High Pressure Valves for Leakage Prevention

Preventing leaks in any compressed gas system is essential for eliminating product loss and keeping both the system and workers safe. Valves are one of the most common causes of gas leak and are often the leading area of loss through fugitive emissions. Fugitive emissions through valve leaks can lead to widespread product loss, adverse health effects, and even high levels of pollution. Unfortunately, preventing leaks in many different high pressure gas and fluid systems is not as simple as it seems. Compressed gas valves and liquid valves designed for leakage prevention must withstand a number of factors that can compromise other valves.

Common Causes of Leakage in High Pressure Systems

High pressure gas and liquid systems can often undergo a wide range of temperature changes, depending on the substances in the system and the environment itself. Traditional metal to metal valves can easily expand and contract with these changes in temperature. This effect allows high pressure fluids to escape from what was previously a tight seal. Another common cause of leakage in a high pressure system is mechanical vibration. Valves are often exposed to continuous vibration from nearby machinery. This vibration can cause the valve to slip and untighten. Unless these valves are closely monitored and repeatedly tightened, they can become an easy location for fluids to escape from.

At CPV Manufacturing, we design compressed gas valves and liquid valves to address these issues and prevent leaks. Our oxygen master control valves, gas filling valves, check valves, automated valves, and globe valves all incorporate design features that prevent expansion and contraction gas leaks and untightening through vibration. We design all of our compressed gas valves with reliability and durability in mind. The right high pressure valves can save you money on maintenance and replacement costs while also preventing the negative effects of fugitive emissions. Contact us today to learn more about leaks in high pressure systems and our specially designed master control valves.

Valves for Gas Cylinder Filling Automation

Many companies in the industrial gas industry have turned to automation to increase the safety and efficiency of their gas cylinder filling operations. There are a number of downsides to manually filling gas cylinders. Manual fill stations require more labor and break up the automation process of gas cylinder filling. Manual filling can also be less precise than automated filling methods. Many industrial gas operations automate different parts of their industrial gas operations without fully automating filling. Automating the filling process with actuated valves can have a number of benefits beyond precision, safety, and efficiency.

Actuated valves are an integral part of an automated gas cylinder filling station. These automated valves are used across a wide range of industries, such as the chemical, energy, medical fields. Actuated valves are programmed to move gases and provide a leak proof seal. They carefully seal and unseal gas cylinders to prevent overfilling. There are a number of different features and designs available for automated valves depending on the requirements of the gas cylinder filling operation. These valves usually incorporate an emergency shutoff mechanism that helps prevent overfilling and accidents. Automated valves are a great addition to any industrial gas operation, and are essential for a totally automated and efficient process.

CPV Manufacturing creates a wide variety of automated valves for gas cylinders, including check valves, needle valves, globe valves, pressure relief valves, and more. Our valves are designed to last and stand up to repeated use with minimal maintenance. We know the importance of preventing leaks and all of our automated valves are manufactured with the utmost precision. You can count on our design team to find the perfect valves for your gas cylinder filling operation. If you would like more information about gas cylinder filling automation or our actuated valves, contact us today.

Find the Right Fittings for Hydraulic Accumulators and Critical Applications

When high pressure gases and liquids are stored and moved by machinery, there is always potential for serious problems to occur. Critical applications across the military and in various commercial industries require reliable hydraulic accumulators and precise fluid and gas control. Everything from torpedo doors and submarine systems to massive power turbines require the highest level of quality and design when it comes to control valves and fittings. Impeccable design and manufacturing processes are a must for hydraulic accumulators. The safety of workers and the structural integrity of an entire system can come down to a single steel fitting. At CPV manufacturing, we understand the importance of every product we create. We know that lives can often depend on the strength of something very small. Our fittings are manufactured to stand up to the steep requirements created by various critical military and commercial applications. Have a look at how specially designed and manufactured fittings for hydraulic accumulators can help keep people and systems safe.

