How to Choose the Right High Pressure Valve for the Job

In life, you wouldn’t pick a pair of sneakers to go to a black-tie event.

The same goes for engineers; they have many options when it comes to valves. High-pressure
valves are designed to keep things running safely and smoothly, which is why there are no one-size
fits all valves.

Keep reading this article to learn how to select a high-pressure valve.

The Right Temperature

Before you choose a high-pressure valve, you need to keep in mind the temperature of the gas or
liquid flowing through it will have an effect on the valve. For example, steel valves handle higher
temperatures than iron and bronze valves.

You need to keep in mind the temperature of the substance that will be flowing through the valves
before you pick one.

The Materials

Not all valves are made the same. The type of material you choose will depend on the type of job
you need to perform.

Stainless Steel and Monel® materials, for example, can withstand corrosive materials better than
other materials. Choosing the right material will extend the life of the valve.

The Connection Size and Type

The last thing you want is to buy a valve and discover it doesn’t fit. You have to make sure the size
of the valve corresponds with the inlet or outlet (discharge) piping.

Different types of valves have specific inlets and outlet (discharge) points. If you need to determine
the type of connection size, the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors
recommends that the valve has to be as big as the inlet.

Set Pressure

As the name calls, these valves must withstand a lot of pressure in order to stay safe and get the job
done. The set pressure of a relief valve is measured according to pounds per square inch.

When you buy a valve, you have to ensure the pressure you put through the valve doesn’t exceed
the MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure).

As a rule of thumb, make sure the MAWP of the valve is 10 percent greater than the maximum
pressure you will apply to it. The relief valve needs to be able to handle the MAWP.

Back Pressure

The back pressure refers to the pressure on the outlet side of the valve directly from the discharge
system.

You need to make sure the valve doesn’t go above 10% back pressure.

Type of Service

It’s important to keep in mind before you get a valve — what type of service you will be using it
for? Substances such as air, gas, and steam, require a different type of valve.

The valve you would use for steam might not be able to transport gas.

Capacity

According to safety regulations, valves should relieve pressure at certain capacities. The capacity
codes are set as follows:

 SCFM – standard cubic feet per minute
 LBS/HR – pounds per hour
 GPM – gallons per minute

These codes will help you determine how much capacity you need.

Choosing the Right High-Pressure Valve: The Bottom Line

Before to pick the right high-pressure valve for a specific job, you need to keep in mind the
capacity, type of service, back pressure, materials, and more.

Need to know how to select the right pressure control valve? Check out this article.

History and Uses: The Basics of the Pressure Relief Valve

Unless you have x-ray vision and a built-in pressure gauge, it’s impossible to determine when a
pipe is going to blow. A pressure relief valve is a safety device that is set to release at a
predetermined level.

These valves keep both personnel and equipment safe. No doubt, the history of this device includes
a disaster that could have been avoided. So, what can you do to protect the pipes in your system?

The Right Pressure Relief Valve

The first step is determining which type of valve is necessary. When these devices first entered the
market in the 1600s, they used a simple lever system.

Weights held the levers in place until the pipe pressure became too strong. Then, it would release
once the lever could no longer stay in place due to the growing pressure.

Unfortunately, there were problems with this design as it sometimes caused unexpected explosions
due to the valve not reacting quickly enough.

Distributors call the second type of valve a direct acting spring valve. A fan set up of leaf springs
applies force to the valve to keep it closed.

Adjustments can fine-tune the valve later, if necessary. These decisions are usually best made after
a test run or two.

Both of these designs have modified so they operate efficiently and reliably.

Pressure Limits for Valves

There is a specific code used for valves manufactured to handle more than 15 psi. This code is the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

To fall in line with these requirements, all pressure relief valves get stamped with specific
information. This information provides the rating of the valve and what pressure limits it can
handle.

Once the valve has done its job and released the excessive pressure, it closes again and keeps fluid
or other substances from flowing normally. Valves like this have a pop action that makes them
versatile for several different industrial uses, including ships and hazardous chemicals.

All of these can be set to release with either a specified temperature or pressure gauge reading.

Valve Use and System Setups

If you’re revamping a current system or setting up a new one, bring in a professional expert. Once
they have analyzed the setup, they’ll be able to determine if it’s running efficiently or if it needs an
upgrade.

The consultations they offer come with experience in similar situations. They have helped other
manufacturers choose the right sizes and types of valves.

A cost analysis helps to compare prices for new valve upgrades versus repairing the current system.
Then, the consultants can assist in determining the right direction to move.

Protect the Valve System

There is no reason to put your equipment or personnel in danger when expertise like this is
available. Choosing a pressure relief valve may not be everyone’s specialty.

The faster it’s done, the sooner your manufacturing continues being profitable. Let the experts who
are familiar with these systems and come in and share their advice.

They understand what it takes to protect the valves and ensure that the manufacturing remains
stable. Ask them for an appointment as soon as possible and get your business back on track.

