Things to Remember When Purchasing Water Flow Valves

Whether you’re a plumber, an irrigation expert, or just a regular person, there are some things to keep in mind when purchasing water flow valves. That way, you can make the best decision possible.

First, determine what kind of flow rate your system requires. Then, look into the material the valve is made from and check that it can stand up to harsh or corrosive materials.

Type of Valve

Valves are a major component of the piping system, used to control fluid flow and pressure. They are available in a variety of designs, configurations, and operation options.

They are primarily used to regulate and shut off fluids such as water, sewage, or gas. Their functions depend on the application, fluid service conditions and characteristics, isolation or regulation requirements, maintenance needs, and desired level of safety and reliability.

Check valves are a common type of water flow valve and prevent backflow of liquid from the pipe system. They use a ball that can block flow when the fluid moves in the wrong direction.

These types of valves can be operated manually by a lever that indicates whether it is open or closed, or automatically using an actuator. They also provide excellent flow control and a secure shut off when closed. These valves are often used in sewage treatment plants and chemical plants to avoid backflow.

Material

When deciding on a valve, it’s important to consider the material that will be used to build its body, seats, stem tips and other parts. The materials must be compatible with the fluid being handled to avoid corrosion, embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking.

For example, the valve’s exterior parts should be made of stainless steel or some other corrosion resistant material if they will be exposed to caustic chemicals or food products. The interior parts can also be lined to improve their resistance to corrosive substances.

The valve’s operating environment can also impact the appropriate material choice. It may need to withstand increased temperatures inside a heated instrument enclosure or extreme temperature fluctuations in an outdoor environment.

Some types of water flow valves do not require metal parts to contact the fluid stream. These include diaphragm and pinch valves. These are effective in low-pressure and high-purity applications where the flow rate and pressure drops are minimal.

Pressure Rating

When selecting valves, it is crucial to know the pressure rating. This will help you determine the appropriate size and type of valve for your application.

Another important consideration is the flow coefficient. This will determine the amount ofcthe valve causes when it is in a fully open position.

The higher the flow coefficient, the less pressure drop a valve will cause. Choosing a valve with a high flow coefficient will save you money and energy in the long run.

Additionally, it is vital to verify the operating pressure range, maximum pressure and temperature of the solution that will be passing through the valve. This will ensure proper chemical compatibility and reduce the risk of damage to the valve and equipment involved.

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Installation

When purchasing a valve, there are some things to remember that will make the process easier. These include making sure the valve you purchase fits the pipes, ensuring that it is made of a material that will not cause rust, and that it has the correct pressure rating.

If you are installing a threaded valve, remove any existing thread seal tape and wrap the pipe with thread seal tape or pipe thread compound. This will help prevent leaks from forming around the valve’s threads, as well as protect the pipe and the valve from the elements.

Before you begin the installation, make sure your tools are ready. Depending on the type of connection you are using, you may need a pipe wrench, pliers, and a pipe cutter.