High pressure systems can strain metal and wear down important components. The potential for leaks means that pipe fitting must resist wear for long periods of time, while also preventing airtight seals from breaking. Proper high pressure fittings are manufactured with high quality materials and methods that resist wear and environmental effects. CPV’s fittings have been meticulously tested to ensure strength and durability under extreme conditions. In all break tests we have conducted, tubing has burst before any fittings.

Fitting design is equally as important as the materials used. Fittings must be engineered to fit custom systems and address common issues in fluid and gas movement and storage. Proper installation is also vitally important. When looking for a custom fitting or standard fittings for hydraulic accumulators, it is imperative to choose a manufacturer with experience creating for critical applications. When the cost of failed equipment is incredibly high, specially made fittings are a must.

For assistance selecting the correct fitting for your application, contact our team at salesadm@cpvmfg.com.

Examples of Petrochemical Products & Their Uses

Did you know that the word “petroleum” comes from the Latin “oleum” which means oil and the Greek “petra” which means rock? It can be translated as rock oil and it’s one of the most popular commodities in the world.

In fact, one barrel of crude oil can be sufficient to create more 7 gallons of petrochemical products such as bitumen, glycerine, tar, and more.

Petrochemical products are essential for our society and the quality of living. They are derived from petroleum and can be used for various applications. Here are just a few of them.

Top Petrochemical Products And Their Uses

Petroleum can be used to make various products ranging from rocket fuel to plastics and paints. Here are the most popular ones available on the market:

1. Ethylene

This substance is commonly used to make different types of films and plastics. It can be found in cleaning agents such as detergents as well as lubricants for various mechanical components such as industrial valves.

2. Benzene

Benzene is very popular in the gasoline industry, but it can also be used to make nylons which are helpful in the packaging industry. Certain nylon fibers are also used to make clothes.

3. Medical resins

Petroleum can also be used to make resins used in the medical industry. Some of these resins can purify drugs and others are used to create different types of treatments, especially for those with AIDS or cancer.

4. Medical Plastics

The healthcare industry requires a lot of disposable products made from plastic such as bottles, medical syringes, etc. Petroleum can be used to create such plastics in various shapes and sizes.

5. Food Preservatives

Different types of petrochemical products can be used in the food industry to create preservatives. These substances prolong the shelf life of foods stored in cans and bags. Some ingredients found in candies and food colorings are also made from various types of petrochemical products to enhance their flavor and taste.

6. Cosmetics

Petrochemical products are usually used to create a wide variety of household products such as perfumes, cosmetics, makeup products, aftershaves, etc. Shampoos and hair dyes also contain petrochemical products in various quantities. If you use wax for your hair or beard, it has been created using petroleum derivatives.

7. Fertilizers

Certain plants, vegetables or flowers require fertilizers to help them grow quicker and remain healthy. A plethora of fertilizers and pesticides contain petrochemical products in their content.

8. Carpets

Most carpets that you can find in a household is manufactured using multiple petrochemical products. These products are intended to add color to the carpet as well as strengthen the fibers.

9. Safety Glass

Tempered or safety glass is much tougher than regular glass and it’s used in residential and commercial buildings. It keeps thieves at bay as well as protecting certain perimeters such as pools against pets or small kids. Safety glass is made using petrochemical products for enhanced strength and durability.

10. Crayons and Markers

The crayons you are probably using to draw on paper or a magnetic board contain petrochemical substances. These substances are used to add color and maybe make the ink resistant to UV rays. This applies to all kinds of crayons and markers, whether we talk about the ones used by kids or by engineers in meeting rooms.

Take Your Understanding to the Next Level!

These are only a few examples of petrochemical products you probably use every day. Petroleum is one of the most valuable resources we have on this planet and it’s important to use it efficiently and responsibly.

If you liked this short article, don’t hesitate to check out our web page dedicated to the petrochemical industry to expand your knowledge and understanding!

Valve System Security! Protecting Valves From Cyber Threats

By the year 2025, studies show that some 76 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be connected.

If you work in the industrial field, you’ll need to be vigilant about the way you protect your IoT-equipped machinery. This includes valve systems, which today are vulnerable to cyberthreats.