How to Avoid Cavitation

Cavitation Solutions for Globe Valves

Cavitation, the sudden vaporization, and condensation of a liquid downstream of a valve are common in control valves, but it can be avoided.

When the flow of a liquid is restricted as it passes through the valve seat, a low-pressure area is formed on the other side (downstream) of the vena contracta. When that local pressure is lower than the vapor pressure of the fluid, it flashes or vaporizes forming bubbles. These bubbles continue downstream as the pressure returns to normal.

The normalizing or increasing pressure smashes the bubbles causing violent implosions. These implosions, or cavitation, can cause a lot of damage to the interior of the valve and pipes.

The sound of the imploding bubbles, which is easily recognizable by anyone who’s heard it, sounds like rocks flowing through the pipes. Just the sound and mechanical vibration from the implosions cause plenty of damage.

Additional surface damage is caused by the shock wave of the bubble as it implodes, creating pits on the areas of a plug that form the seal; and causing it to leak.

Cavitation causes a number of problems. Some of the potential consequences of cavitation in a globe or control valve are:

Erosion of valve components—seat, plug, and body—and the resulting need for replacement.
Intensified effects of corrosion where corrosion is a factor.
Strong vibrations and loud noise that extend well beyond the local area causing stress on the valve and significantly reducing efficiency.
Changes in flow due to the resultant leakage.
Destruction of the valve.
Stopping of operations.

Factors That Increase Cavitation

Higher drops in pressure cause more cavitation T-‐type globe valves with their 90° turns create a higher pressure drop, so they are even more susceptible to cavitation damage.
Leakage of the fluid increases the likelihood of cavitation.
The larger the valve, the more severe the cavitation is likely to be.
The higher the velocity of the flow, the higher the change in pressure will be resulting in more cavitation.

How to Reduce Cavitation

Cavitation isn’t always inevitable. There are ways to reduce or eliminate the amount of cavitation and the damage it causes.

First off, harder materials stand up better to cavitation damage. Some trim materials that are more resistant to cavitation are Stellite and 13Cr martensitic stainless steels.

Lowering the operating temperature will sometimes be enough to reduce the vapor pressure to the point where cavitation doesn’t occur. If the process can withstand an even slightly lower temperature, this may be a good solution.

An increase in both the upstream and downstream pressure could lessen or eliminate cavitation as well. Where it’s applicable, having the valve closer to the pump may increase the pressure on both sides, leading to less cavitation.

Another possible solution is to allow flashing to occur but to stop the pressure recovery or increase that causes the cavitation. A slight increase in operating temperature can help.

Multi-‐step trim design allows the pressure to decrease in stages. A more gradual decrease in pressure reduces or eliminates the risk of cavitation.

As globe valve manufacturers, CPV’s customer service team is here to help you select the best valve options for your operations. Our valves and fittings are known for their state-‐of-‐the-‐art design, high quality, safety and reliability and are manufactured with your safety in mind.

Challenges of Worksite Safety

The Importance of Technician Education in Safe Valve Operation

Safety is a top priority in the industrial workplace. One of the biggest challenges to worksite safety is an untrained or undertrained workforce.

Education is fundamental to the safe operation of the valves in any facility. Knowing how to properly operate, maintain, and troubleshoot them helps ensure the safety of the technicians and other personnel.

Add the mechanical workings of the equipment to the advanced technology that’s now common in valve actuators and you’ve got even more than your valve technicians need to learn or keep up with.

Proper routine maintenance will, under normal circumstances, extend the life of a valve. Maintenance reduces the likelihood of problems. And it reduces the risk of valve failure or breakdown. Depending on the nature of the business and function of the valve, the cost of valve failure can be extraordinary and can have potentially devastating effects.

Smooth Operator

The best way to keep your valves operating smoothly and efficiently is by performing routine maintenance on a predetermined schedule. Valves should always be kept clean and lubricated as suggested by the manufacturer. Information about maintaining your CPV valves can be found here http://www.cpvmfg.com/technical-resources/valve-maintenance-tools/.

Despite following a prescribed maintenance plan, unexpected problems may still arise from time to time. Before the development of smart actuators, such problems were diagnosed by taking the equipment apart until the technician found what was causing the trouble. Modern smart equipment doesn’t always work that way.

Smart actuators gather information that can be used to diagnose or troubleshoot potential valve problems. Disassembly, other than as prescribed for inspection or maintenance, where smart actuators are involved can lead to more problems rather than solutions. The well-trained technician knows how to use the right diagnostic tools with the right equipment to provide a more accurate diagnosis without going through unnecessary, potentially harmful steps.

“Aged” Equipment

The breakdown or malfunction of older valves presents a bit more of a challenge. Some older equipment may not have a user’s manual or any written information to guide your valve technicians.

There are valves in some facilities that have been in operation for more than five or six decades. Over the years the technicians who worked with them have, with or without written manuals, learned all the ins and outs…all the tricks.

For management of these valves, the best training comes from mentorship by the people who know how they work…the same people who, having become experts after many years of working with them, are now exiting the workforce.

