Control Valves

Chapter 10 - Control Valve Features

The selection of special features and options for a control valve can be equally important as the valve itself, and in many cases actually dictates the type of valve selected.

Even though some accessories and/or options can be used in any type of valve (control valve or "on-off" and isolation), control valves are always service dependent. Therefore, they are only suitable for certain applications. Special requirements require special valve features. There is an array of concerns which the valve specifier must take into consideration before proceeding with the final valve selection. Some of the questions that confront the specifier are:

  • How should the inlet and outlet piping to the valve be designed?
  • Will the valve be accessible for maintenance and for manual operation?
  • Will it be necessary to heat trace and/or insulate the installation?
  • Does the valve require protection against fire or seismic forces?
  • Are line strainers or steam traps required?
  • Does the valve require an extended or finned bonnet?
  • Are reducers or expanders needed or does the downstream piping need to be enlarged for fluid expansion?
  • Are vent or drain valves required and if so, how many, what size and what type?
  • Is a bypass valve required to equalize pressure (size and type)?
  • Are lubricators and isolation valves required?
  • Does the valve require special structural support?
  • Are straightening vanes required?
  • Has a flangeless, wafer-style control valve, without a protective shroud, been specified when there is a fire hazard?
  • Are administrative safety measures enforced to frequently monitor all flanges and packings for valve installations handling toxic, lethal gas or explosive materials?
  • How much leakage can be tolerated?
  • Are leak detectors required?
  • Is the service abrasive, corrosive or erosive and if so, are special provisions taken to accommodate harsh service?
  • Are pipe nipples required for dissimilar metal welds?
  • Is live loading to be considered for packing follower bolts or for body to bonnet bolts?
  • Are line or vent silencers required?
  • Are any hydraulic snubbers required?
  • Is the valve installed properly such that its performance makes maintenance a rare event?
  • Is the valve located where the actuator will be exposed to high ambient temperatures (over 120F)? If so, are the diaphragms, seals and positioner parts specified with elastomers made of materials to endure high temperatures?
  • Are relays, airsets, I/P converters, and solenoid valves mounted off the valve for maintenance convenience and away from vibrating valves and piping?
  • For valve applications in oxygen service, are the valves specified to not contain any organic materials and to be thoroughly degreased and free of weld particle debris prior to installation?
  • For valves with bellows seals, is the manufacturer consulted first prior to hydrostatic testing of the valve?

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