These systems are responsible for a number of fixtures in the engineering, nautical and other industries. To learn some ways to protect your valve system equipment, consider the points in this article.

1. Shore Up Your Physical Perimeter First and Foremost

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you don’t have any physical breaches on your property. Set up high-quality alarm systems that keep out people that don’t belong, and put security professionals on staff that can enforce and deny access.

Make sure that you know what types of valves you have so that you can also manage which professionals have access to operating on them.

Have an alarm and dispatch system ready to spread the word of an intruder and to notify authorities.

2. Be Aware of the Most Common and Current Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity concerns are growing right now, with hackers creating several thousand dollars in damage routinely with breaches.

As such, be ready to protect your valve systems from the threats that are being carried out right now. Ransomware is incredibly common right now and could have your valve systems taken hostage.

With this kind of attack, all of your information is quarantined by an outside threat, and you’ll have to pay money to have it released back to you. Since these kinds of serious attacks are prevalent, you need to always stay on top of the threats happening at the moment so you can defend them.

3. Set Up a Plan For Identification, Detection, and Action

You will need to set up a plan for pointing out and managing any cyber threats that you come across with your valve systems.

Be sure that your team has trained to address these issues and that they followed a tiered process for addressing any threat. This means first and foremost identifying the common threats in your industry and outlining how you will detect any instance and protect your system from any further damage.

Your plan of recovery should involve removing the threat, fortifying the system so that you are less prone to future attacks, and executing a communications strategy to get the word out about the breach.

On a day to day basis, you need to set parameters for each application that you use. Whitelist the applications that are deemed safe, and keep a close on how you use each and every piece of software that interacts with your valve system equipment.

Safeguard Your Valve System

Technology has evolved, but so too have the threats that come with the territory. Cybersecurity is no longer about viruses on your computer alone — now you’ll need to be sure that your industrial equipment and engineering processes are protected from such threats.

These tips will steer you in the right direction.

Reach out to use to get a quote on all your valve system needs.

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Valve Components Safe in Cold Weather

Oil extraction facilities, refineries, and buildings have a weak link. The weakest link in any extraction facility is its valve components. Because when it’s cold outside, it’s not unusual for processing plants, oil extraction facilities, and other like industries to weatherize their plant.

Many people used to call the weatherization process heat tracing. But today’s engineers know it is essential to take care of valve components in preparation of any weather extreme. It takes much more thought than ever before to implement any winterizing process.

The informational guide below will go over the best ways to keep the valve and valve components safe from the cold.

Valve Components

You already know that valves have globe valve symbols which are designed to help you prepare your entire plant’s system design plans. Your facility’s design documentation includes criteria you need to know and follow for valve component isolation.

The set-up design documentation should include:

Requirements for intrusive plant operations
Requirements for access into equipment for inspection and maintenance
Details on valve isolation arrangements as well as valve types, spacers/spading points, and more

It’s during the design set up you want to include your test points, drains for venting, and any valve purging that may be needed during extreme situations.

Valve Function

You may already understand the importance of valve components in a pipeline system. Valve functions along a pipeline system are to control the rate, speed of flow and the pressure of various content. It is the valve function that gives facilities added information on the process conditions.

Valve Protection

The ultimate goal when you’re treating valves that need heat trace or process heating during cold weather is to protect the valve. You need to protect the valve components and the valve’s function too. When you use heat trace you are maintaining the heat within a pipe, valve or component.

Process heating is when you maintain a targeted temperature as you drive heat processes towards your valve and valve components. This may entail preventing condensation or even providing extra heat in flow lines.

To-Do-List to Keep Valve Components Safe from Cold

Frigid weather and freezing fluid in your control valves can shut down your facility. Here are some helpful tips to prevent your valve and valve components from freezing. The list includes, but is not limited to:

Breather plugs on back pressure regulators or any equipment you use for production that uses breather plugs are face down. This helps prevent freezing moisture get inside the valve components.
You can inject methanol into gas streams to help prevent freezing of valves and valve components.
The body of your valve is especially vulnerable to the cold. Using a flameless heater keeps the body of the valve warm. Flameless heaters have hinged doors so you can access the valve when needed.

