Valves Handbook

VALVES QUICK REFERENCE HANDBOOK
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics What are Valves?

Valves are mechanical devices that control the flow and pressure within a system or process.
They are essential components of a piping system that conveys liquids, gases, vapors, slurries
etc..
Different types of Valves are available: gate, globe, plug, ball, butterfly, check, diaphragm, pinch,
pressure relief, and control Valves. Each of these types has a number of models, each with
different features and functional capabilities. Some Valves are self-operated while others manually
or with an actuator or pneumatic or hydraulic is operated.
Functions from Valves are:
Stopping and starting flow
Reduce or increase a flow
Controlling the direction of flow
Regulating a flow or process pressure
Relieve a pipe system of a certain pressure
There are many Valve designs, types and models, with a wide range of industrial applications. All
satisfy one or more of the functions identified above. Valves are expensive items, and it is
important that a correct Valve is specified for the function, and must be constructed of the correct
material for the process liquid.
Classification of Valves
The following are some of the commonly used Valve classifications, based on mechanical motion:
Linear Motion Valves. The Valves in which the closure member, as in gate, globe,
diaphragm, pinch, and lift Check Valves, moves in a straight line to allow, stop, or throttle
the flow.
Rotary Motion Valves. When the Valve-closure member travels along an angular or circular
path, as in butterfly, ball, plug, eccentric- and Swing Check Valves, the Valves are called
rotary motion Valves.
Quarter Turn Valves. Some rotary motion Valves require approximately a quarter turn, 0
through 90, motion of the stem to go to fully open from a fully closed position or vice versa.
Classification of Valves based on Motion
Valve Types Linear Motion Rotary Motion Quarter Turn
Gate
YES
NO
NO
Globe
YES
NO
NO
Plug
NO
YES
YES
Ball
NO
YES
YES
Butterfly
NO
YES
YES
Swing Check NO
YES
NO
Diaphragm
YES
NO
NO
Pinch
YES
NO
NO
Seridium AG SWITZERLAND
Piping Products and Systems, Engineering and EPC Contracting
D-U-N-S (Dun & Bradstreet): 485622430
www.seridium.com - email: info@seridium.com
Safety
YES
NO
NO
Relief
YES
NO
NO
Valve Types Linear Motion Rotary Motion Quarter Turn
Class Ratings
Pressure-temperature ratings of Valves are designated by class numbers. ASME B16.34, ValvesFlanged, Threaded, and Welding End is one of the most widely used Valve standards. It defines
three types of classes: standard, special, and limited. ASME B16.34 covers Class 150, 300, 400,
600, 900, 1500, 2500, and 4500 Valves.
Valve Body
The Valve body is the first boundary of a pressure Valve. He serves as the main element of a
Valve assembly because it is the framework that holds all the parts together. The Valve-body ends
are designed to connect the Valve to the piping or equipment nozzle by different types of end
connections, such as butt or socket welded, threaded or flanged.
Valve bodies are cast or forged in a variety of forms and each component have a specific function
and constructed in a material suitable for that function.
Valve Bonnet
The cover for the opening in the body is the Valve Bonnet, and is the second most important
boundary of a pressure Valve. Like Valve bodies, Bonnets are in many designs and models
available.
A Bonnet acts as a cover on the Valve body, is cast or forged of the same material as the body. It
is commonly connected to the body by a threaded, bolted, or welded joint. During manufacture of
the Valve, the internal components, such as stem, disk and actuator, are put into the body and
then the Bonnet is attached to hold all parts together inside.
Valve Trim
Valve's trim is a collective name for the replaceable parts, in a Valve. A typically Valve design
includes a disk, seat, stem, and sleeves needed to guide the stem.
Valve Disk
The disc is the part which allows, throttles, or stops flow, depending on its position. In the case of a
plug or a Ball Valve, the disc is called plug or a ball. The disk is the third most important primary
pressure boundary. With the Valve closed, full system pressure is applied across the disk, and for
this reason, the disk is a pressure related component.
Disks are usually forged, and in some designs, hard surfaced to provide good wear properties.
Most Valves are named, the design of their disks.
Valve Seat(s)
A Valve may have one or more seats. In the case of a globe or a swing-Check Valve, there is
usually one seat, which forms a seal with the disc to stop the flow. In the case of a Gate Valve,
there are two seats; one on the upstream side and the other on the downstream side. A Gate
Valve disc has two seating surfaces that come in contact with the Valve seats to form a seal for
stopping the flow.
The seat ensure the seating surface for the disk. For a good sealing, a fine surface finish from the
seating area is necessary.
In some designs, the body is machined to serve as the seating surface, in other designs, forged
seal rings are threaded or welded to the body.
To improve the wear resistance of the seat or seal rings, the surface is often hard faced.
Valve Stem
The Valve stem provides the necessary movement to the disc, plug or the ball for opening or
closing the Valve, and is responsible for the proper positioning of the disk. It is connected to the
Valve handwheel, actuator, or the lever at one end and on the other side to the Valve disc. In gate
or Globe Valves, linear motion of the disc is needed to open or close the Valve, while in plug, ball
and Butterfly Valves, the disc is rotated to open or close the Valve.
Stems are usually forged, and connected to the disk by threaded or other techniques. To prevent
leakage, in the area of the seal, a fine surface finish of the stem is necessary.
There are five types of Valve stems:
Rising Stem with Outside Screw and Yoke

The exterior of the stem is threaded, while the portion of the stem in the Valve is smooth.
The stem threads are isolated from the flow medium by the stem packing. Two different
styles of these designs are available; one with the handwheel attached to the stem, so they
can rise together, and the other with a threaded sleeve that causes the stem to rise through
the handwheel. This type of Valve is indicated by "O. S. & Y." is a common design for NPS
2 and larger Valves.

Rising Stem with Inside Screw
The threaded part of the stem is inside the Valve body, and the stem packing along the
smooth section that is exposed to the atmosphere outside. In this case, the stem threads
are in contact with the flow medium. When rotated, the stem and the handwheel to rise
together to open the Valve.
NonRising Stem with Inside Screw
The threaded part of the stem is inside the Valve and does not rise. The Valve disc travels
along the stem, like a nut if the stem is rotated. Stem threads are exposed to the flow
medium, and as such, are subjected to the impact. That is why this model is used when
space is limited to allow linear movement, and the flow medium does not cause erosion,
corrosion or abrasion of the stem material.
Sliding Stem
This Valve stem does not rotate or turn. It slides in and out the Valve to open or close the
Valve. This design is used in hand-operated lever rapid opening Valves. It is also used in
control Valves are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
Rotary Stem
This is a commonly used model in ball, plug, and Butterfly Valves. A quarter-turn motion of
the stem open or close the Valve.
In the main Menu "Valves" you will find some links to detailed (large) images of Rising and NON
Rising Stem Valves.
Valve Stem Packing

For a reliable seal between the stem and the Bonnet, a gasket is needed. This is called a Packing,
and it is fitted with e.g. the following components:
1. Gland follower, a sleeve which compresses the packing, by a gland into the so called
stuffing box.
2. Gland, a kind of bushing, which compressed de packing into the stuffing box.
3. Stuffing box, a chamber in which the packing is compressed.
4. Packing, available in several materials, like Teflon, elastomeric material, fibrous material
etc..
5. A backseat is a seating arrangement inside the Bonnet. It provides a seal between the
stem and Bonnet and prevents system pressure from building against the Valve pakking,
when the Valve is fully open. Back seats are often applied in Globe Valves.
An important aspect of the life time of a Valve is the sealing assembly. Almost all Valves, like
standard Ball, Globe, Gate, Plug and Butterfly Valves have their sealing assembly based upon
shear force, friction and tearing.
Therefore Valve packaging must be properly happen, to prevent damage to the stem and fluid or
gas loss. When a packing is too loose, the Valve will leak. If the packing is too tight, it will affect the
movement and possible damage to the stem.
Typical sealing assembly
1. Gland Follover 2. Gland 3. Stuffing Box with Packing 4. Back Seat

