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Get to know industrial valve systems terminology and valve types

One of the primary aspects of industrial valve systems you should be familiar with is the kinds of valves and their operational terms. There are two main types: stop and check valves. Under these categories are the more specific types, like ball, gate, globe, butterfly, plug and needle valves. Several of these can be of either the 2-way or 3-way variety, depending on the number of ports. Also, know the cut-off amounts and the turn fractions - such as half-turn or quarter-turn - of your valves.

I recommend: Familiarize yourself with industrial valves key terms for valve types and related information by checking out the Valve Directory, Midwest BAS and chemBlink. The Directory and Midwest have detailed definitions of the primary kinds of valve systems along with operational terms; chemBlink has a list of valves through which you can view pictures of the various types.

Know your industrial valving components for a more efficient business approach

One of the main components of any valve is the actuator - the device that operates the opening and closing of the valve. An actuator can be controlled by hydraulic, electric or pneumatic means. Other components include the body, plug, disc and guide of a valve. You should also be familiar with some of the connectors for valves, such as gaskets and flanges.

I recommend: Educate yourself on the basic industrial valve systems and parts by perusing the list of terms at The Valve Shop; you'll find definitions of parts as well as manufacturing terms and weld types. You can also check out an article from Honeywell that covers more terms and contains descriptions of valve ratings, materials and applications.

Get some knowledge of the shorthand of valve manufacturers and organizations

Efficient business operation sometimes means creating or being knowledgeable about a sort of shorthand; the abbreviations and acronyms related to your field. With the valve industry, these include shortening the names of materials, both for the construction of valves and the fluids they help control. It's also a good idea to know the various industry organizations and oversight bodies, like manufacturing, water and chemical regulatory groups.

I recommend: Get help knowing the acronynms and abbreviations for industrial valve system terminology - and the organizations associated with valve manufacturers and the field in general - by looking at lists and definitions available at PlastOMatic and Valves International. You can also find material characteristics at the latter.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on the industry you're entering or dealing with, some of the information in this guide will be more useful than the rest. Focus on the valves key terms that apply to your business and find out all you can about those areas, especially when it comes to material handling and regulatory oversight.

Guide to Valves

Our silent helpers - how to identify and shop for industrial valves and valve systems

By Donna Harvey

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Think about flammability and industrial valves

Automated valves must have explosion-proof devices for oil and gas service. Butterfly valves are useful in large piping, but choose fire-safe valves for flammable service. Rule out plastic, aluminum and brass valves for use in the oil and gas industry and other flammable applications.

I recommend: For heavy-duty steel industrial valve systems, Cameron Valve. They are worldwide and offer repair and inspection services. See Assured Automation for a good selection of smaller metal and plastic valves of all types, up to four-inch. For smaller metal valves go to Discover Valve, where you will find a selection of valves two inches and smaller with free shipping.

Choose according to properties of industrial valves

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates valves. Know the pressures under which valves you buy are to operate. Certain applications require that you prove the valve is positively shutting off flow. Some valves have ports that enable inspection. Get what your industry requires.

I recommend: Try Tyco Flow Control for industrial valve systems and flow control. Also, The Valve Shop has the valve systems you need, plus information and tech support.

Define your valve needs according to materials

Forged steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminum, plastic and fiberglass are included in the materials used by valve manufacturers. Check with the engineering department for requirements for your application.

I recommend: For water and wastewater applications, use valve manufacturers Val-Matic or The Scruggs Company. For industrial valve systems to handle chemicals, see ITT Engineered Valves.

Add automation and controls to industrial valve systems

Cut your staffing needs by automating valves to open and close by remote control. Use explosion-proof controls in flammable environments.

I recommend: See solenoid valve manufacturers STC Valve.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Valves come with weld-type, flanged, or threaded ends. Consult with design, safety and engineering groups.
• •  Keep a selection of repair parts in stock for industrial valves.

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Get to know the types of industrial valves available for implementation in your business

There are various types of equipment for different jobs; two basic groups of valves are stop valves and check valves. Other subcategories, such as globe, butterfly and gate valves, fall under those and have specific functions. Your best bet is to analyze either your system or the equipment you want to replace or upgrade and decide which functions fit the needs of your business.

I recommend: Increase your knowledge of valves basics and get more detailed information by checking out the explanations at Integrated Publishing and John Valves. Integrated provides useful info about different types and categories for valve classification. At John Valves, you can select the type you want to learn more about.

Look at valve manufacturers and organizations to see which types of products fit your business

Once you've built a foundation of knowledge for the different types of valves available, start considering the materials you work with. What kinds of fluid do you process? Is temperature a factor? What about the consistency? Look at control valve vendors and evaluate some valve types and see what their specialties are, choosing the ones that will work within your business.

I recommend: VMA supplies specific valve information regarding the types of fluid materials various valves are designed for. SVF also supplies various types of equipment for different applications; check into their line of products and see what kinds of valves will work with the different fluids you handle.

Start learning about the application of valves in industrial valve systems for flow control

An industrial valve system is a complex conglomeration where every part has to work perfectly with every other one. See what kinds of systems can benefit from automated valve assemblies and determine how you can gain an advantage through valve implementation. Pick up some information about how best to handle, prepare and install the products you end up choosing.

I recommend: Learn more specifics about the applications for valves in various industries by perusing the list of possibilities at DFT; you can find general fields and the uses for the products in their industrial valve systems. Plant Maintenance Resource Center gives you information about inspecting, handling, storing and installing industrial valving.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As long as you're looking into industrial valves, make a thorough inspection of your system and determine all of your needs. Getting everything in one purchase from one distributor can save you time and money.

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Use safety products for industrial valve systems

The first step to practicing valve safety in the workplace is to utilize a number of safety products for valves and valve systems. Some of these products include safety tags, labels and lock systems. A lock system can prevent unauthorized access to a valve as well as accidental adjustments of the valve.

I recommend: ID Man provides valve safety tags with custom color, size and message options. UC Santa Cruz Environmental Health and Safety describes a lock-out tag-out system that can be used for valving systems and to regulate which employees can have access to the valve system.

Train employees on industrial valve system installation and repair

Another way to ensure employee safety when dealing with industrial valves is to have training sessions. These are targeted to employees that need to adjust or repair the valves on a regular basis. Proper training will include matters of safety when it comes to valve operation and repair techniques.

I recommend: Control Southern provides a class for valve technicians to learn how to properly install, use and troubleshoot issues with valves and actuators. PDH Online provides a course on using general purpose valves.

Explore safety training for manual and automated valve systems

Employees can also benefit from valve training that is specific to valve safety. Valve safety courses can teach the skills needed to handle an emergency situation. Safety courses also run through the practices used with adjusting and repairing valves on a day-to-day basis in the workplace.

I recommend: Deluca Test Equipment provides valve training and seminars that cover a variety of valve topics such as quality control, testing and ensuring proper valve calculations. Mercer Valve is another company that offers safety training for employees that work with relief valves.