You want to make sure your treater valves have the needed tubing, and it runs downhill. Also ensure the tubing and line are no more than a 90-degree slant.

Valve Assistance

No two industries have the same needs from their valve components, yet efficiently winterizing can save all industries an interruption in their services or product. You now know how vital your valve components are and how to keep them from freezing up and disrupting your operations. If you need any information or have questions about your valves or the weatherization process, reach out to us.

Our services help maximize your profit in healthy uptime.

How Valves Are Used in the Petrochemical Industry

Ah, the humble valve. What may seem like such a minor engineering component is, in fact, one of the most vital in the petrochemical industry.

The global ball valves’ market is worth over $12 billion US, with major valve manufacturers based in Europe, Japan, China, and the U.S. As such, the petrochemical industry is colossal and valve components are central to its success and safety as an industry.

Looking to learn more about how valves are used in the petroleum industry? Keep reading the rest of this blog.

The Function of Valves in the Petrochemical Industry

As mentioned, the petrochemical industry is massive, and its applications aren’t just limited to the production of oil and gas.

Petrochemical plants are responsible for manufacturing, storing, and transporting a range of different materials. Some of these include plastics, dyes, additives, detergent, and other forms of petrochemicals derived from coal and natural gas.

Essentially, valves are mechanical devices used in piping applications. They control, regulate, open, and close the flow and pressure of material fluids.

There are a plethora of valve types used across a petrochemical plant, each of which has its own important function.

Typically, petrochemical valves are used to manage the following processes:

Start or stop the flow of fluids such as hydrocarbons, oil, steam, water, and acid
Modulate the flow of fluid through a pipeline
Control the flow of fluid through a pipeline
Change the direction of the flow of certain fluids in a pipeline
Regulate the pressure of fluids in a particular process
Protect a piping system from overpressures or back-pressures
Filter debris that could be flowing through a pipeline and protect equipment that could be damaged by solid parts

A petrochemical plant is a fairly dangerous place as many of its daily operations are governed by extreme temperatures and pressure.

This is why valves are essential to the operation of petrochemical plants. They help to control the temperature and pressure of these material fluids as they move around each plant.

Important Types of Valves and Their Function

Valves used throughout the oil and gas industry are classified in a number of different categories. This includes disc type, body material, type of actuation, and design.

Some of the most important in the petrochemical industry based on their design include:

1. Automatic Shut-Off Valves

Also known as safety valves, these components are essential to the overall safety of the personnel and equipment on a plant. These automatic valves help to prevent leakage and onsite explosions, while also preventing hazardous materials from escaping into the environment.

2. Gate Valves

Knife gate valves are used to cut through very thick fluids such as petroleum and crude oil which helps to regulate and modulate the flow of this material.

These gates can only handle a certain amount of pressure, so other gate valves are also valuable to a petrochemical plant, such as slide gate valves.

3. Globe Valves

Globe valves are highly efficient at regulating fluids such as fuel and other toxic chemicals. They are also valuable in water cooling systems and with other fluids which do not require stringent leakage precautions.

They are not suited to more viscous liquids, though.

4. Check Valves

Check valves are used across a petrochemical plant to regulate the backflow of fluids in a piping system. Essentially, they help to prevent unwanted flows which could damage apparatus such as pumps and compressors.

5. Ball Valves

Ball valves are your industry-standard valves which are used for on-off applications. In other words, they’re used to open and shut-off the flow of fluid. They are generally lighter and more compact than gate valves, which serve a similar function.

6. Butterfly Valves

These valves serve the same purpose as ball valves, however, they are available in a concentric or eccentric design, with a far more compact shape. As such, they have become far more in-demand than ball valves.

Find Specialty Valves with CPV Manufacturing

If you’re on the hunt for specific valves for a specific application, CPV Manufacturing is your industry go-to.

Take a browse through our valve product selection guide and learn more about the specialty products we supply.

Your Complete Guide to Valve Pipeline Usage

Valves: We all benefit from them and we all use them, even if we don’t know it.