Valve Yoke
A Yoke connects the Valve body or Bonnet with the actuating mechanism. The top of the Yoke
holding a Yoke nut, stem nut, or Yoke bushing and the Valve stem passes through it. A Yoke
usually has openings to allow access to the stuffing box, actuator links, etc.. Structurally, a Yoke
must be strong enough to withstand forces, moments, and torque developed by the actuator.
Valve Yoke Nut
A Yoke nut is an internally threaded nut and is placed in the top of a Yoke by which the stem
passes. In a Gate Valve e.g., the Yoke nut is turned and the stem travels up or down. In the case
of Globe Valves, the nut is fixed and the stem is rotated through it.
Valve Actuator
Hand-operated Valves are usually equipped with a handwheel attached to the Valve's stem or
Yoke nut which is rotated clockwise orcounter clockwise to close or open a Valve. Globe and Gate
Valves are opened and closed in this way.
Hand-operated, quarter turn Valves, such as Ball, Plug or Butterfly, has a lever for actuate the
Valve.
There are applications where it is not possible or desirable, to actuate the Valve manually by
handwheel or lever. These applications include:
Large Valves that must be operated against high hydrostatic pressure
Valves they must be operated from a remote location
When the time for opening, closing, throttle or manually controlling the Valve is longer, than
required by system-design criteria
These Valves are usually equipped with an actuator.
An actuator in the broadest definition is a device that produces linear and rotary motion of a source
of power under the action of a source of control.
Basic actuators are used to fully open or fully close a Valve. Actuators for controlling or regulating
Valves are given a positioning signal to move to any intermediate position. There a many different
types of actuators, but the following are some of the commonly used Valve actuators:
Gear Actuators
Electric Motor Actuators
Pneumatic Actuators
Hydraulic Actuators
Solenoid Actuators
Summary
On this page are defined a number of basic information from Valves.
As you may have seen in the main Menu "Valves", you can find also information about several and
often applied Valves in Petro and chemical industry.
It can give you an impression, and good understanding of the differences between the various
types of Valves, and how these differences affect the Valve function. It will help to a proper
application of each type of Valve during the design and the proper use of each type of Valve during
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Gate Valves Gate Valves
Gate Valves are primarily designed to start or stop flow, and when a straight-line flow of fluid and
minimum flow restriction are needed. In service, these Valves generally are either fully open or
fully closed.
The disk of a Gate Valve is completely removed when the Valve is fully open; the disk is fully
drawn up into the Valve Bonnet. This leaves an opening for flow through the Valve at the same
inside diameter as the pipesystem in which the Valve is installed.
A Gate Valve can be used for a wide range of liquids and provides a tight seal when closed.
Advantages of using Gate Valves:
Good shutoff features
Gate Valves are bidirectional and therefore they can be used in two directions
Pressure loss through the Valve is minimal
The major drawbacks to the use of a Gate Valve are:
They can not be quickly opened or closed
Gate Valves are not suitable for regulate or throttle flow
They are sensitive to vibration in the open state
Construction of a Gate Valve
Gate Valves consists of three main parts: body, Bonnet, and trim. The body is generally connected
to other equipment by means of flanged, screwed or welded connections. The Bonnet, which
containing the moving parts, is attached to the body, usually with bolts, to permit maintenance. The
Valve trim consists of the stem, the gate, the disc or wedge and the seat rings.
Disks of a Gate Valve
Gate Valves are available with different disks or wedges. Ranging of the Gate Valves is usually
made by the type of wedge used.
The most common were:
Solid wedge is the most commonly used disk by its simplicity and strength.
A Valve with this type of wedge can be installed in each position and it is suitable for almost
all liquids. The solid wedge is a single-piece solid construction, and is practically for
turbulent flow.
Flexible wedge is a one-piece disc with a cut around the perimeter to improve the ability to
correct mistakes or changes in the angle between the seats.
The reduction will vary in size, shape and depth. A shallow, narrow cut gives little flexibility
but retains strength.
A deeper and wider cut, or cast-in recess, leaves little material in the middle, which allows
more flexibility, but compromises strength.
Split wedge is self-adjusting and selfaligning to both seats sides. This wedge type consists
of two-piece construction which seats between the tapered seats in the Valve body. This
type of wedge is suitable for the treatment of non-condensing gases and liquids at normal
temperatures, particularly corrosive liquids.
Most common wedges for Gate Valves
Stem of a Gate Valve

The stem, which connects the handwheel and disk with each other, is responsible for the proper
positioning of the disk. Stems are usually forged, and connected to the disk by threaded or other
techniques. To prevent leakage, in the area of the seal, a fine surface finish of the stem is
necessary.
Gate Valves are classified as either:
Rising Stem
Non Rising Stem
For a Valve of the Rising Stem type, the stem will rise above the handwheel if the Valve is opened.
This happens, because the stem is threaded and mated with the bushing threads of a Yoke. A
Yoke is an integral part from a Rising Stem Valve and is mounted to the Bonnet.
For a Valve of the non Rising Stem type, there is no upward stem movement if the Valve is
opened. The stem is threaded into the disk. As the handwheel on the stem is rotated, the disk
travels up or down the stem on the threads while the stem remains vertically stationary.
In the main Menu "Valves" you will find links to detailed (large) drawings of both stem types.
Seats of a Gate Valve

Seats for Gate Valves are either provided integral with the Valve body or in a seat ring type of
construction. Seat ring construction provides seats which are either threaded into position or are
pressed into position and seal welded to the Valve body. The latter form of construction is
recommended for higher temperature service.
Integral seats provide a seat of the same material of construction as the Valve body while the
pressed-in or threaded-in seats permit variation. Rings with hard facings may be supplied for the
application where they are required.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Globe Valves Globe Valves

A Globe Valves is a linear motion Valve and are primarily designed to stop, start and regulate flow.
The disk of a Globe Valve can be totally removed from the flowpath or it can completely close the
flowpath.
The fundamental principle of the Globe Valve operation is the
perpendicular motion of the disk away from the seat. This ensures that the ring-shaped space
between the disk and seat ring gradually close as the Valve is closed. This property gives a Globe
Valve reasonably good throttling capability. Therefore, the Globe Valve can be used for starting
and stopping flow and to regulate flow.
Advantages of using Globe Valves:
Good shutoff capability
Reasonably good throttling capability
The major drawbacks to the use of a Globe Valve are:
Higher pressure drop compared to a Gate Valve
Large Valve sizes require considerable power or a larger actuator to operate
Body designs of Globe Valves
There are three primary body designs for Globe Valves, namely: Z-body, Y-body and Angle body.
Z---body design is the most common body type, with a Z-shaped diaphragm. The horizontal
setting of the seat allows the stem and disk to travel perpendicular to the horizontal line.
Y---body design is an alternative for the high pressure drop, inherent in Globe Valves. Seat
and stem are angled at approximately 45 degrees, what gives a straighter flowpath at full
opening.
Angle---body design is a modification of the basic Z-type Globe Valve. The ends of this
Globe Valve are at an angle of 90 degrees, and fluid flow occurs with a single 90 degrees
turn.
Disks of a Globe Valve
The most common disk designs for Globe Valves are: ball disk, composition disk and the plug disk.
Ball disk design is used primarily in low pressure and low temperature systems. It is capable of
throttling flow, but in principle it is applied to stop and start flow.
Composition disk design uses a hard, non-metallic insert ring on the disk, which ensures a tighter
closure.
Plug disk design provides better throttling than ball or composition designs. They are available in
many different designs and they are all long and tapered.
Stem and Disk connections of a Globe Valve
Globe Valves uses two methods for connecting the disk and the stem: the T-slot and the disk nut
construction. In the T-slot design, the disk slides over the stem, while in the disk nut design, the
disk is screwed into the stem.
Seats of Globe Valves
Globe Valve seats are either integrated or screwed in to the Valve body. Many Globe Valves have
backseats inside the Bonnet. Back seats provides a seal between the stem and Bonnet and
prevents system pressure from building against the Valve pakking, when the Valve is fully open.
Back seats are often applied in Globe Valves.
Flow direction of Globe Valves
For applications with low temperature, Globe Valves are normally installed so that the pressure is
under the disc. This contributes an easy operation and helps protect the packing.
For applications with high temperature steam service, Globe Valves are installed so that the
pressure is above the disk. Otherwise, the stem will contract upon cooling and tend to lift the disk
off the seat.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Ball Valves Ball Valves

A Ball Valve is a quarter-turn rotational motion Valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start
flow. If the Valve is opened, the ball rotates to a point where the hole through the ball is in line with
the Valve body inlet and outlet. If the Valve is closed, the ball is rotated so that the hole is
perpendicular to the flow openings of the Valve body and the flow is stopped.
Advantages of using Ball Valves:

Quick quarter turn on-off operation
Tight sealing with low torque
Smaller in size than most other Valves
Disadvantages of Ball Valves:
Conventional Ball Valves have poor throttling properties
In slurry or other applications, the suspended particles can settle and become trapped in
body cavities causing wear, leakage, or Valve failure.
Types of Ball Valves

Ball Valves are basically available in three versions: full port, venturi port and reduced port. The
full-port Valve has an internal diameter equal to the inner diameter of the pipe. Venturi and
reduced-port versions generally are one pipe size smaller than the line size.
Ball Valves are manufactured in different body configurations and the most common are:
Top entry Ball Valves allow access to Valve internals for maintenance by removal of the
Valve Bonnet-cover. It is not required to be removed Valve from the pipe system.
Split body Ball Valves consists of a two parts, where one part is smaller as the other. The
ball is inserted in the larger body part, and the smaller body part is assembled by a bolted
connection.
The Valve ends are available as butt welding, socket welding, flanged, threaded and others.
Materials of Balls and Seats
Balls are usually made of several metallics, while the seats are from soft materials like Teflon,
Neoprene, and combinations of these materials. The use of soft-seat materials imparts excellent
sealing ability. The disadvantage of soft-seat materials (elastomeric materials) is, that they are not
can be used in high temperatures processes.
For example, fluorinated polymer seats can be used for service temperatures from 200 (and
larger) to 230C and higher, while graphite seats may be used for temperatures from ? to 500C
and higher.
Ball Valve Stem design
The stem in a Ball Valve is not attached to the ball. Usually it has a rectangular portion at the ball,
and that fits into a slot cut into the ball. The enlargement permits rotation of the ball as the Valve is
opened or closed.
Ball Valve Bonnet

The Bonnet of a Ball Valve is fastens to the body, which holds the stem assembly and ball in place.
Adjustment of the Bonnet permits compression of the packing, which supplies the stem seal.
Packing material for Ball Valve stems is usually Teflon or Teflon-filled or O-rings instead of
packing.
Ball Valves applications
The following are some typical applications of Ball Valves:
Air, gaseous, and liquid applications
Drains and vents in liquid, gaseous, and other fluid services
Steam service
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Plug Valves Plug Valves

A Plug Valve is a quarter-turn rotational motion Valve that use a tapered or cylindrical plug to stop
or start flow. In the open position, the plug-passage is in one line with the inlet and outlet ports of
the Valve body. If the plug 90 is rotated from the open position, the solid part of the plug blocks
the port and stops flow. Plug Valves are similar to Ball Valves in operation.
Advantages of using Plug Valves:

