One of the most underrated and under-appreciated part of a building's plumbing system is the series of control valves that help control the flow of water in the structure. Like much of your building's plumbing, control valves are mainly unseen, except when there is an emergency or repair necessary.
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A building's plumbing control valves are devices that are placed in various areas of a structures plumbing to control water flow. They can be adjusted to help maintain appropriate pressure and to completely shut off the flow of water.
Control valves are located throughout an entire building. A utility-owned control valve will allow the water company to shut of water to the entire building. Past the demarcation line, the building itself will have its own large control valve, giving the building's management and maintenance staff control of water flow to the structure in the event of a widespread issue. From there, smaller control valves will be located throughout the buildings pipe runs to segregate sections of a building. From there, individual units will each have a control valve. Finally, inside the units, individual control valves will allow water to be turned on and off to sinks, toilets, water heaters, ice makers, washing machines and other water-based appliances.
Control valves are critical in stopping the flow of water to specific areas of a building. This is important when there is a pipe failure or when plumbing repairs are necessary. They also provide a way to stop the flow of water to a water appliance when it is being replaced. Properly placed and functioning control valves allow building managers to minimize damage to the building in case of failures. They also allow managers and maintenance personnel to minimize how many tenants are inconvenienced during a failure, repair or replacement.
Maintaining control and shut off valves is simple, but it can be time-consuming due to the sheer number of them that may be in a structure. Valves should be exercised to assure they are working properly, don't leak, and have not locked-up due to mineral deposits. Exercising control valves will also keep any minor deposits from building up by flushing them through the system. Exercising control values is as simple as turning them completely off, and then on again. When performing this task, you'll want to make sure flow has been completely stopped and restarted, and after exercising, the valve itself does not leak. Valves should be exercised several times a year.
When there is a failure in a control valve, it is usually already during an emergency or when a repair is necessary. A failure can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs. To find out more about the value of control valve exercising, we invite you to read an article from our partner company, Althoff Industries.
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When it comes to maintaining precise temperature control in liquid systems, flow control valves play a crucial role. These valves provide a means to regulate the temperature of coolant at specific points within a system, ensuring it remains at a defined value. PDT, a trusted provider of thermal control valves, offers passive, thermostatic-type valves that do not require electrical power or a control circuit to operate. In this article, we will explore the reasons why flow control valves are essential and the advantages they bring to liquid systems.
1. Precise Temperature Control: One of the primary reasons to use flow control valves is to achieve precise temperature control in liquid systems. PDT's thermal control valves utilize high-output linear actuators to move a sliding spool or poppet element. This movement selectively opens or closes fluid passages within the valve, allowing for precise control of coolant temperature. By maintaining a consistent temperature, these valves contribute to the optimal performance and efficiency of liquid systems.
2. Flexibility in System Design: Flow control valves from PDT offer flexibility in system design, as they can be used in both diverting and mixing applications. This versatility allows system designers to tailor the valve's configuration to meet specific requirements. Whether you need to redirect the flow of coolant or blend different temperatures, thermal control valves can be integrated accordingly. PDT can also incorporate additional features such as temperature sensors, supplemental fluid ports, and relief valves, streamlining system plumbing and reducing costs.
3. Actuator Options for Various Applications: PDT offers two different actuator types for thermal control valves, allowing for customization based on usage and system considerations. The sealed paraffin actuator is a popular choice for airborne and ground vehicle applications. It comes with elastomeric seals selected for compatibility with most coolants or oils. For critical applications like long-duration spacecraft, PDT provides thermal control valves with an all-welded design, eliminating the need for elastomeric seals. These valves utilize a flexible metal bellows filled with a high-expansion liquid as the actuator, ensuring reliability and longevity.
4. Compatibility with a Range of Coolants: PDT's thermal control valves are designed to be compatible with various coolants or oils. The valves' performance is specified by the nominal control temperature and the control band. Standard paraffin actuators cover nominal control temperatures ranging from 35°F to 210°F (2°C to 98°C) with a control band of ±8°F (±5°C). Additionally, PDT has produced thermal control valves with nominal control temperatures from 32°F to 77°F (0°C to 25°C) and a control band of ±18°F (±10°C). This broad range ensures suitability for diverse liquid system applications.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of a flow control valve. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.