The Ultimate Industrial Valve Selection Guide

Valves are essential mechanical (occasionally electro-mechanical) devices for regulating fluid flow via pipes or tubes. Many factors must be considered while selecting the best type of economy valve for a particular fluid service.

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The valve chosen to function under the same conditions will vary from project to project. Examining costs and reaching an arrangement with a reliable partner like IDEX India is vital.

Valve Selection Criteria

The following considerations must be made while selecting a valve type.

1. Valve Function
2. Service Characteristics
3. Cost of Valve

Valve Selection Based on Valve Function

There are four fundamental kinds of valves, each with their distinct qualities and sets of pros and cons. The valve design is based on two basic ideas.

1.   The first principle is explored in three ways:

• Pushing Action: A direct push on the orifice seat moves the stopper. The obturating movement is the foundation of globe valves.

Advantages: Best shut-off and regulating characteristics Disadvantages: High-head loss Types of Pushing Valves: Globe Valves

• Rotating Action: Rotating the stopper. This is the foundation for plug and ball valves.

Advantages: Quick acting, Straight through flow Disadvantages: Temperature limitations on PTFE sleeved valves and the need for attention to lubricant in lubricated valves. Types of Pushing Valves: Plug Valves, Ball Valves, Butterfly Valves

• Sliding Action: Sliding the stopper over the face of the orifice. This is the foundation of gate-type valves.

Advantages: Straight-through flow Disadvantages: Slow acting, Bulky Types of Pushing Valves: Gate Valves

2.   The second concept, squeezing action, is the foundation of all diaphragm-type valves.

Advantages: Glandless, positive shut-off on dirty fluids. Disadvantages: Pressure and temperature are limited by the diaphragm. material Types of Pushing Valves: Diaphragm Valves

• Valve for Isolation Function

Gate Valve Ball Valve Butterfly Valve Diaphragm Valve

• Valve for Flow & Pressure Control Function

Globe Valve Ball Valve Butterfly Valve Diaphragm

• Valve for Prevention of Flow Reversal Function

Check Valve

• Valve for Flow Diversion

Ball Valve Plug Valve Angle Valve

Valve Selection based on Service Characteristics

Valve selection is dependent on the characteristics of the service.

• Fluid type
• Valve applications
• Pressure and temperature limitations
• Operation and maintenance requirements

1. Fluid Type:

The fluid under consideration should be categorized as follows:

• Liquid
• Gas
• Steam
• Slurry
• Solids

2. Valve Applications

Fluid and slurry properties and conditions must be carefully identified since they are frequently the most critical variables in selecting the appropriate valve best suited for your application.

• Cleaning Application
• Slurry Handling Application
• Solids Handling Application
• Hazardous and Flammable Liquids Handling Application
• Corrosive Material Handling Application
• Viscous Material Application
• Fouling Application
• Solidifying Application

3. Pressure and Temperature Limitation:

• Valves are generally rated based on their maximum working pressure and temperature, as well as the ratings of the piping system and flanges.
• Temperature also impacts the materials used in the valve construction, notably internals, trims, seals, rings, and lubricants.
• Typically, these are defined in the “Piping Material Specification.”

4. Operation and Maintenance Requirements:

Selection and design might be influenced by operational and maintenance requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Fire Resistance: It may be necessary for valves with non-metallic (soft) seating to include ‘fire-safe’ features so that if the soft seat and/or seals are damaged or destroyed by fire, the valve will still be operational and any leakage will be within the acceptable limits set by a specific standard or specification.
• Operability
• Tightness of the leak (internal and external)
• Maintainability
• Storage and installation
• Pipeline necessities

Valve Selection Considering Cost of Valve

• Gate valves are often less costly than globe valves of the exact same specification. The cost of 1-1/2′′ or smaller-dia. On the other hand, malleable gate valves are more than globe valves.
• Gate and globe valves are more costly than Class 150 Gr.304SS TFE-seat 4″ or smaller in diameter.
• Class 150 cast iron/malleable iron TFE-seat 2′′-4′′ ball valves cost less than gate and globe valves of the same rating and material.
• Domestic vendors have recently produced and marketed light and affordable 2′′ or smaller wafer-type ball valves, which should be widely used in chemical facilities.
• Compared to other types of valves, the cost of soft-seat butterfly valves applied in the range of around 10 kg/cm and 80°C or below is the lowest.