Quick quarter turn on-off operation
Minimal resistance to flow
Smaller in size than most other Valves
Disadvantages of Plug Valves:
Requires a large force to actuate, due to high friction.
NPS 4 and larger Valves requires the use of an actuator.
Reduced port, due to tapered plug.
Types of Plug Valves and Sealing
Plug Valves are available in a nonlubricated or lubricated design and with several styles of port
openings. The port in the tapered plug is generally rectangular, but they are also available with
round ports and diamond ports.
Plug Valves are also available with cylindrical plugs. The cylindrical plugs ensure greater port
openings equal to or larger than the pipe flow area.
Lubricated Plug Valves are provided with a cavity in the middle along there axis. This cavity
is closed at the bottom and fitted with a sealant-injection fitting at the top. The sealant is
injected into the cavity, and a Check Valve below the injection fitting prevents the sealant
from flowing in the reverse direction. The lubricant in effect becomes a structural part of the
Valve, as it provides aflexible and renewable seat.
Nonlubricated Plug Valves contain an elastomeric body liner or a sleeve, which is installed
in the body cavity. The tapered and polished plug acts like a wedge and presses the sleeve
against the body. Thus, the nonmetallic sleeve reduces the friction between the plug and
the body.
Plug Valve Disk
Rectangular port plugs are the most common port shape. The rectangular port represents
70 to 100 percent of the internal pipe area.
Round port plugs have a round opening through the plug. If the port opening is the same
size or larger than the inside diameter of the pipe, a full port is meant. If the opening is
smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe, a standard round port is meant.
Diamond port plug has a diamond-shaped port through the plug and they are venturi
restricted flow types. This design is suitable for throttling service.
Typical applications of Plug Valves

A Plug Valve can be used in many different fluid services and they perform well in slurry
applications. The following are some typical applications of Plug Valves:
Air, gaseous, and vapor services
Natural gas piping systems
Oil piping systems
Vacuum to high-pressure applications
Introduction to Valves - Butterfly Valves Butterfly Valves

A Butterfly Valve is a quarter-turn rotational motion Valve, that is used to stop, regulate, and start
flow. Butterfly Valves are easy and fast to open. A 90 rotation of the handle provides a complete
closure or opening of the Valve. Large Butterfly Valves are usually equipped with a so-called
gearbox, where the handwheel by gears is connected to the stem. This simplifies the operation of
the Valve, but at the expense of speed.
Types of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly Valves has a short circular body, a round disc, metal-to-metal or soft seats, top and
bottom shaft bearings, and a stuffing box. The construction of a Butterfly Valve body varies. A
commonly used design is the wafer type that fits between two flanges. Another type, the lug wafer
design, is held in place between two flanges by bolts that join the two flanges and pass through
holes in the Valve's outer casing. Butterfly Valves are even available with flanged, threaded and
butt welding ends, but they are not often applied.
Butterfly valves possess many advantages over gate, globe, plug, and ball valves, especially for
large valve applications. Savings in weight, space, and cost are the most obvious advantages. The
maintenance costs are usually low because there are a minimal number of moving parts and there
are no pockets to trap fluids.
Butterfly valves are especially well-suited for the handling of large flows of liquids or gases
atrelatively low pressures and for the handling of slurries or liquids with large amounts
ofsuspended solids.
Butterfly valves are built on the principle of a pipe damper. The flow control element is a disk of
approximately the same diameter as the inside diameter of the adjoining pipe, which rotates on
either a vertical or horizontal axis. When the disk lies parallel to the piping run, the valve is fully
opened. When the disk approaches the perpendicular position, the valve is shut. Intermediate
positions, for throttling purposes, can be secured in place by handle-locking devices.
Butterfly Valve Seat Construction
Stoppage of flow is accomplished by the valve disk sealing against a seat that is on the inside
diameter periphery of the valve body. Many butterfly valves have an elastomeric seat against
which the disk seals. Other butterfly valves have a seal ring arrangement that uses a clamp-ring
and backing-ring on a serrated edged rubber ring. This design prevents extrusion of the O-rings.
In early designs, a metal disk was used to seal against a metal seat. This arrangement did not
provide a leak-tight closure, but did provide sufficient closure in some applications (i.e., water
distribution lines).
Butterfly Valve Body Construction
Butterfly valve body construction varies. The most economical is the wafer type that fits between
two pipeline flanges. Another type, the lug wafer design, is held in place between two pipe flanges
by bolts that join the two flanges and pass through holes in the valve's outer casing. Butterfly
valves are available with conventional flanged ends for bolting to pipe flanges, and in a threaded
end construction.
Seat Disk and Stem of a Butterfly Valve

The stem and disk for a butterfly valve are separate pieces. The disk is bored to receive the stem.
Two methods are used to secure the disk to the stem so that the disk rotates as the stem is turned.
In the first method, the disk is bored through and secured to the stem with bolts or pins. The
alternate method involves boring the disk as before, then shaping the upper stem bore to fit a
squared or hex-shaped stem. This method allows the disk to "float" and seek its center in the seat.
Uniform sealing is accomplished and external stem fasteners are eliminated. This method of
assembly is advantageous in the case of covered disks and in corrosive applications.
In order for the disk to be held in the proper position, the stem must extend beyond the bottom of
the disk and fit into a bushing in the bottom of the valve body. One or two similar bushings are
along the upper portion of the stem as well. These bushings must be either resistant to the media
being handled or sealed so that the corrosive media cannot come into contact with them.
Stem seals are accomplished either with packing in a conventional stuffing box or by means of Oring seals. Some valve manufacturers, particularly those specializing in the handling of corrosive
materials, place a stem seal on the inside of the valve so that no material being handled by the
valve can come into contact with the valve stem. If a stuffing box or external O-ring is employed,
the fluid passing through the valve will come into contact with the valve stem.
Typical applications of Butterfly Valves
A Butterfly Valve can be used in many different fluid services and they perform well in slurry
applications. The following are some typical applications of Butterfly Valves:
Cooling water, air, gases, fire protection etc.
Slurry and similar services
Vacuum service
High-pressure and high-temperature water and steam services
Advantages of Butterfly Valves
Compact design requires considerably less space, compared to other Valves
Light in weight
Quick operation requires less time to open or close

Available in very large sizes
Low-pressure drop and high-pressure recovery
Disadvantages of Butterfly Valves
Throttling service is limited to low differential pressure
Cavitation and choked flow are two potential concerns
Disc movement is unguided and affected by flow turbulence
Shipment & Storage

Position discs at 10% open so that they are unseated.
The faces of each valve should be covered to prevent damage to the seat face, disc edge,
or valve interior.
Store indoors, preferably with ambient temperatures between 5C and 30C.
Open and close the valves every 3 months.
Ship and store valves so that no heavy loads are applied to the bodies.
Valve Location
Butterfly valves should be installed if possible a minimum of 6 pipe diameters from other
line elements, i.e. elbows, pumps, valves, etc. Sometimes this is not feasible, but it is
important to achieve as much distance as possible.
Where the butterfly valve is connected to a check valve or pump, keep enough space
between them to ensure the disc does not interfere with the adjacent equipment.
Valve Orientation
As a rule of thumb, butterfly valves be installed with the stem in the vertical position with the
actuator mounted vertically directly above it, however, there are some applications where the stem
should be horizontal. The .pdf file below tells you why the stem somtimes must be positioned
horizontally.
Installation Procedures
1. Make sure the pipeline and flange faces are clean. Any foreign material such as metal
filings, pipe scale, welding slag, welding rods, etc. can limit disc movement or damage the
disc or seat.
2. Gaskets are not required on resilient seated valves because they extend to both faces of
the valve.
3. Align the pipe-work, and spread the flanges enough to allow the valve body to be easily
inserted between the flanges without contacting the pipe flanges.
4. Check that the valve disc has been set to about 10% open so it doesn't become jammed in
the fully seated position.
5. Insert the valve between the flanges as shown, taking care not to damage the seat faces.
Always lift the valve by the locating holes or by using a nylon sling on the neck or the body.
Never lift the valve by the actuator or operator mounted on the valve.
6. Place the valve between the flanges, centre it, insert the bolts and hand-tighten them.
Carefully open the disc, making sure the disc does not contact the inside of the adjacent
pipes.
7. Very slowly close the valve disc to ensure disc edge clearance from the adjacent pipe
flange.
8. Fully open the disc and tighten all flange bolts as shown.
9. Repeat a full close to full open rotation of the disc to ensure proper clearances.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Check Valves Check Valves

Check Valves are "automatic" Valves that open with forward flow and close with reverse flow. The
pressure of the fluid passing through a system opens the Valve, while any reversal of flow will
close the Valve. Exact operation will vary depending on the type of Check Valve mechanism. Most
common types of Check Valves are swing, lift (piston and ball), butterfly, stop and tilting-disk.
Types of Check Valves
Swing Check Valve

