Preventing Water Hammer Damage in Pipelines

Many pipeline systems are subjected to a frequent issue called water hammer, which can degrade piping systems, wear down equipment, and can even lead to dangerous breaks and leaks. Water hammer occurs most frequently when the flow of liquid in a pipeline is quickly stopped. Fast flowing liquids will create a hydraulic shockwave when suddenly stopped, as the elastic momentum of the water returns to normal. This shockwave can then ‘hammer’ the inside of piping systems. While this may seem like a minor problem, the force of this hydraulic shock wave can be extreme under the wrong conditions. This force can slowly damage pipelines over time or cause sudden ruptures. Water hammer can occur in many different piping systems, both in commercial industries and residential locations.

Check valves are often the cause of this water hammer effect in a pipeline or pump system, and also one of the most commonly damaged points. Outdated or improperly designed check valves can cause a sudden stop in the flow of a liquid, often when backflow causes the valve to shut abruptly. The water hammer shockwave will impact the valve area, causing damage to the valve itself or the surrounding pipeline. Thankfully, the cause of water hammer damage in a pipeline can also be the solution.

With the right check valves, the water hammer effect can be drastically reduced. CPV Manufacturing offers check valves specially designed to mitigate water hammer in a liquid pipeline. High-quality check valves are made to not close abruptly from the backflow of liquid in a pipe. These valves work automatically with a pipeline system’s pressure, allowing liquid to flow through while preventing backflow without sudden valve closures. Modern check valves can greatly increase the lifespan of a pipeline. The system will require less maintenance and have a much lower risk of breaks and damage. Choosing the right high-pressure check valves can prevent water hammer damage in a pipeline, keeping those around the system safe. For assistance selecting the correct valve for your application, contact our team at salesadm@cpvmfg.com.

Reliable Valves and Fittings for Scuba Diving

The industrial gas industry and scuba diving operations rely on pressure to store and transport a variety of different gases. Gas canisters, tanks, and cylinder filling systems all require carefully controlled and reliable environments to function properly. Long-term resilience is vitally important. Common industrial gases include oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. These gases can all be dangerous when not controlled with the proper equipment. Maintaining a pressurized environment, preventing leaks, and resisting environmental effects are all imperative for the safety of workers and the proper function of equipment in the industrial gas industry. Scuba tank valves must hold up to high-pressure and wear from the environment as well. High-quality, specially designed valves and fittings are needed to stand up to challenging environments and preserve the integrity of gas transportation and storage systems.

Industrial Gas and Scuba Diving Operations Require Quality Industrial Valves and Fittings

Innovative valve and fitting designs have a number of advantages that help keep gas transportation and storage systems functioning properly under rigorous conditions. Manual valves and fittings that are specially designed for industrial gas and scuba operations are equipped with sealing technology that prevents leaks and minimizes the need for maintenance. These systems can stand up to critical temperature, pressure, and corrosion effects that could cause other valves, actuators, and fittings to fail. Specially designed valves and control actuators are also made for automated systems. These automated systems eliminate valves that need to be manually operated, improving efficiency and productivity.

At CPV Manufacturing, we create high-pressure industrial valves, control actuators, and fittings for industrial gas and scuba diving. Having equipment that is specifically designed to meet the challenges of these industries can make a difference when it comes to safety and efficiency. The incorporation of proven high-pressure valves, control systems, and fittings into gas transportation and storage should be a priority for companies with outdated equipment or those looking for new systems. For assistance solving these challenges, contact our team at salesadm@cpvmfg.com.

Hydrogen: Pipelines, Safety, & Production

Globally, demand for plastics continues to grow, and suppliers continue to fund and build production plants to meet current and anticipated future demand. Hydrogen gas is a commonly used raw material in the production of thermoplastics (amorphous resins and semi-crystalline resins) such as Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Hydrogen in Polypropylene and Polyethylene Production

For these plants, safely handling of hydrogen involves serious concerns that are not present in other gases. Hydrogen is inflammable, expensive and dangerous to compress, and can embrittle traditional steel pipes and welds. Without properly designed pipe, valves and fittings, the pressurized gas can cause small leaks or cracks on weak points in the piping system. Such a small problem can have explosive consequences. That is why CPV Manufacturing has been the single source in supplying valves and fittings for use in these processes to safely handle hydrogen gas.

