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Valve and Pipeline Design Part 1

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Table of Contents

1 VALVE AND PIPELINE DESIGN PART 1 1

1.1 Valves and Valves Specifications 3

1.1.1 Questions 3

1.2 Components of A Valve 4

1.2.1 Questions 5

1.3 Valve Selection Considerations 5

1.4 Valve Types 6

1.4.1 Gate Valve 6
1.4.2 Plug Valves 7
1.4.3 Ball Valve 10
1.4.4 Butterfly Valve 13
1.4.5 Needle Valve 14
1.4.6 Globe Valve 15
1.4.7 Pinch Valve 16
1.4.8 Check Valve 17
1.4.9 Diverter Valve 23
1.4.10 Types of Valve Summary 24
1.4.11 Questions 24

1.5 Valve Size 24

1.6 Pressure Loss Through Valves 25

1.7 Valve Ratings 25

1.8 Control Valves and Valve Actuators 26

1.8.1 Electric Actuators 26
1.8.2 Pneumatic Actuators 27
1.8.3 Hydraulic Actuators 27

1.9 Operating and Torque Considerations 27

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1 Valves and Valves Specifications

A valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or
slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically
pipe fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category. In an open valve, fluid flows in a
direction from higher pressure to lower pressure.

Valve functions can be defined as

1. ON/OFF service
2. Throttling service (flow control). Throttling in this case is the mechanism by which the
flow of a fluid is managed by constriction or obstruction.
3. prevention of reverse flow (or back flow),
4. pressure control, A pressure control valve is used to reduce the amount of pressure in a
tank or system of pipes.
5. regulation and
6. pressure relief.
Valves can be classified as either
1. linear (gate valve) or
2. rotary (ball valve)
based on the action of the closure member.

Valves are also classified by the shape of their closure member such as gate, globe,
butterfly, ball, plug, diaphragm, pinch, and check.

Valves must also be able to withstand the pressure and temperature variations of the systems
in which they are used. Some valves on combined water service mains, and those handling
flammable material, may be required to be fire safe or approved for fire protection use.

The flow in a pumping system may be controlled by valves. Some valves have distinct
positions, either shut or open, while others can be used to throttle flow. There are many different
types of valves; selecting the correct valve for an application depends on a number of factors,
such as ease of maintenance, reliability, leakage tendencies, cost, and the frequency with which
the valve will be open and shut.
Valves can be used to isolate equipment or regulate flow. Isolation valves are designed to seal
off a part of a system for operating purposes or maintenance. Flow-regulating valves either
restrict flow through a system branch (throttle valve) or allow flow around it (bypass valve). A
throttle valve controls flow by increasing or decreasing the flow resistance across it. In contrast,
a bypass valve allows flow to go around a system component by increasing or decreasing the
flow resistance in a bypass line. A check valve allows fluid to move
in only one direction, thus protecting equipment from being pressurized from the wrong
direction and helping to keep fluids flowing in the right direction. Check valves are used at the
discharge of many pumps to prevent flow reversal when the pump is stopped.
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1.1 Questions
1. What is a valve?
2. What functions do valves serve?
3. How are valves classified?
4. What is Throttling?
5. What is back flow?

2 Components of A Valve

Basic components of a valve

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1. A valve body is the housing for all the internal working components of a valve and it
contains the method of joining the valve to the piping system.
2. The closure element, known as the disk or plug, is a valve component that, when moved,
opens or closes to allow the passage of fluid through the valve. The mating surface of the
disk bears against the seat.
3. The actuator is a movable component that, when operated, causes the closure element to
open or close.
4. The stem is a movable component that connects the actuator to the closure element. The
bonnet is a valve component that provides a leakproof closure for the body through which
the stem passes and is sealed.
5. The bonnet is a valve component that provides a leakproof closure for the body through
which the stem passes and is sealed.
6. The seat is a component that provides a surface capable of sealing against the flow of
fluids in a valve when contacted by a mating surface on the disk. The seat is attached to
the valve body.
7. The stuffing box is the interior area of the valve between the stem and the bonnet that
contains the packing.
8. Packing is the material that seals the stem from leaking to the outside of the valve. The
packing is contained by the packing nut on the bonnet.
9. The backseat is a seat in the bonnet used in the fully open position to seal the valve stem
against leakage into the packing. A bushing on the stem provides the mating surface.
Backseating is useful if the packing begins to leak and it provides a means to prevent the
stem from being ejected from the valve. Backseating is not provided on all valves.
10. The stroke of a closure member is the distance the member must travel from the fully
opened to the fully closed position.