A basic swing Check Valve consists of a Valve body, a Bonnet, and a disk that is
connected to a hinge. The disk swings away from the Valve-seat to allow flow in the
forward direction, and returns to Valve-seat when upstream flow is stopped, to prevent
backflow.
The disc in a swing type Check Valve is unguided as it fully opens or closes. There are
many disk and seat designs available, in order to meet the requirements of different
applications. The Valve allows full, unobstructed flow and automatically closes as pressure
decreases. These Valves are fully closed when flow reaches zero, in order to prevent
backflow. Turbulence and pressure drop in the Valve are very low.
Lift Check Valve
The seat design of a lift-Check Valve is similar to a Globe Valve. The disc is usually in the
form of a piston or a ball.
Lift Check Valves are particularly suitable for high-pressure service where velocity of flow is
high. In lift Check Valves, the disc is precisely guided and fits perfectly into the dashpot. Lift
Check Valves are suitable for installation in horizontal or vertical pipe-lines with upward
flow.
Flow to lift Check Valves must always enter below the seat. As the flow enters, the piston
or ball is raised within guides from the seat by the pressure of the upward flow. When the
flow stops or reverses, the piston or ball is forced onto the seat of the Valve by both the
backflow and gravity.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Double Block and Bleed Double Block and Bleed Systems
The primary function of a double block and bleed system is for isolation and the secondary function
is for intervention.
Under certain conditions double block and bleed systems are needed to prevent product
contamination or where it is necessary to remove essential equipment from service for cleaning or
repairs while the unit continues in operation.
Of course, such equipment must be provided with a spare or it must be possible to bypass it
temporarily without shutting down the unit.
The nature of the fluid, its pressure and temperature, and many other factors must be considered
when determining the need for double block and bleed systems.
Generally, block Valves should be considered for the onstream isolation of equipment if the fluid is
flammable or otherwise hazardous, or if the fluid is in high-pressure or high-temperature service.
Where double block Valves are used, a NPS or larger bleed Valve should be installed between
the block Valves.
The purpose of the bleed Valve is twofold. First, the bleed ensures that the upstream Valve is in
fact tight before slipping in a blind off the downstream block Valve. The bleed connection also
permits the safe withdrawal of moderate leakage from the upstream Valve to again assure the tight
shutoff of the downstream Valve.
Depending on the service conditions, it may be possible to use a single block Valve with a body
bleed to provide double block and bleed provisions for onstream isolation of equipment.
Gate Valves with flexible wedges and with body or Bonnet bleed Valve can serve this purpose if
specifically tested in accordance with API-598 for double block and bleed quality Valves.
Some Ball Valves and nonlubricated Plug Valves, when equipped with a Valve body bleed
between the seats, can also be satisfactory substitutes for double block Valves.
Testing for double block and bleed quality Valves requires the pressure-testing of each seat, with
leakage measured through the Valve body bleed as a means of substantiating the independent
leak tightness of both the upstream and downstream seats of the Valve.
Double Block and Bleed Valves
The Double Block and Bleed Valve or a DBBV can perform the tasks of 3 separate Valves (2
separate isolations and 1 drain Valve) which apart from being hugely space saving can also save
on weight and time due to installation and maintenance practices requiring much less work and the
operator being able to locate and operate all 3 Valves in one location.
Double block and bleed Valves operate on the principle that isolation can be achieved from both
the upstream and downstream process flow / pressures.
This is achieved by two ball, gate, globe, needle, etc. Valves placed back to back, with a third
"isolatable" Valve in the centre cavity.
Once isolation has been achieved in one or more of the main process isolation Valves, the cavity
that is created between
or injection situations, and for maintenance and or integrity check situations where seat leakage
can be monitored through the third "bleed" Valve.

The image on the left gives you a good impression, how a DBB Valve is constructed.
In this image example, three balls are mounted. 2 large balls that serve as a block (both are
closed), and the small ball serve as the bleed (ball is in open position).
Image comes from www.habonim.com. It is a DBB Valve in the dual-Safe series. For more
information about Habonim click the PDF icon below.
Isolation (Stop) Valves in Pressure-Relief Piping
The article below (text) comes from the American Petroleum Institute (API)
Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Devices in Refineries, Part II-Installation
API recommended practice 520 fifth edition
Isolation (Stop) Valves in Pressure-Relief Piping
Isolation block Valves may be used for maintenance purposes to isolate a pressure-relief device
from the equipment it protects or from its downstream disposal system. Since improper use of an
isolation Valve may render a pressure-relief device inoperative, the design, installation, and
administrative controls placed on these isolation block Valves should be carefully evaluated to
ensure that plant safety is not compromised. A pressure-relief device shall not be used as a block
Valve to provide positive isolation.
Inlet Isolation Valves

a. Valves shall be full bore. ASME Section VIII Appendix M recommends the use of full area
isolation (stop) Valves. Mandatory paragraph UG-135 (b)(1), of ASME Section VIII, requires that
the opening through all pipe and fittings between a pressure vessel and its pressure-Relief Valve
shall have the area of the pressure-relief device inlet. It is therefore recommended that the
minimum flow area in the isolation Valve be equal to or greater than the inlet area of the pressureRelief Valve. The minimum flow area of the isolation Valve and the inlet area of the pressureRelief
Valve can be obtained from the isolation Valve manufacturer and the pressure-Relief Valve
manufacturer.
b. Valves shall be suitable for the line service classification.
c. Valves shall have the capability of being locked or carsealed open.
d. When Gate Valves are used, they should be installed with stems oriented horizontally or, if this
is not feasible, the stem could be oriented downward to a maximum of 45 from the horizontal to
keep the gate from falling off and blocking the flow.
e. A bleed Valve should be installed between the isolation Valve and the pressure-relief device to
enable the system to be safely depressurized prior to performing maintenance. This bleed Valve
can also be used to prevent pressure build-up between the pressure-relief device and the closed
outlet isolation Valve.
f. Consideration should be given to using an interlocking system between the inlet and outlet
isolation Valves to assist with proper sequencing.
g. Consideration should be given to painting the isolation Valve a special color or providing other
identification. When placing the pressure-relief device into service, it is recommended to gradually
open the isolation Valve. This ramping up of system pressure can help prevent unwanted opening
of a Valve seat due to the momentum of the fluid. The inlet Valve must be open fully.
Outlet Isolation Valves
a. Valves shall be full bore. ASME Section VIII Appendix M recommends the use of full area
isolation (stop) Valves. To help minimize the built-up back pressure, it is recommended that the
minimum flow area in the outlet isolation Valve be equal to or greater than the outlet area of the
pressure-Relief Valve. The minimum flow area of the outlet isolation Valve and the outlet area of
the pressure-Relief Valve can be obtained from the isolation Valve manufacturer and the
pressure- Relief Valve manufacturer respectively.
b. Valves shall be suitable for line service classification.
c. Valves shall have the capability of being locked or carsealed open. This outlet isolation shall
never be closed while the vessel is in operation without using an inlet isolation Valve that has first
been closed with the space between the inlet isolation Valve and the pressure-Relief Valve
adequately depressured.
d. A bleed Valve should be installed between the outlet isolation Valve and pressure-relief device
to enable the system to be safely depressurized prior to performing maintenance. This bleed Valve
can also be used to prevent pressure build-up between the pressure-relief device and the closed
outlet isolation Valve.
e. Consideration should be given to using an interlocking system between the inlet and outlet
isolation Valves to assist with proper sequencing.
f. Consideration should be given to painting the isolation Valve a special color or providing other
identification. When the outlet isolation Valve is used in conjunction with an inlet isolation Valve,
upon commissioning the pressurerelief device, the outlet isolation Valve shall be opened fully prior
to the inlet isolation Valves.
True meaning of Double Block and Bleed

Rudy Garza, Mechanical Lead-Static Equipment Engineering Group at ExxonMobil Development
Company, gave a presentation at the VMA Technical Seminar in San Antonio entitled "Isolation
Philosophies" in which he asserted that many people take the term "Double Block & Bleed" (DBB)
to mean the same thing as Double Positive Isolation" (DPI).
It's time to do maintenance on a section of process. You don't want to shut down the entire facility,
so you decide to block off and depressurize just the section you're working on. Just upstream is a
double block and bleed Valve - a trunnion-mounted Ball Valve with self-relieving seals and a bleed
Valve to vent the cavity. You close the Ball Valve and open the bleeder. Now you can depressurize the line downstream and open it up to work on it.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Bellow Sealed Valves Bellow(s) Seal(ed) Valves
In this article, the author Mr. Satish Chidrawar (at the bottom of this page you will find more about
the author) first reviews the construction, design and operation of the bellow seal. He then provides
various examples of where bellow seal Valves are use.
Leakage at various points in pipelines found in chemical plants creates emissions. All such
leakage points can be detected using various methods and instruments and should be noted by
the plant engineer. Critical leakage points include flanged gasket joints and the Valve / pump gland
packing, etc. Today the chemical process industry is gearing itself towards safer technology for
better environmental protection and it has become every process engineer's responsibility to
design plants that limit damage to the environment through the prevention of leakage of any toxic
chemicals.
Leakage from the Valve gland or stuffing box is normally a concern for the maintenance or
plant engineer. This leakage means:
a) Loss of material b) Pollution to the atmosphere c) Dangerous for plant employees.
Bellow Sealed Gate Valve
Bellow Sealed Gate Valve

