Valves are mechanical devices used to regulate pressure and flow inside a pipe system. To regulate and transport fluids, gases, vapors, slurries, etc., they are an integral part of any pipe system.
What Type of Valve Should I Get?
From what we’ve seen thus far, valves in pipelines serve various functions and range in price. One of the most crucial considerations when designing a pipe system is the price of the valves being considered. The following criteria are usually considered when choosing a valve type:
1. Requirements of the Function
Functionality analysis is the primary focus of a pipe system. That means we’re the only ones who can choose the ideal valve for it. Any of the following may be necessary features:
- complete Fluid flow isolation
- It is necessary to regulate the flow
- Forced one-way traffic flow
- Fluid movement in both directions
- A reversal in the flow of a fluid
2. Condition and features of fluids in service
When selecting a valve for a pipe system, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the fluid’s properties and operating conditions. To provide only one illustration:
- When it comes to clean services like air and water, you have a lot of options for valves.
- Careful consideration must be given to the choice of valves in a pipe system that is unclean and often contains suspended solid particles.
- Erosion- and abrasion-inducing particles may be present in the fluid service.
- Substances are deposited on the inner surface of a pipe system via a process known as fouling or scaling.
- Slurries
- Services that pose risks of fire or corrosion.
- High-pressure or vacuum assistance
- High- or sub-zero-temperature pipe infrastructure.
3. How often it is used
It is important for piping systems that need valve operation often to consider that the valve’s shut-off capability will likely wear out the valve disc and other components over time. It is thus important to provide sufficient isolation to survive incessant operating circumstances.
While most isolation valves see relatively seldom use, valves in a regenerative system must be operated often. There will be an increase in wear and tear on the valve’s parts due to the increased working force and time needed for more frequent use.
4. Need for Separation and Control
There are just a few valve types that can effectively shut off for long periods of time, and that number drops even more if the working fluid is a gas or includes abrasive material. These considerations for valve selection should be considered at the design phase of any pipe system.
A flawless leakproof tightness system for valves is required for interference in a working system. Turning off shutoff valves isn’t always necessary, and a little leak is generally tolerated instead.
5. Circumstances in the Natural World
One must consider the local environment in which the pipe system operates while choosing the valve or piping material. The material valve needed will be quite different from valves of the normal condition if the environment contains flammable, poisonous, or degrading features.
6. Prior exposure to a situational analog
When building or renovating a pipe system that is comparable to one already in existence, it is important to always have a point of reference. Both positive and negative past experiences will play a significant effect in the final valve decision. In certain cases, the pipe system may be conditioned for more efficient usage based on local expectations and experiences.
7. Maintenance requirements
Because of this, it is important to consider factors including location, weight, size, frequency of usage, and environmental condition while choosing a valve.
8. The Valve’s Dimensions and Mass
The valve’s size and weight don’t usually play a significant influence in the selection process, however, but in certain exceptional instances, such as onshore construction or very high elevation, these factors must be considered.
9. Cost of an alternate suitable valve
Valve life cost, in addition to the initial purchase price, should be considered for this criterion. When considering the cost over the product’s whole useful life, more expensive valves may seem to be the better value. Ball valves and butterfly valves, for example, both perform the same functions but have vastly different prices, thus this is another factor that influences the overall cost of the valve selection process.
Conclusion:
A valve in a system of pipes serves several purposes, including regulating and isolating fluid flow and maintaining system equilibrium. Each kind of valve serves a specific function and may be customized to fit the system’s specific environment and needs.
Choosing a pipe system requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors, from operating circumstances to budget constraints, before a designer can settle on the valve that would best serve their needs.