Many customers in the industrial valve industry find themselves purchasing poor-quality or remanufactured valves. This increases the risk of excessive downtime and serious engineering accidents during industrial operations. The best way to promote safety and efficiency in industries is to evaluate the industrial valve purchase process. This article highlights the most important factors clients should consider when choosing an industrial valve system.
Use and Purpose of the Valve
Industrial valve systems help to control and regulate the flow of liquids and gases in various industries, such as water treatment, energy, and manufacturing. Customers should consider the specific application when purchasing valve systems. This information will ensure they select valves with the right material, size, and design for the job.
For instance, if the valve is intended to regulate liquid flow, the customer should choose one whose material is compatible with the liquid. If the specific application involves a corrosive material, the valve system used should be made of sturdy materials like stainless steel or have a specialized protective coating. Understanding the application also helps customers to purchase equipment that can withstand operational pressure, temperatures, and the required flow rate.
Valve Type
The valves market today offers different valve systems suitable for different industrial applications. For instance, butterfly valves are used to regulate pipes with large diameters and processes that require moderate pressure ranges. On the other hand, gate valves are often used in pipelines to regulate the flow of liquids.
Industries that control gas and liquid operations often rely on ball valves because of their durability. Globe valves are suitable for chemical industries because of their capacity to ensure precise flow control. Understanding the different types of valve systems and their unique features helps companies to purchase the type that meets their operational needs.
Material Compatibility
Another critical factor in buying valve systems is the pressure and temperature of the medium passing through the valve. It is critical to know whether the material the valve is made of can support the liquid or the gas it is supposed to control.
Valves made of ceramic are suitable for high-temperature processes. Customers should also consult the supplier about the right design that can withstand the required temperatures.
The pressure of the material going through the valve systems is also a considerable factor when making a purchase. Industries with high-pressure applications require special valves because of their thick-wall diameters and unique sealing arrangements. On the contrary, industries with low-pressure applications may require valves that are lighter in weight.
Operational and Actuation Mechanism
Different valve systems on the market today can be operated differently. For example, some use actuators to run automatically, while others need a manually operated system like a remote. The right type of valves depends on the level of control needed in the industry in question.
Each manual and automated valve system has unique features and benefits. The former is simple and cost-effective, making it appropriate for companies dealing with infrequent operations, while the latter is fast and reliable, making it suitable for industries that need fast responses.
Understanding the different valve systems, their features, materials, and sizes makes it easier to purchase the right equipment. Customers should also consider the intended purpose of the valve to choose the best. Using the right industrial valve systems ensures safety and promotes operational efficiency.