For example, take the case of a steam leakage through the Valve gland. At 150 PSI, a clearance
of just 0.001" through the gland will mean a leak at the rate of 25 lb/hour. This equates to a loss of
USD 1.2 per eight hour shift, or USD 1,100 per year. Similarly, a tiny drop of 0.4 mm diameter per
second results in a waste of about 200 litres per year of costly oil or solvent. This leakage can be
reduced considerably by using the bellow seal Valve. This article will now consider the construction
and operation of the bellow seal.
Bellow construction
The bellow cartridge is welded to both the Valve Bonnet and the Valve stem. The bellow cartridge
has a number of convolutions and these convolutions become compressed or expanded
depending upon the movement of Valve stem. (Scientifically speaking the bellow gets compressed
when the Valve is in the open position and expanded when the Valve is in the closed condition). It
is important to properly install the Valve bodies. The bellow can be sealed to the Valves in two
different ways. Firstly, the bellow can be welded to the Valve stem at the top and the Valve body
on the bottom. In this case the process fluid is contained inside the bellow or in second method the
bellow is welded to the Valve stem at the bottom and the body on the top. In this case the process
fluid is contained in the annular region between the Valve Bonnet and bellow (from the outside).
The bellow is a critical component and forms the heart of the bellow seal Valves. To avoid any
twisting of the bellow the Valve must have a stem with linear movement only. This can be achieved
using a so-called sleeve-nut at the Yoke portion of the Valve Bonnet. A handwheel is fitted onto the
sleeve-nut which effectively transfers a rotary motion of the handwheel into a linear motion in the
Valve stem.
Bellow types
There are two main types of bellow: the Forged Bellow and the Welded Bellow. Formed-type
bellows are made from rolling a flat sheet (thin wall foil) into a tube which is then longitudinally
fusion welded. This tube is subsequently mechanically or hydrostatically formed into a bellow with
rounded and widely spaced folds. The welded leaf type bellow is made by welding washer-like
plates of thin metal together at both the inner and outer circumference of the washers - like plates.
A welded leaf bellow has more folds per unit length as compared to forged bellows. Thus, for the
same stroke length, forged bellows are two to three times longer than their welded leaf
counterparts.
Reportedly, mechanically forged bellows fail at random spots, while the welded leaf usually fails at
or near a weld. To ensure full penetration of bellow ends and end coller welding it is advisable to f
Bellow design
The multi-ply bellow design is preferred for handling higher pressure fluids (generally two or three
plies of the metal wall). A two ply bellow can increase its pressure rating by 80% to 100% as
compared to a single ply bellow of the same thickness. Alternatively, if a single ply bellow of a
thickness equivalent to a pressure rating of a two ply bellow is used, the stroke length is reduced.
Thus, a multi-ply bellow design offers a distinct advantage over a single ply bellow. It is clear that
the bellow is subject to metal fatigue and this fatigue can induce weld failure. The bellow fatigue
life is affected by the material of construction, fabrication technique, stroke length and stroke
frequency, in addition to the usual parameters such as fluid temperature and pressure.
Bellow materials
The most popular stainless steel bellow material is AISI 316Ti which contain Titanium to withstand
high temperatures. Alternatively, Inconel 600 or Inconel 625 improve fatigue strength and corrosion
resistance as compared with stainless steel bellows. Similarly, Hastalloy C-276 offers greater
corrosion resistance and fatigue strength than Inconel 625. Fatigue resistance can be improved by
using a multiply bellows system and reducing the stroke length; this can significantly increase the
bellow service life.
Valve options
The most common Valve types to be fitted with bellow seals are the gate and globe designs (see
Figure 1).These are very suited for use with bellows due to their internal construction and axial
movement of the Valve stem.
Based on available information, it seems that current bellow seal Valves range in size from 3 mm
NB to 650 mm NB. Pressure ratings are available in from ANSI 150# to 2500#. Material options for
the Valves include carbon steel, stainless steel and exotic alloys.
Applications
Heat Transfer media: hot oil is commonly used in industries such as synthetic fibres / POY
(Partially Oriented Yarn). However, there is always a risk of fire due to hot oil spillage on highly
inflammable chemicals. Here, bellow seal Valves can stop the leakage.
Vacuum / ultra high vacuum: some applications require a vacuum pump to continually extract air
from a pipeline. Any conventional Valves installed on the pipeline can allow external air to enter the
pipeline thorough the Valve stuffing box. Hence the bellow seal Valve is the only solution to
prevent air from passing through the stuffing box.
Highly hazardous fluids: for media such as chlorine (see Figure 2), hydrogen, ammonia and
phosgene, the bellow seal Valve is an ideal design as leakage through the gland is totally
eliminated.
Nuclear plant, heavy water plant: in instances where radiation leakage is to be prevented at all
times, the bellow seal Valve is the ultimate choice.
Costly fluids: in some applications leaks need to be avoided simply because of the high cost of the
fluid. Here, an economic assessment often favours the use of bellow seal Valves.
Environmental standards: around the world, standards regarding emissions and the environment
are getting more stringent day by day. It can therefore be difficult for companies to expand within
existing premises. With the use of bellow seal Valves, expansion without additional environmental
damage is possible.
About the Author
Mr. Satish Chidrawar is CEO of Valvola Corporation in Mumbai, India. He has more than 35 years
of diversified Engineering experience, including more than 21 years in "Valve Engineering". Mr.
Chidrawar is also responsible for developing & maintaining technical methods used in bellow
sealed Valves for various critical conditions. He holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from
Board of Technical Education - Maharashtra, India and has authored various papers on bellow
seal Valves.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Pressure Seal Valves Pressure Seal Valves
Pressure seal construction is adopted for Valves for high pressure service, typically in excess of
above 170 bar. The unique feature about the pressure seal Bonnet is that the body-Bonnet joints
seals improves as the internal pressure in the Valve increases, compared to other constructions
where the increase in internal pressure tends to create leaks in the body-Bonnet joint.
Pressure seal design
A/B - Bonnet tendency to move up or down as pressure changes

C - System pressure
D - Sealing forces due to pressure
The higher the internal pressure, the greater the sealing force. Easy dismantling is made possible
by dropping the Bonnet assembly into the body cavity and driving out the four-segmental thrust
rings by means of a push pin.
Relying on fairly simple design principles, pressure seal Valves have proven their capability to
handle increasingly demanding fossil and combined-cycle steam isolation applications, as
designers continue to push boiler, HRSG, and piping system pressure/temperature envelopes.
Pressure seal Valves are typically available in size ranges from 2 inches to 24 inches and ASME
B16.34 pressure classes from #600 to #2500, although some manufacturers can accommodate
the need for larger diameters and higher ratings for special applications.
Pressure seal Valves are available in many material qualities such as A105 forged and Gr.WCB
cast, alloy F22 forged and Gr.WC9 cast; F11 forged and Gr.WC6 cast, austenitic stainless F316
forged and Gr.CF8M cast; for over 500C, F316H forged and suitable austenitic cast grades.
The pressure seal design concept can be traced back to the mid-1900s, when, faced with ever
increasing pressures and temperatures (primarily in power applications), Valve manufacturers
began designing alternatives to the traditional bolted-Bonnet approach to sealing the body/Bonnet
joint. Along with providing a higher level of pressure boundary sealing integrity, many of the
pressure seal Valve designs weighed significantly less than their bolted Bonnet Valve
counterparts.
Bolted Bonnets vs. Pressure Seals

To better understand the pressure seal design concept, let's contrast the body-to-Bonnet sealing
mechanism between bolted Bonnets and pressure seals. Figure 1 depicts the typical Bolted Bonnet
Valve. The body flange and Bonnet flange are joined by studs and nuts, with a gasket of suitable
design/material inserted between the flange faces to facilitate sealing. Studs/nuts/bolts are tightened
to prescribed torques in a pattern defined by the manufacturer to affect optimal
However, as system pressure increases, the potential for leakage through the body/Bonnet joint
also increases.
Now let's look at the pressure seal joint detailed in Figure 2. Note the differences in the respective
body/Bonnet joint configurations. Most pressure seal designs incorporate "Bonnet take-up bolts" to
pull the Bonnet up and seal against the pressure seal gasket. This in turn creates a seal between
the gasket and the inner diameter (I.D.) of the Valve body.
A segmented thrust ring maintains the load. The beauty of the pressure seal design is that as
system pressure builds, so does the load on the Bonnet and, correspondingly, the pressure seal
gasket. Therefore, in pressure seal Valves, as system pressure increases, the potential for leakage
through the body/Bonnet joint decreases.
This design approach has distinct advantages over bolted Bonnet Valves in main steam,
feedwater, turbine bypass, and other power plant systems requiring Valves that can handle the
challenges inherent in high-pressure and temperature applications.
But over the years, as operating pressures/temperatures increased, and with the advent of peaking
plants, this same transient system pressure that aided in sealing also played havoc with pressure
seal joint integrity.
One of the primary components involved in sealing the pressure seal Valve is the gasket itself.
Early pressure seal gaskets were manufactured from iron or soft steel. These gaskets were
subsequently silver-plated to take advantage of the softer plating material's ability to provide a
tighter seal. Due to the pressure applied during the Valve's hydrotest, a "set" (or deformation of the
gasket profile) between the Bonnet and gasket was taken. Because of the inherent Bonnet take-up
bolt and pressure seal joint elasticity, the potential for the Bonnet to move and break that "set"
when subjected to system pressure increases/ decreases existed, with body/Bonnet joint leakage
the result.
This problem could be effectively negated by utilizing the practice of "hot torquing" the Bonnet
take-up bolts after system pressure and temperature equalization, but it required owner/user
maintenance personnel to do so after plant startup. If this practice was not adhered to, the
potential for leakage through the body/Bonnet joint existed, which could damage the pressure seal
gasket, the Bonnet and/or the I.D. of the Valve body, as well as creating compounding problems
and inefficiencies that the steam leakage could have on plant operations. As a result, Valve
designers took several steps to address this problem.
Figure 2 shows a combination of live-loaded Bonnet take-up bolts (thus maintaining a constant
load on the gasket, minimizing the potential for leakage) and the replacement of the iron/soft steel,
silverplated pressure seal gasket with one made of die-formed graphite. The gasket design shown
in Figure 3 can be installed in pressure seal Valves previously supplied with the traditional type
gasket. The advent of graphite gaskets has further solidified the dependability and performance of
the pressure seal Valve in most applications and for even daily start/stop operating cycles.
Although many manufacturers still recommend "hot torquing," the potential for leakage when this is
not done is greatly diminished. The seating surfaces in pressure seal Valves, as in many power
plant Valves, are subjected to, comparatively speaking, very high seating loads. Seat integrity is
maintained as a function of tight machining tolerances on component parts, means of providing the
requisite torque to open/close as a function of gears or actuation, and selection/ application of
proper materials for seating surfaces.
Cobalt, nickel, and iron-based hardfacing alloys are utilized for optimal wear resistance of the
wedge/disc and seat ring seating surfaces. Most commonly used are the CoCr-A (e.g., Stellite)
materials. These materials are applied with a variety of processes, including shielded metal arc,
gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, and plasma (transferred) arc. Many pressure seal Globe Valves
are designed having integral hardfaced seats, while the Gate Valve and Check Valves typically
have hardfaced seat rings that are welded into the Valve body.
Valving terminology
If you have dealt with valving for any length of time, you've probably noticed Valve manufacturers
are not overly creative with the terms and vernacular used in the business. Take for example,
"bolted Bonnet Valves." The body is bolted to the Bonnet to maintain system integrity. For
"pressure seal Valves," system pressure aids the sealing mechanism. For "stop/Check Valves,"
when the Valve stem is in the closed position, flow is mechanically stopped, but when in the open
position, the disc is free to act to check a reversal of flow. This same principle applies to other
terminology used for design, as well as Valve types and their component parts.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Pressure Relief Valves -
Pressure Relief Valves

