Valves, the unsung heroes of fluid control systems, are available in a delightful variety, including butterfly valves, check valves, and gate valves. Each type has its unique functions and applications. Choosing the right valve for your system can turn into a labyrinth of potential mistakes. Review some common mistakes to avoid when selecting valves.
Choosing Incompatible Materials
Imagine selecting a brass valve only to watch it corrode when used with certain chemical solutions. Sounds like a nightmare, right? This scenario is a reality for many who overlook the crucial step of matching the valve body and seal material with the fluid it will control. You must consider factors like acidity or alkalinity of the fluid before deciding on the material of the valve. The valve material must be robust enough to weather the environment where it will be.
More fundamentally, be careful to consider the compatibility of the valve and pipe materials themselves. When you connect valves and pipe fittings of different materials, you can create an electrical flow between the two, like the flow of a battery. This may accelerate corrosion and other issues.
Using the Wrong Type of Valve
Different valves are good for different applications. For example, when you need a quick opening, you should use a ball valve or butterfly valve. For applications that must regulate the amount of flow, you should use a gate, globe, or needle valve. If you need to regulate the flow direction, you should use check valves. And for high pressure applications, it’s essential to use a type of valve with a pressure rating that meets or exceeds the levels that exist where you intend to use the valve.
Ignoring Temperature and Pressure Differentials
Temperature and pressure can be kryptonite to valves. A valve performing flawlessly under one set of conditions may falter under higher pressure or extreme temperatures. Always check the maximum and minimum temperatures and pressures your system will encounter and select a valve that can manage them.
Not Considering Flow Rates
Flow rates, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), hold significant sway over a valve's performance and efficiency. Ignoring this factor when selecting valves courts disaster. Be sure to match your valve with the flow rate of your system at the point of installation and with the variables in flow you expect the valve to endure or regulate.
As a general rule of thumb, most valves have a rating of full, standard, or reduced port. Full-rated valves will allow from around 90 percent of flow up to full flow for a minimal reduction of the flow rate. Standard-rated valves have a smaller opening, allowing around 80 percent of flow. Reduced port valves, as the name implies, further restrict the flow rate, allowing an even lower percentage of flow than standard flow valves.
Always Choosing the Lowest Cost Option
While pinching pennies is appealing, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when selecting valves. Often, the allure of the cheapest option leads to a higher expenditure in the long run due to frequent maintenance or premature failure, along with the damage it can cause. Instead of letting the upfront cost alone sway you, factor in the valve's quality, durability, and performance to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Skipping Consultation
Skipping consultation with industry experts or valve manufacturers is a mistake worth avoiding when selecting valves. Engineers and piping system experts can offer invaluable insights that help you avoid mistakes in selecting the best valve for your system, from hydronic valves for refrigeration systems to lead-free brass valves for water pipes. They can also flag potential issues or limitations that might have slipped under your radar.
By avoiding these common mistakes when choosing valves, you can ensure that the valves you select will function as intended and stand the test of time.