Introduction

Valve play a critical role in the management of industrial fluid system in various industries, high purity valves are mainly used in the semiconductor, natural gas, photovoltaic solar, microelectronics, chemical, pharmaceutical and other industries. They are applicable to conditions with ultra high purity gases, corrosive gases, toxic gases, flammable and explosive fluids. Therefore, select the right valve can be a complex process, this blog provides 7 tips to help you choose the right valves for your systems.

1: Function

The first step to choose the right valve is knowing where will the valve be applied. Do you need to start or stop flow? Regulate flow level? Control the direction of flow? Protect the system from overpressure? Your answers to these questions will guide the type of valve you will select for your design. Here is a example about the the function of valve, more information please check another article “A Comprehensive Guide to Valves”.

While some ball valves from various manufacturers might provide throttling capabilities, generally, ball valves are not designed for throttling or flow regulation. They are intended for use in either a fully open or fully closed position. If your objective is to throttle or regulate flow, consider utilizing a needle or metering valve instead.

2: Size

The size of your valve dictates its flow capacity, an improperly sized valve can lead to pressure drops or inadequate flow control. Here’s how to size a valve correctly:

• Calculate the Flow Coefficient (Cv): Cv is a key parameter that indicates the flow capacity of a valve. It is calculated based on the desired flow rate (GPM) at a specific pressure drop (psi). Many valve manufacturers provide charts and formulas to help determine the Cv needed for your application.

The Cv value of a valve is influenced by design factors such as the size and shape of the flow path. Specifically, the size of the valve’s orifice has a direct impact on fluid flow through it, where a larger orifice translates to a higher potential flow capacity. Notably, the orifices in various valve types can differ significantly; for instance, a ball valve provides minimal resistance to flow, whereas a needle valve can either restrict or reduce the flow rate. These considerations should guide your selection process.

3: Temperature

Bear in mind the operational temperatures of the valve, encompassing both the temperature of the system media it will regulate and the ambient temperature of its surrounding environment. Reflect on whether these temperatures will remain consistent or fluctuate frequently, as these conditions can influence your valve choice and the necessity for routine preventive maintenance.

Account for temperature variations that may lead to the expansion and contraction of sealing materials. Additionally, metallic parts may weaken at elevated temperatures, lowering their pressure ratings. Therefore, it is crucial to verify with the manufacturer that the valve has undergone comprehensive testing at its extreme temperature limits.

4：Pressure

As for the tip of pressure, you must note two different contexts in which the term is used:

• Working pressure: The normal operating pressure in your system.
• Design pressure: The valve’s manufacturer-provided maximum pressure limit; never exceed the design pressure of any fluid system component, unless doing so under controlled testing conditions.

When selecting a valve, keep in mind that a fluid system’s pressure limit is determined by its lowest-rated component. The performance of the components is significantly influenced by both the pressure and temperature of the process fluid. The valve you choose must be capable of maintaining pressure and functioning effectively across a broad range of temperatures and pressures. Critical aspects of valve performance include its design, material choice, and validation. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that pressure and temperature have a considerable mutual impact; typically, as the temperature of the process fluid rises, the working pressure rating decreases. The max working pressure of our D1V series diaphragm valve can up to 3500(241).

5: Media

As you select the appropriate valve with the right material composition, careful consideration should also be given to the process fluid within your system. Ensure that the materials used in your valve bodies, seats, stem tips, and other softer components are compatible with your system media. Incompatibility can result in corrosion, embrittlement, or stress corrosion cracking, all of which pose both safety hazards and costly production problems.

6: Connection

Valves are available with various types of end connections, such as integral tube fittings, pipe threads, pipe flanges, and welded ends. Although not typically considered part of valve construction, the choice of end connection is crucial for the valve’s overall structure and its capacity to maintain a leak-tight system. Ensure that your end connections are suitable for your system’s pressure and temperature requirements and are correctly sized, as the appropriate end connection can facilitate installation and prevent additional leak points.

7: Right supplier for right valve selection

The last but the most important factor for you to select the right valve is to choose a right supplier. After considering all these factors and selecting the valve best suited for your application, you should ask yourself two questions: “When will I need my valves?” and “How many will I need?”

Ensuring on-time delivery and a reliable supply is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of your fluid system, just as any other factor is. As the concluding step in the STAMPED method, thoroughly evaluate your suppliers. Can they provide you with the parts you require at the necessary times? Are they easily reachable? Are they willing to collaborate with you to comprehend your system’s needs?

Conclusion

Valve selection is integral to designing safe, efficient fluid systems. Without the right valve for a specific application, operators could face improper or poor fluid system performance, increased downtime, and avoidable safety risks. 

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