A pressure Relief Valve is a safety device designed to protect a pressurized vessel or system
during an overpressure event.

An overpressure event refers to any condition which would cause pressure in a vessel or system to
increase beyond the specified design pressure or maximum allowable working pressure
The primary purpose of a pressure Relief Valve is protection of life and property by venting fluid
from an overpressurized vessel.
Many electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic systems exist today to control fluid system variables,
such as pressure, temperature and flow. Each of these systems requires a power source of some
type, such as electricity or compressed air in order to operate. A pressure Relief Valve must be
capable of operating at all times, especially during a period of power failure when system controls
are nonfunctional.
The sole source of power for the pressure Relief Valve, therefore, is the process fluid.
Once a condition occurs that causes the pressure in a system or vessel to increase to a dangerous
level, the pressure Relief Valve may be the only device remaining to prevent a catastrophic failure.
Since reliability is directly related to the complexity of the device, it is important that the design of
the pressure Relief Valve be as simple as possible.
The pressure Relief Valve must open at a predetermined set pressure, flow a rated capacity at a
specified overpressure, and close when the system pressure has returned to a safe level. Pressure
Relief Valves must be designed with materials compatible with many process fluids from simple air
and water to the most corrosive media. They must also be designed to operate in a consistently
smooth and stable manner on a variety of fluids and fluid phases.
Spring Loaded Pressure Relief Valve
The basic spring loaded pressure Relief Valve has been developed to meet the need for a simple,
reliable, system actuated device to provide overpressure protection.
The image on the right shows the construction of a spring loaded pressure Relief Valve.
The Valve consists of a Valve inlet or nozzle mounted on the pressurized system, a disc held
against the nozzle to prevent flow under normal system operating conditions, a spring to hold the
disc closed, and a body/Bonnet to contain the operating elements. The spring load is adjustable to
vary the pressure at which the Valve will open.
When a pressure Relief Valve begins to lift, the spring force increases. Thus system pressure must
increase if lift is to continue. For this reason pressure Relief Valves are allowed an overpressure
allowance to reach full lift. This allowable overpressure is generally 10% for Valves on unfired
systems. This margin is relatively small and some means must be provided to assist in the lift
effort.
Most pressure Relief Valves, therefore, have a secondary control chamber or huddling chamber to
enhance lift. As the disc begins to lift, fluid enters the control chamber exposing a larger area of the
disc to system pressure.
This causes an incremental change in force which overcompensates for the increase in spring
force and causes the Valve to open at a rapid rate. At the same time, the direction of the fluid flow
is reversed and the momentum effect resulting from the change in flow direction further enhances
lift. These effects combine to allow the Valve to achieve maximum lift and maximum flow within the
allowable overpressure limits. Because of the larger disc area exposed to system pressure after
the Valve achieves lift, the Valve will not close until system pressure has been reduced to some
level below the set pressure. The design of the control chamber determines where the closing
point will occur.
The difference between the set pressure and the closing point pressure is called blowdown and is
usually expressed as a percentage of set pressure.
Balanced Bellows Valves and Balanced Piston Valves
When superimposed back pressure is variable, a balanced bellows or balanced piston design is
recommended. A typical balanced bellow is shown on the right. The bellows or piston is designed
with an effective pressure area equal to the seat area of the disc. The Bonnet is vented to ensure
that the pressure area of the bellows or piston will always be exposed to atmospheric pressure and
to provide a telltale sign should the bellows or piston begin to leak. Variations in back pressure,
therefore, will have no effect on set pressure. Back pressure may, however, affect flow.
Safety Valve.
A safety Valve is a pressure Relief Valve actuated by inlet static pressure and characterized by
rapid opening or pop action. (It is normally used for steam and air services.)
Low-Lift Safety Valve.
A low-lift safety Valve is a safety Valve in which the disc lifts automatically such that the
actual discharge area is determined by the position of the disc.
Full-Lift Safety Valve.
A full-lift safety Valve is a safety Valve in which the disc lifts automatically such that the
actual discharge area is not determined by the position of the disc.
Relief Valve.
A Relief Valve is a pressure relief device actuated by inlet static pressure having a gradual lift
generally proportional to the increase in pressure over opening pressure. It may be provided with
an enclosed spring housing suitable for closed discharge system application and is primarily used
for liquid service.
Safety Relief Valve.
A safety Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve characterized by rapid opening or pop action, or by
opening in proportion to the increase in pressure over the opening pressure, depending on the
application and may be used either for liquid or compressible fluid.
Conventional Safety Relief Valve.
A conventional safety Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve which has its spring housing
vented to the discharge side of the Valve. The operational characteristics (opening
pressure, closing pressure, and relieving capacity) are directly affected by changes of the
back pressure on the Valve.
Balanced Safety Relief Valve.
A balanced safety Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve which incorporates means of
minimizing the effect of back pressure on the operational characteristics (opening pressure,
closing pressure, and relieving capacity).
Pilot-Operated Pressure Relief Valve.
A pilotoperated pressure Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve in which the major relieving device
is combined with and is controlled by a self-actuated auxiliary pressure Relief Valve.
Power-Actuated Pressure Relief Valve.
A poweractuated pressure Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve in which the major relieving
device is combined with and controlled by a device requiring an external source of energy.
Temperature-Actuated Pressure Relief Valve.
A temperature-actuated pressure Relief Valve is a pressure Relief Valve which may be actuated by
external or internal temperature or by pressure on the inlet side.
Vacuum Relief Valve.
A vacuum Relief Valve is a pressure relief device designed to admit fluid to prevent an excessive
internal vacuum; it is designed to reclose and prevent further flow of fluid after normal conditions
have been restored.
Codes, Standards and recommended Practices
Many Codes and Standards are published throughout the world which address the design and
application of pressure Relief Valves. The most widely used and recognized of these is the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, commonly called the ASME Code.
Most Codes and Standards are voluntary, which means that they are available for use by
manufacturers and users and may be written into purchasing and construction specifications. The
ASME Code is unique in the United States and Canada, having been adopted by the
The ASME Code provides rules for the design and construction of pressure vessels. Various
sections of the Code cover fired vessels, nuclear vessels, unfired vessels and additional subjects,
such as welding and nondestructive examination. Vessels manufactured in accordance with the
ASME Code are required to have overpressure protection. The type and design of allowable
overpressure protection devices is spelled out in detail in the Code.
Terminology
The following definitions are taken from DIN 3320 but it should be noted that many of the terms
and associated definitions used are universal and appear in many other standards. Where
commonly used terms are not defined in DIN 3320 then ASME PTC25.3 has been used as the
source of reference. This list is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide only; it should not be
used in place of the relevant current issue standard:
Operating pressure (working pressure)
is the gauge pressure existing at normal operating conditions within the system to be
protected.
Set pressure
is the gauge pressure at which under operating conditions direct loaded safety Valves
commence to lift.
Test pressure
is the gauge pressure at which under test stand conditions (atmospheric backpressure)
direct loaded safety Valves commence to lift.
Opening pressure
is the gauge pressure at which the lift is sufficient to discharge the predetermined flowing
capacity. It is equal to the set pressure plus opening pressure difference.
Reseating pressure
is the gauge pressure at which the direct loaded safety Valve is re-closed.
Built-up backpressure
is the gauge pressure built up at the outlet side by blowing.
Superimposed backpressure
is the gauge pressure on the outlet side of the closed Valve.
Backpressure
is the gauge pressure built up on the outlet side during blowing (built-up backpressure +
superimposed backpressure).
Accumulation
is the increase in pressure over the maximum allowable working gauge pressure of the
system to be protected.
Opening pressure difference
is the pressure rise over the set pressure necessary for a lift suitable to permit the
predetermined flowing capacity.
Reseating pressure difference
is the difference between set pressure and reseating pressure.
Functional pressure difference
is the sum of opening pressure difference and reseating pressure difference.
Operating pressure difference
is the pressure difference between set pressure and operating pressure.
Lift
is the travel of the disc away from the closed position.
Commencement of lift (opening)
is the first measurable movement of the disc or the perception of discharge noise.
Flow area
is the cross sectional area upstream or downstream of the body seat calculated from the
minimum diameter which is used to calculate the flow capacity without any deduction for
obstructions.
Flow diameter
is the minimum geometrical diameter upstream or downstream of the body seat.
Nominal size designation
of a safety Valve is the nominal size of the inlet.
Theoretical flowing capacity