Various licensors of polypropylene and polyethylene process technology specify CPV Manufacturing products for hydrogen systems based on decades of reliable service with this hazardous raw material. CPV’s entire system includes high pressure isolation, control and check valves, along with the associated fitting connections, all designed for reliability, quality, and safety. If your PP, HDPE or LLDPE production unit suffers from downtime due to valve or fitting failure, it’s a good bet that CPV was not selected during the initial construction. To solve these challenges, contact our engineering team at EngineeringAdm@cpvmfg.com to arrange a meeting with our experts in hydrogen piping systems.

Best Valves for Manufacturing Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

Congratulations! You are now in charge of a new chlorine valve piping project.

Before you celebrate too much, you need to learn about chlorine, chlorinated hydrocarbons (CCH) and the different effects these chemicals have on valve piping.

To help you learn about chlorinated hydrocarbons and chlorine valve piping, we put together a list detailing why certain valves are the best to use with chlorine.

Get ready to learn everything about chlorine piping and valves.

What Are Chlorinated Hydrocarbons?

The chlorinated hydrocarbons definition is the chemical compounds of chlorine, hydrogen and carbon atoms. Although a chemical, we use chlorinated hydrocarbon (CCH) to create products such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, and solvents. We also use forms of chlorine to refrigerate food, keep our homes and cars cool and disinfect our drinking water and swimming pools.

You take risks when you use chlorine-based chemicals in piping and valves. Expansion is one of those risks. Expansion occurs when liquid increases and spreads.

Another risk is having a fire or explosion due to chlorine being an oxidizer. For example, the chlorine-based compound, nitrogen trichloride, is very explosive. To avoid fires or explosions, it is vital that you oxygen clean the valves of any oil or grease residue.

When you mix liquid chlorine with chemicals like ammonia and other acids, you run the risk of releasing toxic gases.

Although chlorine itself is not corrosive, the liquid form of chlorine is hygroscopic, which means it attracts water and moisture. Because highly corrosive hydrochloric (HCI) and hypochlorous (HCIO) acids form when liquid or gas chlorine combines with water, corrosion is another risk. Damage to Teflon surfaces is also a risk you take when dealing with chlorine use in valves. This is because when water combines with liquid or gas chlorine, it can form ferric chloride (CI3Fe). Ferric chloride is notorious for damaging Teflon.

Although we do not manufacture valves, if you are working with chlorine and hydrocarbons, it is vital to know which types of valves work well with these chemicals and which ones do not. There are 3 key types of valves you should know.

1. Globe Valves

Globe Valves are the best option for someone who works with chlorine to use because these valves can shut off tightly. Globe valves also have a multi-turn operation so that they can effectively open and close slowly.

Finally, they have bi-directional seating. This means they can turn off in both directions without trapping liquid inside the valve.

2. Ball Valves

Ball valves have a special stem seal design that gives them the ability to shut off tightly. You will find them in either full-bore or reduced bore. This means that they can either have an opening as wide as the piping itself or less wide than the piping.

When using ball valves with chlorine, release pressure from them at all times. This is so that any trapped chlorine in the valves do not expand.

To prompt the release of pressure in ball valves, have a hole bored into the ball and self-relieving pressure seats. You can also use single-segmental ball valves.

Make sure to fully-line valves with fluoropolymer so that the metal and chlorine do not touch. That way none of the dangerous risks associated with using chlorine in valves occur.

3. Butterfly Valves

Soft-seated butterfly valves are a great choice to use when dealing with chlorine service in large pipes. This is because soft-seated butterfly valves have fluoropolymer lining in them as an essential tool. This is because fluoropolymer lining helps keep chlorine from touching the metal in butterfly valves. As a result, high-risk situations will likely occur less frequently.

Which Valve Is Right for You?

Although sometimes dangerous, chlorine and/or chlorinated hydrocarbons are essential for us to have to maintain a clean and efficient valve and piping system. As a result, it is our duty as engineers and manufacturers of chlorine to take all the proper precautions necessary to prevent chlorine service risks of toxic gases, expansion, corrosion and/or fire/explosion.

To learn more about industries that utilize chlorine and hydrocarbons, check out the chlorine section under news on our website.

What Is a Valve Spring & How Does It Work?

