Choosing the right valve impacts the performance of a system over time. With countless types of valves available, the selection process demands an understanding of pressure requirements, media compatibility and flow characteristics.
Industrial operations can face real consequences when valve selection goes wrong, such as worn or corroded parts or potential seal failure in high-cycle applications. Whether specifying components for a pressurized water application or chemical dispensing, the right type of industrial valve translates to lower total cost of ownership as well as improved reliability.
We have been designing and engineering valves used in demanding applications since 1900, and this guide shares the framework we use to match valves to varying application needs.
Understanding Valve Types and Their Applications
Selecting the appropriate valve starts with understanding how each design controls fluid flow.
Ball Valves: On/Off Control Applications
Ball valves excel in applications requiring quick shutoff. These typically feature quarter-turn operation to ensure fast, reliable isolation in high-cycle environments. Our ball valves are available in brass, stainless steel and engineered plastics, with port configurations from 1/8 inch barb to 1” NPT and we have the ability to customize to application-specific requirements.
In chemical processing, our PTFE-sealed ball valves provide reliable shutoff even with aggressive media.
Check Valves: Backflow Prevention
Check valves automatically prevent reverse flow, which can be important for protecting pumps and sensitive equipment. Check valve selection depends largely on acceptable pressure drop and the need to prevent chatter in low-flow conditions.
We can design both ball and poppet check valves with an extensive range of cracking pressures from ⅓# to 15# and above. Needle Valves: Precision Flow Control
When applications demand precise flow adjustment, needle valves provide fine-threaded control. The tapered needle design allows for gradual restriction across multiple turns, offering operators better command over flow rates.
Miniature Valves: Space-Constrained Applications
Compact equipment requires valves that deliver full functionality in minimal space. Our miniature line includes ball, check and needle valves down to 1/8 in. Small-thread NPT can be an optimal type for applications such as analytical instruments and densely packed fluid circuits.
For operator-controlled flow, push-button and toggle valves provide intuitive actuation. These sealed valves excel in car wash and pressure wash systems, resisting water ingress and extending service life in harsh environments.
Critical Valve Selection Criteria
Matching valve specifications to your particular application requirements prevents failures and optimizes system performance.
Operating Pressure and Temperature
Every valve has a safe operating envelope. A valve rated for 500 PSI at 70 °F may only handle 300 PSI at higher temperatures based on sealing performance and other factors.
We rate our valves conservatively based on our internal testing. This makes it easier to verify which valve type is best suited for the given pressure and temperatures of the specific application.
Flow Rate Requirements
The flow coefficient (Cv) determines fluid passage at a given pressure drop. Undersizing a valve creates excessive pressure drop, forcing pumps to work harder. Our team can address questions about flow rate and help with calculations when needed.
Media Compatibility: Matching Valve Materials to Fluids
Media compatibility is an important consideration when choosing a valve for your application. Understanding media pH, temperature and concentration can help you to obtain a valve that enables reliable operation in the intended environment.
Stainless steel, for example, may be used in certain environments involving chlorinated water or food products. PTFE-lined valves can be ideal for corrosion-resistant control in aggressive chemical applications.
Connection Types and Port Configurations
Connections need to match up with the existing flow system to eliminate fittings and minimize potential leak points. For chemical dispensing, push-to-connect fittings can enable quick changeouts. Port configuration options can vary and include two-way for on/off, three-way for diverting or manifolds for complex routing needs.
Environmental Factors: Indoor, Outdoor and Harsh Conditions
Valve selection requires considering ambient temperature, humidity levels and exposure to the elements. For example, high-humidity environments can necessitate robust sealing to keep humid air from entering the valve’s internal mechanism or actuator.
Valve Selection by Industry Application
Different types of valves used across industries can require compliance to specific regulatory standards to ensure safety and promote reliable valve operation. Our team has experience with most worldwide standards.
Food & Beverage: Sanitary and FDA-Compliant Valves
Food processing requires valves that maintain purity and support compliant processes. We manufacture stainless steel ball and check valves with FDA-compliant seals for reliable performance. This is critical to ensure consumer safety, maintain product purity and adhere to strict regulatory standards.
Chemical Dispensing: Corrosion-Resistant Solutions
Dispensing systems demand resistance to corrosive media. Certain valve designs, such as spring-loaded check valves, can be chosen to prevent drips and maintain consistent dispense volumes.
Thermal Management & Liquid Cooling: High-Flow, Low-Leak Valves
Low-pressure-drop ball valves can effectively handle pump load, while check valves with minimal cracking pressure can be used to prevent thermal backflow without restricting coolant circulation.
Car Wash & Pressure Wash: High-Cycle Durability
Car wash valves cycle thousands of times daily. Valves with reinforced PTFE seals and brass bodies can be engineered to withstand water, detergents and outdoor conditions.
Water Filtration & Treatment: Clean Water Standards
We offer ball valves with NSF 61-certified materials for potable water. In filtration systems, our check valves can prevent backwash contamination while ensuring positive sealing during pump shutdowns.
Common Valve Selection Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Common valve selection mistakes can involve undersizing valves, using generic data to gauge material compatibility and overlooking long-term service needs.
Valve Selection Decision Tree:
Find Your Ideal Valve in 5 Steps
Use this approach for ball valve selection, check valve selection and other valve types:
Working with Valve Manufacturers:
Getting the Right Technical Support
Questions? Contact Our Valve Specialists Today
Let our experts help you choose the right valve for your application.
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