Compressed Air System Valve Selection - A Guide
Compressed air systems are an integral part of many industrial processes, from powering tools and machinery to providing a clean and dry air source. As a result, valving used within such systems is a vital component and selecting the correct type for the application is key to ensuring the correct performance and reliability. This article provides a guide for selecting the correct type of valving for a compressed air system.
Valves regulate or restrict the flow of compressed air in a system, providing starting/stopping of air flow as well as throttling or modulating to control the flow rate. It is essential to ensure that the valve type is compatible with the application requirements and system constraints.
When selecting a valve for a compressed air system, the following should be considered:
● Operating pressure:
This will determine the maximum pressure the valve can withstand. It is also important to consider the pressure range in which the valve actually needs to operate, as this will determine whether a non-adjustable or adjustable valve is required.
● Operating temperature:
This will determine the temperature range the valve is capable of operating at. Some valves are not recommended for use in extreme temperature applications so the system requirements should be checked carefully.
● Flow rate:
The flow rate of the valve must be sufficient to allow the desired amount of air to flow through the system without causing performance issues. Non-adjustable valves are available which are sized according to the flow rate they can handle while adjustable valves can be used to control the flow rate.
● Material type:
The material of the valve body and internal components must be compatible with the application to ensure the performance is not compromised and the valve does not corrode or suffer damage due to temperature or pressure changes.
● Connection type:
The type of connection required for the valve must be selected. Some valves can be connected directly to the system while others will require some type of adaptor or coupling.
A wide variety of valves are available for compressed air systems, with common types including ball, gate, globe, and butterfly valves. The type and size of the valve should be determined based on the above considerations.
When it comes to installation, it is important to ensure that valves are installed in the correct orientation, taking into account the flow rate, pressure, and temperature requirements. This will avoid system performance issues and ensure that the valving is capable of preventing the flow of air where it is not required.
Finally, regular maintenance of the valves is important to ensure that the performance and reliability of the valves is maintained. This should include performing checks on the valves to ensure they are correctly adjusted, lubricated, and correctly connected and sealed. In addition, the operation of the valves should be monitored to ensure they are performing correctly.
In conclusion, selecting the correct type and size of valve for a compressed air system is a crucial step and taking into account the system requirements and constraints is essential. Additionally, proper installation and regular maintenance is important to ensure the valves are operating correctly and providing reliable performance.
