close the valve, controlling the flow rate. Globe valves are favored in industrial settings due to their ability to withstand high pressures, temperatures, and viscosity, remaining leak-proof when properly installed.

Plug Valve

A plug valve operates as a quarter-turn rotary valve employing a cylindrical or tapered plug to manage the flow of liquids or gases. The plug has grooves or passages permitting alignment with inlet and outlet ports framed within the valve body for fluid transit.

Diaphragm Valve

This variant uses a flexible diaphragm to regulate the flow of liquids or gases. The diaphragm resembles a round disk with a central opening connected to a stem linked to the valve body. In operation, the pressure exerted by the controlled liquid or gas maintains the diaphragm against the valve seat, assuring precise flow management.

Butterfly Valve

A butterfly valve is another type of quarter-turn valve that employs a disk with a rotating shaft to dictate fluid flow. Frequently found in industrial applications, these valves are accessible through various butterfly valve suppliers worldwide. The disk is placed centrally within the pipe and rotates in such a manner that, when aligned perpendicular to the flow, fluid can pass through; whereas, when aligned with the flow, it halts the fluid passage.

Butterfly valves are prominently used in controlling the flow of liquids, gases, and vapors across industrial applications. Their functionality is particularly notable within water treatment and wastewater systems, owing to their proficient regulation of fluid movement.

Check Valve

A check valve is a device permitting fluid flow in a single direction. This valve finds application in both residential and industrial environments. By preventing backflow, which would occur should pressure reverse fluid direction, check valves play a vital role in maintaining system integrity.

Relief Valve

Relief valves serve as safety mechanisms intended to safeguard plumbing systems against damage stemming from excessive pressure. They facilitate controlled pressure release whenever a pre-established limit is surpassed, thereby protecting the system from potential harm caused by over-pressurization.

Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is defined as an electrically operated valve used to control the flow of liquids, gases, or other fluids. The valve consists of a cylindrical wire coil enclosing a ferromagnetic core, enveloped by a non-magnetic casing. When electrical current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is created, prompting the core to move, which opens or closes the valve. The core is attached to a plunger that connects with the valve's opening and closing mechanism.

Gate Valve

Gate valves operate with linear motion and function by removing a round or rectangular gate from the flow path. Typically, an actuator links the gate to manage the valve in response to control signals. Primarily used for isolation rather than control, gate valves are an essential component in various applications.

Choosing Valve Seat Material Wisely

Importance should be placed on the selection of valve seat material. The material must endure high pressures and temperatures while effectively maintaining a seal between the valve and its seat. Below are crucial factors to consider when choosing valve seat materials.

Pressure Considerations

When determining valve seat material, the pressure capacity is paramount, influencing the valve's performance and longevity. Selecting seat material must align with the application's specifications and system pressure ranges.

Temperature Tolerance

Assessing temperature ranges alongside pressure limits is essential during valve seat material selection. The material should handle a spectrum of temperature without degradation. Since distinct materials exhibit varying thermal properties, it is critical to choose appropriately for the environment.

Size Variations

The size range for valve materials is another pivotal aspect of the selection process. Many global valve manufacturers cater to a broad spectrum of sizes, from petite to substantial valves.

Bronze or stainless steel often serves smaller valves efficiently, whereas larger applications frequently employ cast iron or hardened steel, maximizing sealing efficacy and durability.

Corrosion Resistance Factors

Corrosion resistance is a decisive consideration in valve seat material selection. Corrosion can severely impede valve functionality and lead to significant damage, making it essential to select components resistant to wear.

Sealing Ability Assessment

The valve seat's sealing performance relies on the seal type and the strength of the bond between the seat and valve body. The applied force and contact area significantly shape the seal relevance for the intended application.

Durability Against Wear and Tear

Considering wear and tear susceptibility is vital, as valve seats endure intense conditions that may lead to their rapid deterioration. Selecting durable and abrasion-resistant materials guarantees peak performance and extended service life.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Cost-effectiveness is critical when selecting valve seat material, seeking the most suitable option for performance alongside budget considerations. Assessment should factor in initial costs along with long-term expenses related to installation, maintenance, and energy consumption.

Final Thoughts

The task of selecting valves fundamentally influences industrial operations. By adhering to the valve selection guide and conducting thorough evaluations, consumers can assure that their selected valves align with specific needs while ensuring peak performance.

Dombor stands out as a premier provider of industrial valves, specializing in customized solutions across various sectors. With an expansive product range and knowledgeable team, we are recognized as a leading entity in the industry. Our offerings include a comprehensive array of industrial valves from butterfly types to innovative ball valves.

Our products adhere to the highest standards and have been certified by global third-party evaluators. Moreover, we provide personalized valve solutions that accommodate precise customer needs. Reach out to us today for any valve requirements pertaining to industrial applications.