Making the Right Valve Selection

You will be better able to make the right choice in your fluid system design if you have a better grasp of flow and how different types of valves may assist in managing it. At IDEX India, you can learn more about the many types of valves and make an informed decision when selecting a valve for your industrial needs.

Valves are integral components in industrial applications, controlling the flow of fluids such as water, gas, and oil. Selecting the right valves for your industrial application is crucial for efficient operation and productivity. With a plethora of valves available in the market, choosing the appropriate one can be a daunting task. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you select the right valves for your industrial applications.

Consider the Fluid Properties

The fluid properties are a vital aspect to consider when choosing valves for industrial applications. Fluids have different physical and chemical properties, such as temperature, pressure, viscosity, and acidity. Certain valves are ideal for specific fluid properties, while others are not.

For example, gate valves, ball valves, and globe valves are suitable for high-pressure applications as they provide a tight seal and can withstand high pressures. Conversely, check valves are used for preventing backflow in pipelines. Butterfly valves, on the other hand, are suitable for applications that require flow control with minimal pressure drop.

Similarly, if you’re working with corrosive fluids, it’s crucial to select valves that are resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel valves or valves with corrosion-resistant coatings are ideal for handling corrosive fluids.

Consider the Valve Type

Different valve types are appropriate for different industrial applications. Some common valve types include gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, check valves, and butterfly valves.

Gate valves are ideal for applications that require a tight seal and high-pressure resistance. Ball valves are suitable for applications that require quick shut-off and flow control. Globe valves are suitable for applications that require precise flow control. Check valves are suitable for preventing backflow in pipelines. Butterfly valves are suitable for applications that require flow control with minimal pressure drop.

It’s essential to choose the right valve type to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

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Consider the Valve Size

Valve size is an essential factor to consider as it affects the efficiency of your industrial operations. The valve size should match the size of the pipeline. If the valve is too small, it can cause pressure drop and reduce the flow rate. On the other hand, if the valve is too large, it can be costly and inefficient.

The valve size also affects the pressure drop in the pipeline. A smaller valve size can cause a higher pressure drop, while a larger valve size can cause a lower pressure drop. It’s essential to select the appropriate valve size to ensure that the flow rate and pressure drop in the pipeline meet the required specifications.

Consider the Valve Material

Valve material is a critical factor to consider when selecting valves for your industrial applications. The material should be compatible with the fluid properties to ensure optimal performance and prevent corrosion or degradation.

Valves can be made from various materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, brass, and plastic. Stainless steel valves are ideal for handling corrosive fluids, while carbon steel valves are suitable for handling high-temperature applications. Cast iron valves are suitable for low-pressure applications, while brass valves are suitable for low-corrosion applications. Plastic valves are suitable for applications that require lightweight and non-corrosive properties.

Consider the Valve Actuation

Valve actuation refers to the method used to operate the valve. Manual, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic are common valve actuation methods.

Manual valves are operated by hand and are suitable for low-frequency applications that do not require frequent adjustments. Electric valves are operated by electricity and are suitable for applications that require remote control or frequent adjustments. Pneumatic valves are operated by compressed air and are suitable for applications that require fast and precise control. Hydraulic valves are operated by hydraulic fluid and are suitable for high-pressure applications that require precise control.

Consider the Valve Brand

Valve brand is another factor to consider when selecting valves for your industrial applications. Choosing a reputable and reliable valve brand can ensure

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