To reduce this experience gap if they’re not already doing so, employers should consider hiring replacements several months in advance of the departure of senior technicians. Doing so would allow time for mentorship and training that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Valves play critical roles in industrial facilities and worksites across the globe. Educated valve technicians play critical roles in keeping them in top working condition.

At CPV we take pride in our commitment to our customers. Contact http://www.cpvmfg.com/contact-us/ our customer service team to learn more.

How to Deal with Employee Theft

Employee theft in manufacturing companies happens more often than you think. Whether your workers take a small part or an expensive piece of machinery, these instances of theft will ultimately hurt your business. Fortunately, there are easy ways to help prevent it.

Read on to learn more about how to deal with and prevent employee theft in your company.

Dealing with Employee Theft

How to Deal with Employee Theft Dealing with employee theft is never easy. Depending on your company’s policies, you’ll need to go through several steps to effectively handle an employee theft situation.

When an employee steals, you first need to create an incident report that includes the date and time of when the theft occurred as well as what was stolen and who took it.

From there, you’ll want to discuss disciplinary actions with the employee. Based on your company policies, you can put them on a probationary period or have them pay for the stolen item. However, if you want to ensure that the employee doesn’t steal again, the best option would be termination.

How to Prevent Employee Theft

Once a worker steals from your company, you need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that it never happens again. Terminating an employee who has stolen from the company eliminates the chances of him or her doing so again.

To help minimize employee theft for your entire company, consider the tips below:

Perform Background and Reference Checks on Potential Employees

How to Deal with Employee Theft Reducing employee theft for your manufacturing company starts with making sure that you hire the right people. When hiring potential workers, performance background and reference checks help to eliminate those with records of workplace theft.

Implement Inventory Monitoring and Tracking Systems

Logistic solutions like tracking systems and inventory monitoring will help to reduce the risk of employee theft. These technologies can provide real-time information on your business’ inventory levels. They can alert you when there’s an item missing and even help you track its location.

Ensure Security and Surveillance in High-Risk Areas

Security cameras and other surveillance systems in high-risk areas like the supply room and loading docks are a great way to spot and prevent instances of employment theft. You can also perform unanticipated walkthroughs and inspections of areas around your warehouse as well to look for any signs of missing equipment.

Trust the Right People

Finally, make sure that you trust the right people with keys, passcodes, money, and other items that could lead to employee theft. Only trust workers who are dependable and have an honest record with the company. These employees will ensure that your company is protected and secure.

Every manufacturing company is susceptible to employee theft, but the guide above can help you deal with it and prevent such incidents in the future.

Read CPV Manufacturing’s blog to more workplace tips.

IChemE Supports Engineers Whistle-Blowing to Protect Public Safety

It’s crucial for public safety to be recognizing and practiced, especially in the field of chemical engineering. Chemical engineers are responsible for the safety of others, and it’s important that they conduct themselves in this manner.

Learn more about the people who ensure the safety of others and how an updated policy has reinforced this.

What Is IChemE?

Mechanical Engineers IChemE, or the Institution of Chemical Engineers, is a global professional membership organization made up of chemical engineering professionals and any individual involve with the process industries.

IChemE sets the standards for chemical and process safety engineering professionals to “promote the science and practice of chemical engineering, the standing of the profession, and to serve its members and society.”

Mission Statement

It’s the belief of IChemE that as a professional engineer, it’s crucial that you adhere to certain ethical standards and be an outstanding member that the public can trust.

IChemE focuses on the following four goals:

“To build and sustain an active international professional community, united by a commitment to qualifications and standards that foster excellence and the delivery of benefits to society.
“To engage with others to promote the development, understanding of chemical engineering and an appreciation of its importance.
“To provide support and services to individuals, employers and others who contribute to improving the practice and application of chemical engineering.
“To enable chemical engineers to communicate effectively with each other and with other disciplines.”

Code of Professional Conduct and Revision

Code Of Conduct All members of IChemE must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct. This document contains sections relating to professional duties, relationships, and regulations.

A recent revision of the Code of Professional Conduct was published, and a rule was noted that encourages whistle-blowing, making practicing chemical engineers obligated to “raise a concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others (‘blow the whistle’) and support a colleague to whom the member has a duty of care who in good faith raises any such concern.”

This revision supports the effort to maintain a safe and sustainable environment for those who work in the chemical and process industries. Engineers are required to assist others and show support in getting an issue addressed as soon as possible.

On the topic of the Code of Professional Conduction revision, IChemE director Andy Furlong said, “Confidence in professional chemical engineers, and in the profession itself, is brought about by practices that maintain high standards of technical and ethical competence. These standards are defined and promoted by IChemE.

“We have strengthened our code of conduct and this move provides further protection and support for chemical engineers who come across illegal practices. IChemE membership is a signal of trustworthy professionalism and it strengthens public trust in chemical engineering.”

At CPV Manufacturing, we strive to offer products that exceed all standards of performance, reliability and quality. Contact CPV Manufacturing today to learn more about our valves and fittings.