Valve Selection

Valves isolate, switch, and control fluid flow in piping systems. Can be operated manually (using levers or gear operators) or remotely (using electric, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, and electro-hydraulic powered actuators). Manual valves are usually used only if they will be operated infrequently or no power source is available.
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Basic Valve Types

Isolation valves: on/off valves
Typically operated as fully open or fully closed Designed to have a tight reliable seal during shut-off and minimal flow restriction when open

Switching valves: converge or divert flow in a piping system Control valves: used to modulate flow (i.e., vary flow by opening or closing by a certain percentage)

Isolation Valves
Ball valve
a ball with a hole through one diameter that can be rotated to align with the flow or block it They provide quick, tight shutoff, high capacity, and require only a turn to operate Can be actuated with pneumatic and electric actuators

Isolation Valves
Plug valve
Similar to a ball valve except that a cylinder is used instead of a sphere More expensive but more rugged than a ball valve Require more torque to turn but still easy to actuate Can be used as a three-way valve, too

Isolation Valves
Butterfly valves
Can be used for both general and severe applications Liners help to provide tight shutoff The most economical valves per comparable capacity and easily actuated with pneumatic and electric actuators

Isolation Valves
Diaphragm valves
Very simple Plunger and handwheel often used to apply pressure to diaphragm to form seal; may be actuated pneumatically and electrically Often used for corrosive, slurry, and sanitary services

Isolation Valves
Float valves
Control liquid level and prevent tank overfilling Operated mechanically by a float that rests on top of the liquid; as the level rises, it pushes the float up and closes the valve

Gate valves
A sliding disk slides up and down in and out of the fluid Good for high pressure drop and high temperature applications where operation is infrequent Manual operation or else multi-turn electric actuators are most common

Isolation Valves
Globe valves
A conical plug moves in and out of the fluid Can be used for shutoff as well as throttling (flow restriction to cause a drop in pressure) in high pressure drop and temperature applications Available in globe, angle, and y-patterns Manual operation or else multi-turn electric actuators are most common Easier to repair but more pressure drop than a gate or plug valve See Figure 2-32 in Burmeister.

Isolation Valves
Solenoid valve
Electrically operated Valve plug is held in place by a spring When power is applied, the current draw through the coil generates an electromagnetic force that opposes the spring and changes the plug position. When power is taken away, the spring returns the plug to its normal position

Switching Valves
Converge and divert flow in a piping system Usually 3-way valves used because they can take the place of 2 2-way valves 3-way valves are usually ball, plug, or globe design 2 butterfly valves mounted on a pipe tee will also work and is cost-effective for large pipes

Control valves
Valves listed earlier can be used to modulate flow, but some work better than others Diaphragm valves work well to throttle flow Proportional solenoid valves are economical Reciprocating globe valves, are rugged, expensive, and very accurate (<2% accuracy). They can be noisy. Rotary globe valves
similar to reciprocating but with more capacity and greater possible turndown Low cost and good accuracy makes them a common choice for flow control

Other valve types

Many other valve types are out there to fit specific applications. For example:
Steam traps Pressure-relief valves Capillary tubes Thermostatic expansion valve

Pressure/Temperature Rating
Manufacturers should list the pressure and temperature ratings for their valves. Ratings will be unique to the specific valve materials, including the type of seal and end connections. Plastic is good for low-pressure applications where corrosion may be a concern. Brass and bronze are also quite resistant to corrosion Iron is cheap but must be coated or lined if corrosive fluids are used. Carbon steel and stainless steel are also used. Plastic seals arent as good as elastomeric (rubbers) but are better for harsh chemicals

End Connections
Threaded ends are cheap but can be stripped and leak; use these where this isnt a worry Welded ends provide no leaks and are cheap initially, but if there are problems the valve must be cut out. Flanged ends are the most expensive but are the best from an installation and removal standpoint.

Valve Standards
ANSI American National Standards Institute API American Petroleum Institute ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers AWWA American Water Works Association MAA Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valves and Fittings Industry BSI British Standards Institution

Loss Coefficients
Head loss
h = KV
2

2 gc ft lbm lb f s 2 (English)

g c = 32.174 g c = 1 m kg

N s2 You can find values of K in Hodge and Taylor pp 14-18 (in your course packet).