1、 Introduction to valves and pipelines
In fluid pipeline systems, valves are control components that mainly function to isolate equipment and pipeline systems, regulate flow, prevent backflow, and regulate and discharge pressure. It can be mainly used to control the flow of various types of fluids such as air, water, steam, various corrosive media, mud, oil, liquid metals, and radioactive media.
Moreover, due to the importance of selecting suitable valves for pipeline systems, it is crucial to further understand the characteristics of valves and the steps and basis for selecting valves.
2、 Valve and pipeline characteristics
There are generally two characteristics of valves: usage characteristics and structural characteristics.
1. Usage characteristics: It determines the main performance and scope of use of the valve. The valve usage characteristics include: valve category (closed-circuit valve, regulating valve, safety valve, etc.), product type (gate valve, globe valve, butterfly valve, ball valve, etc.), material of the main parts of the valve (valve body, valve cover, valve stem, valve disc, sealing surface), valve transmission mode, etc.
2. Structural characteristics: It determines some structural characteristics of the installation, maintenance, and upkeep methods of the valve, including the structural length and overall height of the valve, the connection form with the pipeline (flange connection, threaded connection, clamp connection, external threaded connection, welded end connection, etc.), the form of the sealing surface (insert ring, threaded ring, weld overlay, spray welding, valve body body), and the structural form of the valve stem (rotating rod, lifting rod).
3、 Valve pipeline type
4、 Valve and pipeline selection skills
1. Clarify the purpose of the valve in the equipment or device, determine the working conditions of the valve: applicable medium, working pressure, working temperature, etc.
2. Determine the nominal diameter and connection method of the pipeline connected to the valve: flange, thread, welding, etc.
3. Determine the method of operating the valve: manual, electric, electromagnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic, electrical linkage or electro-hydraulic linkage, etc.
4. Determine the materials for the shell and internal components of the selected valve based on the medium transported by the pipeline, working pressure, and working temperature: gray cast iron, malleable cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless acid resistant steel, copper alloy, etc.
5. Choose the type of valve: closed-circuit valve, regulating valve, safety valve, etc.
6. Determine the type of valve: gate valve, globe valve, ball valve, butterfly valve, throttle valve, safety valve, pressure reducing valve, steam trap valve, etc.
7. Determine the parameters of the valve: For automatic valves, determine the allowable flow resistance, discharge capacity, back pressure, etc. according to different needs, and then determine the nominal diameter of the pipeline and the diameter of the valve seat hole.
8. Determine the geometric parameters of the selected valve: structural length, flange connection form and size, height direction size of the valve after opening and closing, size and quantity of bolt holes for connection, overall dimensions of the valve, etc.
9. Use existing materials such as valve product catalogs and valve product samples to select appropriate valve products.
5、 Valve and pipeline maintenance and precautions