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WHY FINDING THE RIGHT CHEMICAL CONTROL VALVE IS SO IMPORTANT

Used to manage the pressure and flow of liquids and chemicals, control valves are a crucial part of every fluid transfer system. Designed to regulate flow, prevent back flow, as well as regulate and relieve pressure, control valves keep systems working efficiently and safely. Using the wrong type of valve in a system will mean the pressure and flow cannot be accurately regulated, potentially resulting in system failure and hazardous consequences.

So, to keep your system running precisely, reliably, safely, and efficiently, the correct type of valve should be selected and installed at the outset. Just as there’s a vast variety of fluid transfer systems in the chemical industry, with each system designed and built for a specific process and application, there’s a wide range of key valve types.

Fortunately, as specialists in Fluid Transfer, Chem Resist’s Technical Team are here to offer their expert advice to help you find the right chemical control valve for your application.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CHEMICAL CONTROL VALVE

To ensure that your chemical control valves are suitable for your application, here are five things you should consider:

1) Purpose within the system
What will the valve be used to achieve in the system?
Different valves perform different tasks in a system. Chemical check valves, for example, are designed to prevent flow reversal. Solenoid valves can be designed as either normally open or closed to either allow or prevent liquid flow providing emergency open/shut off requirements. Basically, the type of valve you need will therefore depend on what job you need it to do.

2) Media being transferred
What are the properties of the fluid in your system, and are the valve materials of construction compatible?
We specialise in Control Valves made in thermoplastics as these materials offer excellent compatibility with aggressive and corrosive chemicals. This allows us to supply control valves for applications involving harsh acids and alkalis. Thermoplastic Pressure Regulator Valves are particularly important in a system involving aggressive chemicals and sensitive and/or expensive component parts as they will prevent over-pressure of downstream components which can result in system damage.

3) Temperature range
What temperature range will your chemical control valve need to accommodate?
A key consideration for chemical control valves is the temperature range of the fluid being transferred. Each valve will have a minimum and maximum temperature tolerance. As liquid temperature increases, the valve pressure rating may be reduced. You need to choose a valve that is appropriate for the chemical’s temperature so you can ensure safe valve operation without leaks or failures.

4) Pressure range
What pressure range will your chemical control valve need to accommodate?
Pressure is a vital consideration when selecting a chemical control valve. If the valve cannot handle the pressure of the fluid transfer, it can fail. Make sure to check the pressure rating of your valve to ensure it is suitable. Some valves, such as Flow Control Valves, are designed to maintain flow as pressure fluctuates, whereas other valves, like Back Pressure Valves, are designed to specifically apply constant additional pressure to equipment and parts to ensure they, and the full system, is functioning in the most efficient way.

5) End connections
Which end connection type is suitable for your fluid transfer system?
There are various connection types that can connect a valve to pipework within a system; the right choice depends on whether you want the connection to be permanent or one that allows some flexibility for ongoing changes and maintenance. Permanent joins can be made by gluing or welding either socket or butt connections together or, alternatively, flanged or screwed ends can be utilised.

POPULAR THERMOPLASTIC CHEMICAL VALVES

Once you have made these considerations for your fluid transfer system, you will be ready to find the appropriate chemical control valve. These are some of the most widely used thermoplastic valves for chemical transfer:

• Ball valves
• Check valves
• Vacuum Breakers
• Flow control valves
• Relief valves
• Solenoid valves

SPECIALIST CHEMICAL CONTROL VALVE SERVICES FROM CHEM RESIST

Chem Resist are fluid transfer specialists, supplying thermoplastic valves for aggressive and corrosive applications across a wide spectrum of flow rates and materials. We are also proud to be the UK’s exclusive agent for Plast-O-Matic products – the performance leader for plastic chemical valves and controls. We can advise you on the appropriate chemical control valves for your specific chemical transfer system.

Our engineers ensure that the chemical control valves and controls we install in your fluid transfer system meet your unique requirements. Not only do we provide technical expertise and a full inspection, report, and repair service, but we also carry stock of chemical control valves at our Dewsbury head office.

For more product information please visit our chemical control valves page where you can browse our product brochures, request a quote, or enquire about our range of Plast-O-Matic valves.

Still unsure about which chemical control valve is right for you? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Find out more about our chemical control valves
Contact Chem Resist for more information