You may be somewhat familiar with how a valve spring works to power your car’s engine, but these springs also play an essential role in the world of marine engineering.

As long as the springs are able to maintain the required amount of pressure, they’ll be able to help you avoid sudden engine failure and damage. In short, they help to keep your valves running smoothly.

But there’s much more to it than that.

Read on to learn the issues a spring valve can help to prevent, explore the different types of spring valves, and understand how to recognize common signs of a problem.

What Do Valve Springs Do?

First, let’s discuss the role that a valve spring plays in the world of naval engineering.

A valve spring is placed around the stem of a valve and held in place by a retainer. Its main job is to control the entire valvetrain, ensuring that the proper amount of spring pressure is applied consistently to prevent valve bounce.

Since valve bounce can lead to complete engine failure, power loss, and even breakage within the valve, these springs have quite an important job.

Additionally, a pressure valve spring also helps to prevent valve float, or a disconnect between the camshaft love and the valvetrain that happens when the engine’s speed has outpaced the valve springs.

The springs help to protect the axle, cylinder walls, pistons, and the bearings of the engine because they force the valves to completely close, securing the proper amount of compression.

They also help to stop problems with hydraulic lifters, working against the oil pressure in the internal piston and preventing the lifters from moving up.

Types of Valve Springs

Just as there are many types of valves, there are also lots of options when it comes to valve springs.

Conical springs have a smaller upper half, which means that there’s less reciprocating mass and a higher level of natural frequency.

If you need higher lifts that better spread the weight out, go for an ovate wire spring. Beehive springs are also ideal for weight reduction and spread, and are good for engines with a high RPM.

Cylindrical springs are the most familiar option, but they often just don’t make enough pressure to properly manage your valvetrain.

Having Trouble With a Valve Spring?

In order to avoid catastrophe, you need to both invest in high-quality valve springs and learn to recognize the first signs of a problem with the springs in your engine.

To do this, place a vacuum gauge on your engine and turn it on. If the vacuum gauge keeps rapidly changing every time you increase the engine speed, you’ll know your valve springs likely need to be replaced.

If you consistently run your engine at a higher speed, it’s likely that the valve spring has been burned — meaning that the cylinder will consistently misfire.

Need a High-Quality Valve Spring?

We hope you’ve found this guide to the valve spring helpful.

However, remember that in order to get the results you deserve, you must invest in high-quality, well-designed valve springs, valves, and other fittings.

That’s where our products come in.

Browse through what we offer to learn more about the CPV difference, and reach out to us with any questions.

The Different Types of Actuated Valves Used in Marine Applications

Actuated valves are relatively small scale components, but they have a massive market behind them, which, according to analysis, is expected to reach $125 billion by 2022.

Much of this explosive growth is thanks to the marine industry, which is another area of high growth, with up to 90% of the world’s global trade being carried out by ships.

If you are involved in marine engineering, then knowing about the different types of actuated valves is key to facilitating high-performance components.

Read on to familiarize yourself with the main types of actuated valves.

What Are Actuated Valves?

Actuated valves are valves that contain an actuator. Actuators are mechanisms that control the remote opening and shut-off of valves by utilizing a power source. The power source can be either hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic.

Actuated valves can be further divided into two categories, which are actuated rotary valves and actuated linear valves.

Actuated Rotary Valves

Actuated rotary valves comprise of all rotary valves that utilize an actuator. These include ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves.

The actuator within these valves controls the rotary motion required to open and shut the valve. Actuators can be powered by any of the above-mentioned power sources.

Actuated Linear Valves

Like actuated rotary valves, actuated linear valves comprise of all linear valves which are operated by actuators.

These include globe and gate valves, as well as pinch valves.

As in all actuated valves, in these valve types, the actuator is responsible for facilitating the opening and closing of the valve remotely. However, due to their widely varying operation, actuated linear valves require very differently designed actuators to those in actuated rotary valves. These actuators are required to produce a linear rather than rotary motion and are available in many different styles.

How to Select the Best Actuator Valve

Actuated valves have a wide array of uses and are indispensable for systems that require valves with remote opening and shut-off ability.

The best actuated valve type will always be the one that is most suited to your particular purpose.