2.1 Questions
What are the basic component parts of a valve?

3 Valve Selection Considerations

The following general items must be considered in selecting valves.
1. Temperature. The valve bodies, trim, and operating parts must be capable of withstanding the
highest temperature expected during sustained normal and transient operating conditions.
2. Pressure. The valve must be rated for the highest transient pressure that might be expected.
3. Shutoff. The degree of allowable shutoff must be known. For utility piping, some minor
leakage should be allowed and would prove extremely costly to eliminate. Bubbletight valves
are those that exhibit no visible leakage through the elastomeric seat of the valve for the
duration of a test as defined by MSS SP 82.
4. Valve operation. It must be determined whether the valve be used only for ON /OFF use or
for throttling.
5. Pressure drop. Allowable pressure drop must be established and the size (equal to or less than
that figure) selected.
6. Corrosion resistance. This is affected by the nature, concentration, and temperature of the
fluid.
7. Velocity. The velocity of the fluid through the valve must be considered.
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8. Firesafe. It must be known if this is a requirement. (Refer to previous discussion.)

9. Hazardous material. When the fluid being transported is considered hazardous or lethal,
valves must be specifically designed to handle these materials. Redundant stem packing and
leak detection ports are typical design features. ANSI B 31.3, category M, defines this
category of fluids.

4 Valve Types
The basic types of valves discussed here are
1. Gate Valve
2. Globe Valve
3. Plug Valve
4. Ball Valve
5. Butterfly Valve
6. Diaphragm Valve
7. Pinch Valve
8. Check Valve
9. Diverter Valve

4.1 Gate Valve

A gate valve is a linear motion valve used to start or stop fluid flow; however, it does not regulate or
throttle flow. The name gate is derived from the appearance of the disk in the flow stream.
A flow control device consisting of a wedge-shaped gate which can be raised to allow full, unobstructed
flow or can be lowered to restrict the flow passage.

A Gate valve

The disk of a gate valve is completely removed from the flow stream when the valve is
fully open. This characteristic offers virtually no resistance to flow when the valve is open.
Hence, there is little pressure drop across an open gate valve.
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When the valve is fully closed, a disk-to-seal ring contact surface exists for 360, and
good sealing is provided. With the proper mating of a disk to the seal ring, very little or no
leakage occurs across the disk when the gate valve is closed.
On opening the gate valve, the flow path is enlarged in a highly nonlinear manner with
respect to percent of opening. This means that flow rate does not change evenly with stem travel.
Also, a partially open gate disk tends to vibrate from the fluid flow. Most of the flow
change occurs near shutoff with a relatively high fluid velocity causing disk and seat wear and
eventual leakage if used to regulate flow. For these reasons, gate valves are not used to regulate
or throttle flow.
A gate valve can be used for a wide variety of fluids and provides a tight seal when closed.
The major disadvantages to the use of a gate valve are:
It is not suitable for throttling applications.
It is prone to vibration in the partially open state.
It is more subject to seat and disk wear than a globe valve.
Repairs, such as lapping and grinding, are generally more difficult to accomplish.

4.2 Plug Valves

A plug valve is a rotational motion valve used to stop or start fluid flow. The name is derived
from the shape of the disk, which resembles a plug. A plug valve is shown below. The simplest
form of a plug valve is the petcock. The body of a plug valve is machined to receive the tapered
or cylindrical plug. The disk is a solid plug with a bored passage at a right angle to the
longitudinal axis of the plug.

