5 Tips For Selecting The Right Valve

Valves control liquid and gas flow in almost all systems and processes. They are found almost everywhere, in homes, in industries, in hospitals, you name it. As common as they are, it is still a big challenge in choosing the right valve for the right job. 

The choice of a valve depends on the performance requirements of a system. Here are 5 tips for selecting the right valve.

1. Check for Special Valves Requirements

Before you buy a valve, ensure that it will work the way you expect. Ask yourself how long the valve takes to respond and how much pressure is required to open it. You should also consider the normally open vs normally closed valves because each serves a different purpose. 

An appropriate choice can improve the reliability of the valve. What determines the choice is whether the valve is usually more closed or open during the normal system operation. 

2. How to Select the Right Valve: Materials of Construction

 Valves are made from different materials with different qualities like strength and chemical resistance. So you need to know the strength and chemical compatibility of your valve of choice. A valve must not react with the liquids or gases flowing through it.

If you are dealing with corrosive or harsh chemicals then plastic valves can be the best option.  

3. Valve Type and Size 

 Valves vary in types and sizes and this is what determines the type of use they can be put into. Valves can be used to adjust fluid/gas flow, mix flow, divert flow, or shut off flow. They can also be used for backflow prevention and for releasing pressure. The function of a valve determines which valve type to choose.

The most common types of valves include shutoff valves, pinch valves, regulators, relief valves, stopcocks, toggle valves, metering valves, needle valves, ball valves, and check valves. To make the right choice, you need to match the valve’s type and size to its expected function in the system.

 4. Performance Requirements

A valve is expected to work under different conditions of temperature and pressure. A good valve should continue to perform well under the lowest and the highest temperatures and pressures of the system.

Metal valves are better than plastic valves in highly pressurized systems especially if the operating temperatures are also high. This is because metals are stronger than plastics.  

5. Maintenance

Tips for selecting the right valve can’t be complete without considering maintenance. Valves do wear out with time, so you need to factor in maintenance cost in your choice for a valve. This is important for both application stability and valve reliability. Working with a faulty valve is very dangerous as it may lead to fluid or gas leakages

You should also consider valve connection type when choosing because this affects the speed and ease of replacement or repair. Each connection type (Luer, push-in, barbed, threaded, etc) has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Tips for Selecting the Right Valve Made Easier

To make your valve choice easier and faster, you need to know where to start. Having all the information beforehand will help to make your choice more certain. 

You need to understand the issues like chemical compatibility and operating conditions of a valve, and applications requirements of the system from the very start before you make a choice. That wraps up the tips for selecting the right valve.

If you want to learn more about valves and fittings, you can visit our blog.