What to Think About When Buying a Valve
Consider Valve Function
Valves can serve many different purposes- control of flow, regulating pressure, on/off,
temperature regulation, and many more. Each function requires different valves and configurations.
Review the Media Process
What is the process medium of what you are putting your valve on? For instance, if a
valve is on -320F liquid nitrogen, it requires different seats, seals, and bonnets
than a valve that is on 70F potable water.
Double Check the Valve Size Specifications
This may sound quite elementary but many people think that the valve that they need
should be line size. Sometimes purchasing a valve that equals line size makes a lot of
sense but other times, you can specify a smaller (less expensive) valve that will do the
exact same thing as a valve that equals line size.
Valve Automation…is it Necessary?
Do you need an automated or pneumatic valve? What type of actuation- pneumatic, electric?
Double acting, fail open, fail close? If pneumatic, how much air do you have
available for actuation- 60 or 80 psi? Would you like a solenoid or limit switch?
All of these questions (and more) are questions you should consider while specifying
and purchasing your valves. We realize that many individuals do not feel comfortable
knowing exactly the right questions to ask to assure that their valve will be the
exact right valve for their application. Since realizing this years ago, we have
offered our services to assist customers to spec and purchase the perfect valve for
their application.
Contact ValveMan today for assistance with your application!
