How to Choose Right Industrial Valves Based on Flow Media
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In industrial production, industrial valves play a crucial role in controlling and regulating the flow of fluids, making their selection paramount for both productivity and safety. Tailoring industrial valve types to different fluid mediums and operational requirements ensures the smooth operation of manufacturing processes. Below, we explore strategies and considerations for selecting valves, focusing on industrial valves for diverging and diverting flow, isolating and connecting fluids, flow control and media containing suspended particles.
1. Valves for Diverging and Diverting Flow
In industrial operations, it's often necessary to divert fluid flow into different channels or pipelines. In such cases, valves with three or more passages are essential. For instance, plug valves and ball valves, due to their structural characteristics, are preferred choices for most diverter valve applications. However, in certain situations, achieving media diversion can also be accomplished by interconnecting different types of valves to meet specific needs.
2. Valves for Isolating and Connecting Fluids
During production processes, there's a frequent need to interrupt or facilitate fluid flow. When selecting valves, the magnitude of flow resistance is a critical factor. Typically, gate valves, globe valves, and piston valves with minimal flow resistance are preferred. Yet, in specific scenarios, a downward-closing valve may also be a suitable option. However, it's crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of shut-off or flow-through operations by selecting the appropriate valve.
3. Valves for Flow Control
For applications requiring precise flow control, choosing the right valve is paramount. Control valves, throttle valves, and piston valves are usually preferred for their ability to precisely regulate flow. However, within smaller diameter ranges, rotary valves (such as plug valves, ball valves, butterfly valves) and flex-body valves (such as pinch valves, diaphragm valves) can also be used for throttling control. It's essential to avoid using gate valves or globe valves with adjusted opening heights for throttling, as this may lead to erosion and wear on the valve sealing surfaces.
4. Valves for Media Containing Suspended Particles
For media containing suspended particles, selecting suitable valves is crucial to ensure their proper functioning and reduce maintenance costs. Knife gate valves are a prudent choice due to their wiping action on the sealing surfaces, effectively clearing impurities and ensuring the valve's normal operation.
In summary, choosing the right valve type is paramount for the safety and efficiency of industrial production. Each valve type has its unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Therefore, when selecting valves, it's essential to fully consider the characteristics of the fluid medium, operational requirements, and the overall system design. Only through comprehensive consideration of multiple factors can the most suitable valves be selected, ensuring the smooth operation of industrial production.