To determine whether a particular type of actuated valve suits your application, consider:

The power that is available for it to operate on
The required cycle life
The required duty cycle
Any need for fail-safe function
The speed of action required
Any need for manual override
Environment of installation
The functional and operational characteristics required

In addition, you need to ensure that you choose a valve type that is engineered to a high standard. High-quality valves are imperative, as valves can undergo high amounts of wear and tear, and a burst valve can lead to costly damages to operations. In the marine environment, the importance of durable valves is even higher, as marine conditions are particularly degrading to all materials, especially metals and rubber(the main components used in valves).

Do You Need Valves for Shipbuilding?

Are you in need of actuated valves for shipbuilding or other marine purposes? If so, we stock a wide selection of premium valves, both actuated and non-actuated.

You can browse our valve selection guide, or contact us if you have any questions about our products.

The Importance Of High Pressure Check Valves In Plumbing

When you’re dealing with a pump system, the last thing you want is water flowing back into your pump when flow slows down or stops. This can cause all sorts of problems, not least of which is your pump wearing out faster than it ought to. Luckily there’s a very simple solution to this problem.

High-pressure check valves can make sure you don’t get any backflow into your system and your pump lasts as long as possible. Read on to learn about these valves and how they work.

What Does a Water Check Valve Do?

Water check valves are designed to allow water to flow only in one direction. They are required in all submersible pump installations since they keep water from draining back into the well when the pump is shut off. Check valves help prevent a few undesirable conditions in systems.

If water flows back into your pump, it may cause backspin that could break the pump shaft when the motor starts back up again. Water in the pump can also cause up-thrust, which wears a pump out over time. And if a pump stops moving water without having check valves in place, it can cause a water hammer that has enough force to burst a pipe or damage a pump.

How High-Pressure Check Valves Work

Check valves work on the basis of flow direction, a little like those pull/push doors that always mess up even the best of us. When water is flowing in a positive direction, the pump allows it through freely. This is like entering a push door; there is no resistance.

But once positive flow tapers off or negative flow begins, the valve seals shut, trapping water on the other side. It’s like standing on the other side of that push door and trying to push to get out; the door won’t budge, and you’ll be trapped inside until you notice the little “Pull” printed above the door handle.

Maintaining High-Pressure Check Valves

High-pressure check valves can wear out over time, like anything else, which can lead to any of the issues we mentioned above. It’s a good idea to check regularly that you don’t have any backflow happening in your system. If you notice any, make sure your check valve is in good shape.

The best way to avoid problems with your check valves is to choose the right kind for your application in the first place. If you do notice a problem, make sure you’re using the right style of check valve before you replace it.

Get the Best Valves

High-pressure check valves are great for making sure pumps last as long as possible. They can also prevent costly problems like water hammer. Make sure you’re getting the right kind of check valve for your application, and you should have a solid system that will last for a long time.

If you’d like to find the best valves, check out the rest of our website at CPV manufacturing. We have valves, fittings, and news to cover all your needs. Check out our catalog today to see what we can bring to your system installation.

O-Ring Sizes: A Quick Guide to Ensure a Perfect Fit

If installed correctly, the likelihood of an O-Ring malfunctioning in place is low. However, to
avoid some of the causes of O-Ring failure and possible failure modes you must select the
correct size for your application.

If you skip this step and omit to accurately size your O-Ring you could be in for failure and
component damage.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to size an O-Ring accurately providing you are familiar with O-
Ring sizing standards as well as how to measure an O-Ring yourself for exact sizing.

Read on to learn how to perfectly select O-Ring sizes.

O-Ring Sizing Standards

Because O-Rings are used in a multitude of engineering applications across the world, multiple
sizing standards exist.

These include:

● The USA AS568 O-Ring sizing standard
● The metric O-Ring sizing standard
● The British BS O-Ring sizing standard
● The Japanese JIS O-Ring sizing standard
● The Quad-Ring ® seals X-Ring sizing standard
● The Square Ring sizing standard

The US AS568 sizing standard is the most widespread in the US, however, it is not uncommon
for companies to sell O-Rings that conform to other sizing standards as well. A useful guide for
choosing an O-Ring size and determining the range of standard sizes available per AS568,
check out the Parker O-Ring Handbook ORD 5700.

Independent of the sizing standards are custom O-Rings which can be manufactured if you
required an O-Ring size that does not fit into any of the common standards.

