Key Points on Metal Valve Selection

Working Conditions

• Pipeline diameter size
  • Large diameter: Metal butterfly valves or gate valves are preferred. Butterfly valves have a compact structure and lower cost, making them suitable for low-pressure, high-flow pipelines, while gate valves are suitable for large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines.
  • For medium and small diameters: Ball valves or globe valves are more appropriate. Ball valves offer low fluid resistance and quick opening and closing operations, while globe valves are suitable for flow regulation.
• Working temperature
  • In high-temperature conditions: Ball valves, globe valves, and gate valves perform excellently due to the high-temperature resistance of their metal sealing materials.
  • In medium and low-temperature conditions: Butterfly valves and check valves are also suitable.
• Working pressure
  • In high-pressure conditions: Ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves are preferred for their high pressure-bearing capacity and excellent sealing performance.
  • In low-pressure conditions: Butterfly valves are more economical and practical, while check valves can be used for backflow protection.
• Opening and closing frequency
  • High-frequency opening and closing: Ball valves or butterfly valves are ideal due to their quick opening/closing and simple operation.
  • Low-frequency opening and closing: Gate valves or globe valves are more suitable, especially in applications requiring high sealing performance.

Medium characteristics

• Fluid type
  • Clean media (e.g., water, steam, oils): Any type of metal valve is suitable, with the selection based on specific working conditions.
  • Corrosive media: Opt for valves made of highly corrosion-resistant metal materials, such as stainless steel ball valves, butterfly valves, or globe valves.
  • Media containing solid particles: Ball valves or butterfly valves are more suitable due to their wide flow paths, which reduce the risk of clogging. Gate valves and globe valves may experience wear and tear from solid particles, potentially shortening their lifespan.
  • Viscous fluids (e.g., slurry, colloids): Ball valves perform better, as their full bore design can prevent medium accumulation.
• Fluid control requirements
  • Fully open/close (cut-off function): Ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves are suitable. Gate valves are ideal for maintaining a fully open or closed position over extended periods, while ball valves and globe valves offer easier operation.
  • Flow regulation: Globe valves are the best choice for precise flow control, while butterfly valves can also be used for general flow regulation.
  • Backflow prevention: Check valves are recommended, as they rely on the medium's own flow pressure to automatically open and close, effectively preventing backflow.

Pressure Rating Analysis

• Low pressure system: Butterfly valves or check valves are preferred for their high cost-effectiveness.
• Medium pressure system: Ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves are all suitable, with the choice depending on specific functional requirements.
• High pressure system: Ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves are more suitable due to their robust structure and good sealing performance, making them capable of withstanding high pressure.

Functional Requirements Analysis

• Quick opening and closing
  • Ball valves and butterfly valves offer flexible operation and rapid opening/closing, ideal for applications requiring frequent switching
  • Globe valves open and close more slowly but provide superior sealing performance.
• Fluid throttling
  • Globe valves are well-suited for throttling control due to their strong flow regulation capabilities.
  • Butterfly valves can also be used for simple flow regulation.
• Sealing performance
  • For applications requiring high sealing performance, ball valves or globe valves are the best choices, while gate valves and butterfly valves are secondary options
  • The sealing performance of check valves depends on the pressure of the medium and backflow conditions.

Selecting the appropriate valve types based on specific requirements and operating conditions can enhance the efficiency and safety of the pipeline system. If you encounter any other issues with the selection of metal valves, feel free to contact us