is the calculated mass flow from an orifice having a cross sectional area equal to the flow
area of the safety Valve without regard to flow losses of the Valve.
Actual flowing capacityis the flowing capacity determined by measurement.
Certified flowing capacity
is actual flowing capacity reduced by 10%.
Coefficient of discharge
is the ratio of actual to the theoretical discharge capacity.
Certified coefficient of discharge
is the coefficient of discharge reduced by 10% (also known as derated coefficient of
discharge).
The following terms are not defined in DIN 3320 and are taken from ASME PTC25.3:
Blowdown (reseating pressure difference) difference between actual popping pressure and actual reseating pressure, usually
expressed as a percentage of set pressure or in pressure units.
Cold differential test pressure
the pressure at which a Valve is set on a test rig using a test fluid at ambient temperature.
This test pressure includes corrections for service conditions e.g. backpressure or high
temperatures.
Flow rating pressure
is the inlet static pressure at which the relieving capacity of a pressure relief device is
measured.
Leak test pressure
is the specified inlet static pressure at which a quantitative seat leakage test is performed in
accordance with a standard procedure.
Measured relieving capacity
is the relieving capacity of a pressure relief device measured at the flow rating pressure.
Rated relieving capacity
is that portion of the measured relieving capacity permitted by the applicable code or
regulation to be used as a basis for the application of a pressure relieving device.
Overpressure
is a pressure increase over the set pressure of a pressure Relief Valve, usually expressed
as a percentage of set pressure.
Popping pressure
is the value of increasing static inlet pressure of a pressure Relief Valve at which there is a
measurable lift, or at which the discharge becomes continuous as determined by seeing,
feeling or hearing.
Relieving pressure
is set pressure plus overpressure.
Simmer
is the pressure zone between the set pressure and popping pressure.
Maximum operating pressure
is the maximum pressure expected during system operation.
Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP)
is the maximum gauge pressure permissible at the top of a completed vessel in its
operating position for a designated temperature.
Maximum allowable accumulated pressure (MAAP)
is the maximum allowable working pressure plus the accumulation as established by
reference to the applicable codes for operating or fire contingencies.
Storage handling and transportation of Safety Valves

Storage and handling
Because cleanliness is essential to the satisfactory operation and tightness of a safety Valve,
precautions should be taken during storage to keep out all foreign materials. Inlet and outlet
protectors should remain in place until the Valve is ready to be installed in the system. Take care
to keep the Valve inlet absolutely clean. It is recommended that the Valve be stored indoors in the
original shipping container away from dirt and other forms of contamination.
Safety Valves must be handled carefully and never subjected to shocks. Rough handling may alter
the pressure setting, deform Valve parts and adversely affect seat tightness and Valve
performance.
The Valve should never be lifted or handled using the lifting lever.
When it is necessary to use a hoist, the chain or sling should be placed around the Valve body and
Bonnet in a manner that will insure that the Valve is in a vertical position to facilitate installation.
Installation
Many Valves are damaged when first placed in service because of failure to clean the connection
properly when installed. Before installation, flange faces or threaded connections on both the Valve
inlet and the vessel and/or line on which the Valve is mounted must be thoroughly cleaned of all
dirt and foreign material.
Because foreign materials that pass into and through safety Valves can damage the Valve, the
systems on which the Valves are tested and finally installed must also be inspected and cleaned.
New systems in particular are prone to contain foreign objects that inadvertently get trapped during
construction and will destroy the seating surface when the Valve opens. The system should be
thoroughly cleaned before the safety Valve is installed.
The gaskets used must be dimensionally correct for the specific flanges. The inside diameters
must fully clear the safety Valve inlet and outlet openings so that the gasket does not restrict flow.
For flanged Valves, draw down all connection studs or bolts evenly to avoid possible distortion of
the Valve body. For threaded Valves, do not apply a wrench to the Valve body. Use the hex flats
provided on the inlet bushing.
Safety Valves are intended to open and close within a narrow pressure range. Valve installations
require accurate design both as to inlet and discharge piping. Refer to International, National and
Industry Standards for guidelines.
Inlet piping
Connect this Valve as direct and close as possible to the vessel being protected.
The Valve should be mounted vertically in an upright position either directly on a nozzle from the
pressure vessel or on a short connection fitting that provides a direct, unobstructed flow between
the vessel and the Valve. Installing a safety Valve in other than this recommended position will
adversely affect its operation.
The Valve should never be installed on a fitting having a smaller inside diameter than the inlet
connection of the Valve.
Discharge piping
Discharge piping should be simple and direct. A "broken" connection near the Valve outlet is
preferred wherever possible. All discharge piping should be run as direct as is practicable to the
point of final release for disposal. The Valve must discharge to a safe disposal area. Discharge
piping must be drained properly to prevent the accumulation of liquids on the downstream side of
the safety Valve.
The weight of the discharge piping should be carried by a separate support and be properly braced
to withstand reactive thrust forces when the Valve relieves. The Valve should also be supported to
withstand any swaying or system vibrations.
If the Valve is discharging into a pressurized system be sure the Valve is a "balanced" design.
Pressure on the discharge of an "unbalanced" design will adversely affect the Valve performance
and set pressure.
Fittings or pipe having a smaller inside diameter than the Valve outlet connections must not be
used.
The Bonnets of balanced bellows safety Valves must always be vented to ensure proper
functioning of the Valve and to provide a telltale in the event of a bellows failure. Do not plug these
open vents. When the fluid is flammable, toxic or corrosive, the Bonnet vent should be piped to a
safe location.
Source and images for this page:
Crosby - Pressure Relief Valve Engineering Handbook Anderson Greenwood Crosby - Technical Seminar Manual Seridium AG SWITZERLAND
It is important to remember that a pressure Relief Valve is a safety device employed to

protect pressure vessels or systems from catastrophic failure. With this in mind, the
application of pressure Relief Valves should be assigned only to fully trained personnel and
be in strict compliance with rules provided by the governing codes and standards.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Control Valves

Why Control Valves used?
Process plants consist of hundreds, or even thousands, of control loops all networked together to
produce a product to be offered for sale. Each of these control loops is designed to keep some
important process variable such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, etc. within a required
operating range to ensure the quality of the end product. Each of these loops receives and
internally creates disturbances that detrimentally affect the process variable, and interaction from
other loops in the network provides disturbances that influence the process variable.
To reduce the effect of these load disturbances, sensors and transmitters collect information about
the process variable and its relationship to some desired set point. A controller then processes this
information and decides what must be done to get the process variable back to where it should be
after a load disturbance occurs. When all the measuring, comparing, and calculating are done,
some type of final control element must implement the strategy selected by the controller.
Principles of Operation
The most common final control element in the process control industries is the control valve. The
control valve manipulates a flowing fluid, such as gas, steam, water, or chemical compounds, to
compensate for the load disturbance and keep the regulated process variable as close as possible
to the desired set point.
Control valves may be the most important, but sometimes the most neglected, part of a control
loop. The reason is usually the instrument engineer's unfamiliarity with the many facets,
terminologies, and areas of engineering disciplines such as fluid mechanics, metallurgy, noise
control, and piping and vessel design that can be involved depending on the severity of service
conditions.
Any control loop usually consists of a sensor of the process condition, a transmitter and a
controller that compares the "process variable" received from the transmitter with the "set point,"
i.e., the desired process condition. The controller, in turn, sends a corrective signal to the "final
control element," the last part of the loop and the "muscle" of the process control system. While the
sensors of the process variables are the eyes, the controller the brain, then the final control
element is the hands of the control loop. This makes it the most important, alas sometimes the
least understood, part of an automatic control system. This comes about, in part, due to our strong
attachment to electronic systems and computers causing some neglect in the proper
understanding and proper use of the all important hardware.
What is a Control Valve?
Control valves automatically regulate pressure and/or flow rate, and are available for any pressure.
If different plant systems operate up to, and at pressure/temperature combinations that require
Class 300 valves, sometimes (where the design permits), all control valves chosen will be Class
300 for interchange-ability. However, if none of the systems exceeds the ratings for Class 150
valves, this is not necessary.
Globe valves are normally used for control, and their ends are usually flanged for ease of
maintenance. Depending on their type of supply, the disk is moved by a hydraulic, pneumatic,
electrical or mechanical actuator. The valve modulates flow through movement of a valve plug in
relation to the port(s) located within the valve body. The valve plug is attached to a valve stem,
which, in turn, is connected to the actuator.
Control Valve Arrangement
The image below shows how a control valve can be used to control rate of flow in a line. The
"controller" receives the pressure signals, compares them with pressure drop for the desired flow
and if the actual flow is different, adjusts the control valve to increase or decrease the flow.
Comparable arrangements can be devised to control any of numerous process variables.
Temperature, pressure, level and flow rate are the most common controlled variables.
Image comes from http://www.steamline.com/

