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.
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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.
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.
Valves are essential components in various industrial applications, including the processing of oil and gas, water treatment, power generation, and chemical manufacturing. They control the flow of liquids, gases, and other materials through pipelines, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and safely. When it comes to purchasing industrial valves, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure you're making the right decision. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of buying industrial valves and help you make an informed purchase.
5 Step Suggestions for industrial valve buyers
The first step in buying industrial valves is to determine the type of valve that is appropriate for your application. There are several types of industrial valves, including ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, check valves, and diaphragm valves, among others. Each type of valve is designed to perform specific functions, and choosing the right type will depend on the characteristics of the fluid or material you're handling, the temperature and pressure of the system, and the level of control you need.
industrial valves
Another important factor to consider when buying industrial valves is the size and pressure rating. Valves come in different sizes and pressure ratings, and you must choose the appropriate size and pressure rating for your system. The size of the valve is determined by the diameter of the pipeline it will be installed on, and the pressure rating will depend on the maximum pressure the valve can withstand without failing. It's essential to choose a valve with the correct size and pressure rating to ensure it operates safely and effectively.
When purchasing industrial valves, it's essential to ensure that they meet relevant certifications and compliance requirements. This will help you avoid purchasing substandard products that may fail prematurely or pose a safety hazard. The most common certifications for industrial valves include API, ISO, and CE. Make sure the valve you choose meets the necessary certifications and standards for your industry and application.
The reputation of the manufacturer is another important factor to consider when buying industrial valves. You want to purchase valves from a reputable manufacturer with a history of producing high-quality products. Look for manufacturers with a solid track record of producing valves that are reliable, safe, and durable. You can research the manufacturer's history and customer feedback to get a better understanding of its reputation.
The cost of industrial valves is another important factor to consider, and it's essential to find a balance between price and quality. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, this may not always be the best decision in the long run. High-quality valves can be more expensive, but they are typically more reliable and will last longer, saving you money in the long run.
In conclusion, when buying industrial valves, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure you're making an informed decision. From determining the type of valve you need, to evaluating the manufacturer and considering the cost, these are all crucial factors that will impact the success of your industrial application. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can be confident that you're making the right decision and purchasing industrial valves that will meet your needs and provide long-lasting performance. THINKTANK is one of the best industrial valve manufacturers in China, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
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