Automatic control valves, much like everything else we purchase these days, are not all created equal. Some fall into the high quality bracket with pricing to match, while others hover closer to the lower quality and price sensitive end of the scale. Unfortunately, when evaluating control valve prices, it is not always clear what you are being offered and what standards the valve actually meets. Here are a few questions to consider and ask the supplier to ensure you get years of trouble free operation that lasts longer than it takes the sales person to drive out of your parking lot!
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Q 1 What materials are being used?
Make sure you know what the different components of the valve are made of, as this will certainly affect the life of your valve, specifically:
Body Material ' is the valve body cast iron or ductile iron? Traditionally valves were cast iron but ductile iron has become the new standard due to its superior physical properties that are much better at weathering the elements.
Body Coating ' Most of the world insists on fusion bonded coating of a valve, inside and out. Unfortunately here in North America, that is not always requested. This just makes common sense for valves that are constantly wet and sit in locations that are not always dry and pristine. A valve should last for many years, so insisting on a coated valve is a wise choice.
Seat Material ' bronze is typically the common material for seats but over time, depending on water quality and velocities, bronze wears resulting in the need for replacement. This is time consuming and expensive as seat replacement requires a complete disassembly of the entire valve. Ideally go for stainless steel.
Valve Internals ' Most valve manufacturers utilize stainless steel for their valve stems. Make sure that you ask what grade of stainless you are getting as not all stainless steel is created equal. 316 SS is always the best choice because it is harder and least likely to corrode.
External Fasteners ' Over time valves experience condensation or flooding and this can play havoc with coated studs or bolts. There is nothing worse than trying to remove heavily rusted studs out of an old valve to perform maintenance. Request stainless steel fasteners as this will ensure that bolts will be removable at any age.
Q 2 Does the valve supplier fully understand your application?
Too frequently a specification will be requested and a valve is supplied that is simply the wrong valve for the job. It may also be the case that there is just a better solution. Ensure you give your valve supplier all the necessary pressure and flow details including details of the actual application and what you want this valve to do. Having the wrong valve for the wrong application, at best case will result in a significantly shorter life and worst case, a malfunction that can result in destruction of the valve and other parts of your water distribution system.
Q 3 Will this new valve fit into my existing piping layout?
Don't be tempted to just stay with brand X because that is the valve you may be replacing and has the same lay lengths. Most manufactures can be quite innovative on providing solutions to combat varying lay lengths so explore all of you options rather than just settling because you think it may be easier.
Q 4 Do you need specialty tools for maintenance?
Nobody wants to have to carry around a specific tool that only performs one task. Ensure that your valve can be maintained with everything you would carry in regular tool kit. Some valve manufacturers require specialized seat removal tools, or vice jaws installed with copper jaws to protect valve stems. While these are great ideas, they are certainly not things that the average operator has in his toolkit.
Q 5 Will your personnel receive complimentary factory qualified training?
Control valves are not so difficult to understand and once taught, most operations personnel can easily perform maintenance. Ensure that you will not be reliant on the additional cost of having to bring out a factory person every time your valve requires maintenance. Request that a factory-trained representative is on site when the valve is commissioned. This will allow your operators to be schooled in the regular maintenance needs, know what to look for if things go awry and how to start up a valve in a new system or after service. Simple tricks like removing air out of the pilot system are valuable lessons to see in practice.
Q 6 Does your valve have a solid warranty?
These days having a product with the long term back up of the factory is important. Three years should be the standard to ensure there are no manufacturing faults.
Q 7 Can I make changes to the valve if required
Having a valve 'expansion ready' for the future can save you money and make your decisions a whole lot easier. For example, can you add a limit switch or a position indicator easily? Or, if you need to move the pilot system to the other side of the valve, can you do it, or is it not possible because the valve body does not have the required connections? Things always change and a flexible valve gives you more options to keep your now perfect valve, perfect down the road.
Are you interested in learning more about a flow control valve is also called? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Additional reading:
Is 316 Stainless Steel Worth the Extra Cost over 304? Q 8 Does your valve meet industry standards?
There are third party accreditations that ensure your valve was built to the correct specifications. For example; NSF 61, WRAS, UL/FM, AWWA, ISO et.al. They are important because they ensure that the valve has been built to a given standard so the user can be assured they meet approval for such things as low lead content, bacterial growth tests, functional tests etc.
Q 9 Do you have local and factory support?
Make sure there is someone in the area that is factory trained and available to come out and assist when you have questions or problems. This sounds like a given but it's best to ensure the local agent will in fact be there for you when you need him. When a valve fails, timing is usually of the essence so you should know whom to call prior to such an event.
Q 10 Is the valve solution offered able to handle future needs?
In the world of 'low bid wins', a supplier may be tempted to squeeze as small a valve as possible into the application in order to reduce price. Make sure that the offered solution will supply your needs for the foreseeable future without the burden and additional cost of having to change a valve in a couple of years.
Selecting the right flow control valve is not an amateur's job. Valves may be common as they go; choosing the correct valve for your gas and liquid flow can take up some time and can be confusing. Are you confused about how to select the right control valve? We have gathered some tips before you buy the correct valve for you.
Determine the Valve Size and Type
The most crucial step in selecting the right valve is to know what you need. Then the rest will follow'not quite. You also need to know the size of the valve that you'll be using. When you size a control valve, the basic rule is to size it so that it operates somewhere in between 20-80% open at the maximum required flow rate. If it is possible, the size should at least be at a 20% minimum required flow rate. When you size your valve this way, you can use as much of the valve's control range while maintaining a reasonable safety factor.
There are also plenty of types of valves: globe, ball, and butterfly. The type of valve is usually predetermined by its application. So you have to make a diagram before heading off to buy one.
Determine the Proper Valve Material
In gas and liquid flow systems, it is best to predetermine your materials of construction. When you understand the incompatibilities, then you'll understand that valves are subject to a varying range of corrosion, temperature, and tearing.
Materials that commonly used in high-pressure applications are ductile iron, brass and bronze, 316 stainless steel, Monel, and Inconel, while seals, gaskets, and packing are made of Polyurethane, Viton, PTFE, Glass-filled PTFE and PEEK (Polyetherketone).
Determine the Performance Requirements
The efficiency of your flow system is predetermined by the required pressure and temperature of your flow. Pressure and temperature directly affect the performance, safety and durability of your flow system.
You can opt for metal valves because they can endure higher temperatures and pressures. Metal valves are also usually best for pressurized gases because they can hold stronger than plastic valves.
Maintenance and Longevity of the Valve
While you're at it, you must also consider the ongoing maintenance. When you choose a valve, you should pay attention to its maintenance requirements. The maintenance requirements are for both valve reliability and application stability. You can also avoid spending more in the upcoming years.
Those were our tips on how to select the right flow control valve. However, please take note that there will always be complications in application requirements, operating conditions, and chemical compatibility. But knowing what you need is a great start. If you ever require more expert help, we at MasterMac can help you with your valve needs. Contact us now.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of pressure control valve in pneumatic system. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