Valve Types and typical Applications
Service and Function
Valve type
Pressure Directional
Isolation
Throttling
or stop
Relief
change
Gate
YES
NO
NO
Globe
YES
YES
NO
YES (note 1)
Check
(note 2) NO
NO
NO
Stop check
YES
NO
NO
NO
Butterfly
YES
YES
NO
NO
Ball
Plug
YES
YES
Diaphragm
YES
Safety Relief NO
(note 3)
NO
NO
YES (note 4)
(note 3)
NO
YES (note 4)
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
Notes:
1. Only angle-globe valves can be used for a 90-degree change in direction of flow.
2. Check valves (other than the stop-check valves) stop flow only in one (reverse) direction.
Stopcheck valves can be and are used as stop, block, or isolation valves, in addition to
being used as a check valve.
3. Some designs of ball-and-plug valves (contact the valve manufacturer) are suitable for
throttling service.
4. Multiport ball-and-plug valves are used for changing the direction of flow and mixing flows.
Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Actuators Introduction to Valve Actuators
Valve actuators are selected based upon a number of factors including torque necessary to
operate the valve and the need for automatic actuation. Types of actuators include manual
handwheel, manual lever, electrical motor, pneumatic, solenoid, hydraulic piston, and selfactuated. All actuators except manual handwheel and lever are adaptable to automatic actuation.
Manual, Fixed, and Hammer Actuators
Manual actuators are capable of placing the valve in any position but do not permit automatic
operation. The most common type mechanical actuator is the handwheel. This type includes
handwheels fixed to the stem, hammer handwheels, and handwheels connected to the stem
through gears.
Handwheels Fixed to Stem
As illustrated in the image on the right handwheels fixed to the stem provide only the mechanical
advantage of the wheel. When these valves are exposed to high operating temperatures, valve
binding makes operation difficult.
Hammer Handwheel
As illustrated in the image, the hammer handwheel moves freely through a portion of its turn and
then hits against a lug on a secondary wheel. The secondary wheel is attached to the valve stem.
With this arrangement, the valve can be pounded shut for tight closure or pounded open if it is
stuck shut.
Manually-Operated Gearbox
If additional mechanical advantage is necessary for a manually-operated valve, the valve bonnet is
fitted with manually-operated gear heads as illustrated in the image. A special wrench or
handwheel attached to the pinion shaft permits one individual to operate the valve when two
individuals might be needed without the gear advantage. Because several turns of the pinion are
necessary to produce one turn of the valve stem, the operating time of large valves is exceptionally
long. The use of portable air motors connected to the pinion shaft decreases the valve operating
time.
Electric Motor Actuators

Electric motors permit manual, semi-automatic, and automatic operation of the valve. Motors are
used mostly for open-close functions, although they are adaptable to positioning the valve to any
point opening as illustrated in the image below. The motor is usually a, reversible, high speed type
connected through a gear train to reduce the motor speed and thereby increase the torque at the
stem. Direction of motor rotation determines direction of disk motion.
The electrical actuation can be semi-automatic, as when the motor is started by a control system.
A handwheel, which can be engaged to the gear train, provides for manual operating of the valve.
Limit switches are normally provided to stop the motor automatically at full open and full closed
valve positions. Limit switches are operated either physically by position of the valve or torsionally
by torque of the motor.
Pneumatic Actuators
Pneumatic actuators as illustrated in the image on the right provide for automatic or semiautomatic
valve operation. These actuators translate an air signal into valve stem motion by air pressure
acting on a diaphragm or piston connected to the stem. Pneumatic actuators are used in throttle
valves for open-close positioning where fast action is required. When air pressure closes the valve
and spring action opens the valve, the actuator is termed directacting. When air pressure opens
the valve and spring action closes the valve, the actuator is termed reverseacting. Duplex
actuators have air supplied to both sides of the diaphragm. The differential pressure across the
diaphragm positions the valve stem. Automatic operation is provided when the air signals are
automatically controlled by circuitry. Semi-automatic operation is provided by manual switches in
the circuitry to the air control valves.
Hydraulic Actuators
Hydraulic actuators provide for semi-automatic or automatic positioning of the valve, similar to the
pneumatic actuators. These actuators use a piston to convert a signal pressure into valve stem
motion. Hydraulic fluid is fed to either side of the piston while the other side is drained or bled.
Water or oil is used as the hydraulic fluid. Solenoid valves are typically used for automatic control
of the hydraulic fluid to direct either opening or closing of the valve. Manual valves can also be
used for controlling the hydraulic fluid; thus providing semi-automatic operation.
Self-Actuated Valves
Self-actuated valves use the system fluid to position the valve. Relief valves, safety valves, check
valves, and steam traps are examples of self-actuated valves. All of these valves use some
characteristic of the system fluid to actuate the valve. No source of power outside the system fluid
energy is necessary for operation of these valves.
Solenoid Actuated Valves
Solenoid actuated valves provide for automatic open-close valve positioning as illustrated in the
image on the right. Most solenoid actuated valves also have a manual override that permits
manual positioning of the valve for as long as the override is manually positioned. Solenoids
position the valve by attracting a magnetic slug attached to the valve stem. In single solenoid
valves, spring pressure acts against the motion of the slug when power is applied to the solenoid.
These valves can be arranged such that power to the solenoid either opens or closes the valve.
When power to the solenoid is removed, the spring returns the valve to the opposite position. Two
solenoids can be used to provide for both opening and closing by applying power to the
appropriate solenoid.
Single solenoid valves are termed fail open or fail closed depending on the position of the valve
with the solenoid de-energized. Fail open solenoid valves are opened by spring pressure and
closed by energizing the solenoid. Fail closed solenoid valves are closed by spring pressure and
opened by energizing the solenoid. Double solenoid valves typically fail "as is." That is, the valve
position does not change when both solenoids are de-energized.
One application of solenoid valves is in air systems such as those used to supply air to pneumatic
valve actuators. The solenoid valves are used to control the air supply to the pneumatic actuator
and thus the position of the pneumatic actuated valve.
Speed of Power Actuators
Plant safety considerations dictate valve speeds for certain safety-related valves. Where a system
must be very quickly isolated or opened, very fast valve actuation is required. Where the opening
of a valve results in injection of relatively cold water to a hot system, slower opening is necessary
to minimize thermal shock. Engineering design selects the actuator for safetyrelated valves based
upon speed and power requirements and availability of energy to the actuator.
In general, fastest actuation is provided by hydraulic, pneumatic, and solenoid actuators. However,
excessive. Also, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators require a system for providing hydraulic or
pneumatic energy. The speed of actuation in either case can be set by installing appropriately
sized orifices in the hydraulic or pneumatic lines. In certain cases, the valve is closed by spring
pressure, which is opposed by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to keep the valve open.
Electrical motors provide relatively fast actuation. Actual valve speed is set by the combination of
motor speed and gear ratio. This combination can be selected to provide full valve travel within a
range from about two seconds to several seconds.
Valve Position Indication
Operators require indication of the position of certain valves to permit knowledgeable operation of
the plant. For such valves, remote valve position indication is provided in the form of position lights
that indicate if valves are open or closed. Remote valve position indication circuits use a position
detector that senses stem and disk position or actuator position. One type of position detector is
the mechanical limit switch, which is physically operated by valve movement.
Another type is magnetic switches or transformers that sense movement of their magnetic cores,
which are physically operated by valve movement.
Local valve position indication refers to some visually discernable characteristic of the valve that
indicates valve position. Rising stem valve position is indicated by the stem position. Nonrising
stem valves sometimes have small mechanical pointers that are operated by the valve actuator
simultaneously with valve operation. Power actuated valves typically have a mechanical pointer
that provides local valve position indication. On the other hand, some valves do not have any
feature for position indication.
Valve Actuators Summary
Manual actuators are the most common type of valve actuators. Manual actuators include
handwheels attached to the valve stem directly and handwheels attached through gears to
provide a mechanical advantage.
Electric motor actuators consist of reversible electric motors connected to the valve stem
through a gear train that reduces rotational speed and increases torque.
Pneumatic actuators use air pressure on either one or both sides of a diaphragm to provide
the force to position the valve.
Hydraulic actuators use a pressurized liquid on one or both sides of a piston to provide the
force required to position the valve.
Solenoid actuators have a magnetic slug attached to the valve stem. The force to position
the valve comes from the magnetic attraction between the slug on the valve stem and the
coil of the electromagnet in the valve actuator.

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What are the main types of valves classified based on motion?

What are the main types of valves classified based on motion?

What are valve bodies and what is their purpose?

What are valve bodies and what is their purpose?

VALVES QUICK REFERENCE HANDBOOK

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics What are Valves?

Valve Types Linear Motion Rotary Motion Quarter Turn

Rising Stem with Outside Screw and Yoke

2 and larger Valves.

Valve Stem Packing

1. Gland Follover 2. Gland 3. Stuffing Box with Packing 4. Back Seat

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Gate Valves Gate Valves

Stem of a Gate Valve

Seats of a Gate Valve

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Globe Valves Globe Valves

The fundamental principle of the Globe Valve operation is the

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Ball Valves Ball Valves

Advantages of using Ball Valves:

Types of Ball Valves

Ball Valve Bonnet

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Plug Valves Plug Valves

Advantages of using Plug Valves:

Typical applications of Plug Valves

Introduction to Valves - Butterfly Valves Butterfly Valves

Types of Butterfly Valves

Seat Disk and Stem of a Butterfly Valve

Quick operation requires less time to open or close

Shipment & Storage

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Check Valves Check Valves

Swing Check Valve

can be monitored through the third "bleed" Valve.

Inlet Isolation Valves

True meaning of Double Block and Bleed

Bellow Sealed Gate Valve

Bellow Sealed Gate Valve

A/B - Bonnet tendency to move up or down as pressure changes

Bolted Bonnets vs. Pressure Seals

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Pressure Relief Valves -

Pressure Relief Valves

during an overpressure event.

Theoretical flowing capacity

Storage handling and transportation of Safety Valves

It is important to remember that a pressure Relief Valve is a safety device employed to

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Control Valves

Image comes from http://www.steamline.com/

Introduction to Valves - Only the Basics - Actuators Introduction to Valve Actuators

Electric Motor Actuators

Solenoid Actuated Valves

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