If you need to work back and forth between these standards to locate a size that one standard
does not cover, use an inches-to-mm conversion tool, input your desired size and see if there
are O-Rings available from other standards that you can utilize.

Taking Tolerances into Consideration

When sizing O-Rings it is important that you take into account tolerances. Tolerances are small
variations in O-Ring size that occur due to manufacturing limitations.

For example, all of the AS568 100 Series O-Rings have a tolerance of +-.003". This can
influence the cross-section measurement of .103" and change its size to anything between
.100” and .106”

How to Measure an O-Ring

If you have an O-Ring that you would like to know the size of, you can do this by measuring the
diameter, the cross-section, and the inside diameter.

Start by laying the O-Ring onto a flat surface. Using a ruler or caliper, measure the distance
from one inner edge to the other. This is the inside diameter.

Using the ruler or caliper then measure the distance between one outer corner of the O-Ring to
the other. This is the diameter.

Next, use a caliper to measure the cross-section of the O-Ring. Lightly grip the O-Ring with the
caliper and record the measurement of thickness.

With these measurements, you will be able to determine the exact size of any O-Ring.

Use Your Knowledge of O-Ring Sizes to Ensure Perfect
Seals That Last

Achieving the perfect fit starts with using the perfect sized O-Ring for the job. Having a good
knowledge of O-Ring sizes ensures that you can be precise in O-Ring selections.

If you are on the hunt for fittings and valves for sale for your sealing needs, browse our catalog or contact
our O-Ring manufacturing company for a free quote.

Your Checklist For Choosing The Right Check Valve

Imagine water or some other fluid like oil or gas is flowing through a pipe. You need it to flow in one direction and not “backtrack”. That’s where a check valve comes in.

It’s important to use the right type of check valve in order to avoid problems or damage to pipeline systems. Here’s our easy guide to check valve types.

The Purpose of Check Valves

Check valves are designed to prevent the backflow of liquid through pipes. They are usually closed until the fluid goes through. They are also able to shut off the valve if the downstream pressure becomes stronger than the upstream pressure.

In order for the system to work right, it’s essential that check valves are installed at the proper intervals.

Choose the Right Type of Check Valve

There are several types of check valves, and each serves a different purpose. Let’s take a look at the 3 main types.

1. Swing Check Valve

A swing check valve is one of the most common types of check valves. It consists of a body, a bonnet, and a disk with a hinge. The hinge allows the disk to swing back and forth (much like a gate hinge).

Swing valves keep fluids flowing forward. You can find them in different configurations, including traditional, dual-disc, and tilted disc.

Common uses of swing valves:

Flush toilet mechanisms
Water & waste pumping systems
Sewage systems
Firefighting & flood prevention
Work with materials like gas & liquids

Swing check valves are a little larger so they are better suited to situations where a full port valve is required and where space and flow are not an issue.

2. Lift Check Valve

A lift check valve works much like a globe valve. Rather than a hinge, it uses a piston or ball to open and close the valve. They are designed for use under high-pressure conditions or high-velocity flow.

Common uses of lift check valves:

Water pipes
Heating systems
Pumps
Domestic uses
Industrial processes:
- Pipelines
- Oil & gas
- Food & beverage
- Biopharma industry
- Marine industry

You can use lift check valves in either horizontal or vertical pipelines.

3. Piston Check Valve

Piston check valves are similar to lift check valves. The difference is that the design incorporates a “dashpot”, which consists of a piston and cylinder. This creates a cushioning or damping effect, which decreases the chances of damage to the pipes.

Piston check valves are available in a couple of different configurations, including Y pattern and 90-degree.

They are often used in conjunction with globe and angle valves, and in pipelines that change the direction of flow frequently.

Uses of piston check valves:

Oil & gas pipelines
Water & sewage pumps
Water pipes

Piston check valves are well suited for high-pressure and high-velocity situations.

Choosing a Check Valve

Check valves offer an effective way to manage the forward flow of fluids through pipes and pipeline systems. They have many uses in domestic and industrial situations.

However, you must think about the needs of your system in order to choose the right type of check valve. You also need to think about the size and other specs for the pipes or systems.

Contact CVP Manufacturing for more information regarding check valves and our recommended applications or request a quote.

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.