But do you know why we use them, or why they are necessary? There are
many different kinds of valves, and each has a different purpose and use.

Here, we will guide you through the world of valve pipeline connections!

But first, what are valves, and what are they used for?

What Are Valves?

Valves are important components of a pipeline system used to control the rate and
speed of flow, as well as the pressure of various contents such as oil, gas, or some
other liquid.

So, what does a valve look like? Pipeline valves typically are much bigger than the
pipe itself, and will usually stick out of the ground. Regulations require that valves get
placed in locations that will minimize any environmental or other impacts in the event
of pipeline issues or failure.

To put it more plainly, pipeline valves must get placed in locations that make sense
and placed in such a way that anticipates a worst case scenario pipeline issue.

Valves are typically utilized for maintenance purposes. For example, when a valve is
located in a well-placed location, it can reduce the amount of oil or other fluid that
gets spilled in an emergency or pipeline issue.

Valves serve a great purpose in terms of safety and the smooth operation of a pipeline,
as they are normally incorporated into an overarching control system in order to make
sure the pipeline valves are operating smoothly and safely.

However, each valve on a pipeline also serves to make the pipeline more complex,
and can actually at times be a liability if the valve is unreliable or prone to leakage.

Maintenance of Valves

Valves must be maintained regularly, especially pipeline valves.

Pipelines use a wide array of valves to control fluids both on and below the surface, so
most pipeline operators have preventative and repair policies for the valves in order to
ensure the valves longevity and its continued operation.

Some maintenance can be completed at the site where the valve is on the pipeline,
while other more complex or difficult repairs must be done in a shop.

Valve Pipeline Types

There are various types of valves for pipelines. Here is an outline of a few of the more
common ones:

Gate Valves

These are the most common type of valve around. They are used to start or stop the
flow of liquid. In practice, these valves are either wide open or completely shut. These
valves are great for shutoff. Gate valves come in different styles for different
purposes.

Globe Valves

These can control and regulate the flow of liquid. These are utilized in systems that
require good control over the flow. They are also excellent for shutoffs but are
normally more expensive than gate valves.

Check Valves

These work to stop any backflow in a pipeline system. Fluid passing through the line
opens up a check valve, but if the flow starts going the other way, the backward flow
closes the valve.

Butterfly Valves

These stop or start flow, and regulate it as well. These valves are compact and
lightweight, requiring less space in comparison to valves that do similar actions.

Needle Valves

These are similar in design to a globe valve, the main difference between the two
being the sharp needle that gives precise control of flow.

Pressure Relief Valves

These are used to protect a pipeline system during high-pressure events or when a
vacuum occurs. The valves release the pressure to a point that would have been
determined upon installation, so it is not just a complete release of pressure. There are
different relief valves for different purposes.

More On Valves, Fittings and More

We hope you found this information on valve pipeline connections helpful.

If you still have questions about all things valve & fittings, feel free to reach out to us.
We would be happy to assist you.

How to Select the Right Actuator Valves

In the US, the valve manufacturing industry revenues reached $35 billion last year. An important
segment of that is valve actuators, which are necessary for the opening and closing of valves.

How many industries utilize valves and valve actuators? You might guess the automotive industry,
government military, oil, and gas. The list goes on.

Do you know how to choose the correct type of actuator to fit your needs? Do you have an idea of
how many actuator types there are out there?

There are more kinds of actuated valves than you would imagine. Here are some tips on how to
pick the right actuator valves for your needs.

Selecting the Right Actuator Valves

Before selecting an actuator valve, you need to understand the various types available and the
functions of each. Let’s take a look at what they do and some of the different types of actuator
valves.

What is an Actuator Valve?

When there’s a valve, there has to be a way to operate it. That’s where actuators come in to play.
Manual actuators are controlled by people. Automatic valve actuators work through various power
sources.

Automatic options available include: the electric valve actuator; the pneumatic actuator, which is
powered by compressed air (this is the type most commonly supplied by CPV); and the hydraulic
actuator which works with the flow of oil. The need for a person to operate them is removed.

Why is Choosing the Right Type of Actuator Important?

