To get started, choose a valve type for your flow control application. Manual valves include ball, check, gate, globe, diaphragm, elliptic, metering, needle, pinch, plug, pressure relief, and stopcock valves. Actuated valve selection includes actuated ball, pinch, proportioning, and general-purpose solenoid valves. Next:
Stopcocks with Luer Connections; 4-Way; Male Lock
- Consider your fluid type (liquid or gas) and its characteristics to determine compatible valve materials. PTFE and PFA withstand many harsh or corrosive chemicals. For safety reasons, always use metal valves for pressurized gases.
- Determine the temperature, pressure, and flow rate under which your valve will be operating. In general, metal valves withstand higher temperatures and pressures than plastic valves.
- For solenoid valves, consider response time and length of time valve will be energized. Continuous (100%) duty solenoid valves are best for frequent on/off cycling. Choose normally closed or normally open depending on the state the valve will be in most often.
- Consider your maintenance requirements. Ball valves resist plugging and are easiest to service.
Valve Terms
Breaking Pressure: The minimum pressure required to produce flow through a valve.
Duty Cycle: 100% duty cycle is defined as continuous operation without any damage occurring. For intermittent duty cycle (<100%), alternate energized and de-energized state at regular intervals to allow the valve to completely cool down to room temperature.
Flow Patterns: a diagram showing how flow can be directed using a particular valve.
Normally Closed: valve stays closed in de-energized state; opens when energized.
Normally Open: valve stays open in de-energized state; closes when energized.
Pressure Differential or Pressure Drop: the difference between the inlet and the outlet pressure through a valve. The outlet pressure is lower than the inlet pressure due to the restriction caused by the valve.
Three-Way Valve: has three ports. Depending on the particular valve, all three ports may be open, two ports may be open, or all ports may be closed.
Two-Way Valve: has a single inlet port and a single outlet port.
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The first bullet of your article is what I personally believe to be the most important, which mentions using metal valves for various types of gas. I am doing research on what types of valves would work best for the restaurant company I want to start in the future, as I will be dealing with a lot of gases. I think that I will do more research on the additional benefits that using certain types of metals can provide.