Sunday, October 20, 2013

Three Different End Connections for Valves

Today here we will introduce three popular end connections for valves. There are respectively the flanged, threaded and welded end connections, which are utilized to connect the pipelines.

The first type is called flanged end connection, valves joined by which can be installed and disassembled relatively easily, but the disadvantage of it is heaver in weight and more expensive in price, comparing with valves connected by another type called threaded end connection we will mention next. The flange end connection have been popularly utilized to connect various pipes in different pressure and size, since not so much tightening torques are required for connection, also compared with the threaded end connection. Another disadvantage of flange end connection is its leakage when the temperature reach 350°C, the flange connection has to bear the very big pressure when the bolt, filer piece and flanges relax and reduce the bolt load. So we can see that, the flange end connection is not so 100 percent perfect.

Next we will talk about the threaded end connection, which is always utilized to connect the end of valves which is processed into taper pipe or straight pipe threaded with the taper tube thread joint or pipes. A relatively large leakage passages will occurred when connected by this way, so the sealing tape, sealant or filling material are needed to block the passages. Once the valve body can be welded, but if its expansion coefficient is too large or working temperature range is too wide, the threaded end connection has to be seal welded. And there are some restrictions of using this type of connection. For example, the suitable valve's diameter must be under DN 50. The valves with length less then DN 50 can adopt the fitting union as the pipe coupling, since the two parts of which can be jointed by the screw thread of the fitting union. Diameter above DN 50 would no be easy to install and seal the joint. So, the pipe coupling is available to the pipeline system at the appropriate points, as to make the installation and disassemble the valve joined easily.

And welded end connection, as the third type of end connection, which is quite reliable and other types. It can be widely used for various temperatures and pressure, even in terrible condition. However, it also has its own shortcoming. Since it is connected in welding way, it becomes more different to remove and reinstall. So they must be used in some suitable applications, such as nuclear project, ethylene project. In these fields, valves connected by welding are operated for quite a long time. And another thing need to be mentioned, because the socket weld end connection, there will appear a crevice between socket and pipe, which would be corroded day after day.

Original: http://www.chinavalmax.com/three-different-end-connections-for-valves.html

Edit by Ms. Yanwen Chan @ Ball Valves Blog.

Three Types of the Three Way Valves

Some common valves we are familiar with like ball valves, globe valves and gate valves are all the range of three way valve. All of them can inhibit or completely block off the water flow passing through them. These three types of valves are different in the element placed in the center of the apparatus, they are respectively the ball valve element, globe valve element and gate valve element. Different element determines the different feature, although they have a same function of letting the water or other liquids to pass along a route to one of the three ports.

 The ball valve element is designed as a spherical fitting with a hole in it. And a full bore three way valve can keep working continuously even with the varying pressure inside. Typically, there is a valve handle set on the exterior top of the valve, which is quite necessary. All the open, close and flow direction are operated with this handle.

 As for the globe element, the core part of which is obviously the valve plug. The plug has a closed relationship with the plug seat. The flow inside the valve can be controlled effectively at a certain required point. What's more, the flow rate inside the valve can be managed easily. And the people in the valve industry must know that the gate element is also one popular three way valve. The gate element can also regulate the flow inside effectively, thanks to the knob-controlling fitting. The same is that, the flow rate inside the gate element can also be managed as well as the globe element.

Edit by Ms. Yanwen Chan @ Ball Valves Blog.