The actuator valve is very important in the overall functioning of the valve. Engineers have a key
role in making the right choice for the system to operate in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Two Main Types of Valve Operation

Because there are two ways for a valve to operate, a clear understanding of how they work is
necessary before making a choice.

1. Linear Operation

In this type of operation, the valve works through linear motion. Examples include globe and pinch
valves.

2. Rotary Operation

Rotational motion allows the valve to work. Examples include butterfly and ball valves.

What to Consider When Choosing an Actuator Valve

Where it’s going to be applied
What is its usage
Accessibility
Temperature
Frequency of operation
Speed of operation
Special requirements
Valve size
Available power source
Safety
Cost
Reliability

Once all of these things have been considered, the correct actuator valve can be chosen. For
example, a pneumatic actuator would be the best for use in a hazardous area because they are
unlikely to explode. They can also operate in temperatures up to 250 degrees.

Conversely, an electric valve actuator will work in temperatures down to -40 degrees. If there is no
electricity available, pneumatic or hydraulic valve actuators must be used. In these cases, there
must be adequate air supply or fluid pressure.

The Right One for the Job

Now you’ve learned how to select the right one of the different types of actuator valves. We at CPV
Manufacturing can help you with any of your valve needs. Contact us today.

5 Most Common Types of Petrochemical Valves

Valves are used in a variety of industry types in order to control flow and pressure of liquid, gas, oil, vapor, etc. They effectively control the piping system, which is especially critical when working with chemicals and extreme pressure/temperature as you do in the petrochemical industry.

Petroleum is used for a number of applications in everything from creating plastics to rubber, and the petrochemical industry works at refining these products as well as fiber raw and natural gas materials.

While there are many types of valves out there, this article is going to detail five of the most common petrochemical valves. We’ll detail how the valve works and what it does for the petrochemical industry.

1. Plug Valve

This cylindrical or cone-shaped valve works to either allow or stop (aka “plug”) the flow. It switches between the “open” and “plugged” position via rotation.

In the open position, the internal hollow passages are open and allow the liquid and/or chemicals to flow. In the “plugged” position, the valve is rotated to block the hollow internal passages and stop flow. Check out this video to see a visual of how this works.

Since they are high-capacity valves that can handle high temperatures and function best in low-pressure applications, they are often used in petroleum pipelines.

2. Globe Valves

Globe valves work only in one direction, so you must make sure to install them correctly. They can be used to stop and start flow with high precision, which effectively regulates many pipe systems. These type of valves are often used for oil, fuel, and chemical control and transport in the petrochemical industry.

They’re versatile in their design and are easy to maintain, which is great for this industry. O-SEAL® Globe Valves from CPV are examples of this type; they are designed to ensure leak-proof, bubble-tight seating for thousands of cycles.

3. Knife Gate Valves

Petroleum is a viscous and thick substance, which is why knife gate valves are often used. Knife gate valves can easily cut through thicker substances and fluids like petroleum. However, they aren’t good under high pressure, which limits their versatility.

As the name suggests, this valve uses a knife-like blade that physically cuts through thick substances to regulate flow.

4. Slide Gate Valves

The slide gate valve is a linear motion valve that, unlike the knife gate valve, is designed to handle dry powders, granules, pellets, etc. It uses a sliding plate, as opposed to the blade in a knife gate valve, in order to stop the flow of dry materials.

Depending on the application in the petrochemical industry, you could use either a knife gate or a slide gate valve.

5. Vacuum Relief Valves

Vacuum relief valves are also called “breather” valves because they provide pressure and temperature relief to pipes and tanks.

Many areas of the petrochemical industry will result in building high pressure and temperature that needs to be relieved to avoid dangerous explosions, damage, and other consequences.

Before installing, speak with your manufacturer to ensure that it follows the American Petroleum Institute’s standards.

Using the Right Petrochemical Valves Is Important for Safety and Efficiency

These five common petrochemical valves ensure the petrochemical industry runs smoothly in all contexts. They’re also imperative for maintaining safety.

Need more information? Contact us to learn more and ask any questions you still have.