Plug Valve
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In the open position, the passage in the plug lines up with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve
body. When the plug is turned 90 from the open position, the solid part of the plug blocks the
ports and stops fluid flow.
Plug valves are available in either a lubricated or nonlubricated design and with a variety of
styles of port openings through the plug as well as a number of plug designs

Plug Ports
An important characteristic of the plug valve is its easy adaptation to multiport construction.
Multiport valves are widely used. Their installation simplifies piping, and they provide a more
convenient operation than multiple gate valves. They also eliminate pipe fittings. The use of a
multiport valve, depending upon the number of ports in the plug valve, eliminates the need of as
many as four conventional shutoff valves.
Plug valves are normally used in non-throttling, on-off operations, particularly where frequent
operation of the valve is necessary. These valves are not normally recommended for throttling
service because, like the gate valve, a high percentage of flow change occurs near shutoff at high
velocity. However, a diamond-shaped port has been developed for throttling service.

Multiport Plug Valves

Multiport valves are particularly advantageous on transfer lines and for diverting services. A
single multiport valve may be installed in lieu of three or four gate valves or other types of
shutoff valve. A disadvantage is that many multiport valve configurations do not completely shut
off flow.
In most cases, one flowpath is always open. These valves are intended to divert the flow of one
line while shutting off flow from the other lines. If complete shutoff of flow is a requirement, it
is necessary that a style of multiport valve be used that permits this, or a secondary valve should
be installed on the main line ahead of the multiport valve to permit complete shutoff of flow.
In some multiport configurations, simultaneous flow to more than one port is also possible. Great
care should be taken in specifying the particular port arrangement required to guarantee that
proper operation will be possible.

Plug Valve Disks

Plugs are either round or cylindrical with a taper. They may have various types of port openings,
each with a varying degree of area relative to the corresponding inside diameter of the pipe.
Rectangular Port Plug
The most common port shape is the rectangular port. The rectangular port represents at least 70%
of the corresponding pipe's cross-sectional area.

Round Port Plug

Round port plug is a term that describes a valve that has a round opening through the plug. If the
port is the same size or larger than the pipe's inside diameter, it is referred to as a full port. If the
opening is smaller than the pipe's inside diameter, the port is referred to as a standard round port.
Valves having standard round ports are used only where restriction of flow is unimportant.
Diamond Port Plug
A diamond port plug has a diamond-shaped port through the plug. This design is for throttling
service. All diamond port valves are venturi restricted flow type.
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Plug valves are valves with cylindrical or conically-tapered "plugs" which can be rotated inside
the valve body to control flow through the valve. The plugs in plug valves have one or more
hollow passageways going sideways through the plug, so that fluid can flow through the plug
when the valve is open. Plug valves are simple and often economical.

When the plug is conically-tapered, the stem/handle is typically attached to the larger diameter
end of the plug. Plug valves usually do not have bonnets but often have the end of the plug with
the handle exposed or mostly exposed to the outside. In cases like that, there is usually not much
of a stem. The stem and handle often come in one piece, often a simple, approximately L-shaped
handle attached to the end of the plug. The other end of the plug is often exposed to the outside
of the valve too, but with a mechanism which retains the plug in the body.

The simplest and most common general type of plug valve is a 2-port valve, which has two
positions, open to allow flow, and shut (closed) to stop flow. Ports are openings in the valve body
through which fluid can enter or leave. The plug in this kind of valve has one passageway going
through it. The ports are typically at opposite ends of the body; therefore, the plug is rotated a
fourth of a full turn to change from open to shut positions. This makes this kind of plug valve a
quarter-turn valve. There is often a mechanism limiting motion of the handle to a quarter turn,
but not in glass stopcocks.

Slightly conically-tapered metal (often brass) plug valves are often used as simple shut-off valves
in household natural gas lines.

It is also possible for a plug valve to have more than two ports. In a 3-way plug valve, flow from
one port could be directed to either the second or third port. A 3-way plug valve could also be
designed to shift flow between ports 1 and 2, 2 and 3, or 1 and 3, and possibly even connect all
three ports together. The flow-directing possibilities in multi-port plug valves are similar to the
possibilities in corresponding multi-port ball valves or corresponding multi-port valves with a
rotor. An additional possibility in plug valves is the have one port on one side of the plug valve
and two ports on the other side, with two diagonal and parallel fluid pathways inside the plug. In
this case the plug can be rotated 180 to connect the port on the one side to either of the two
ports on the other side.
Stopcocks used in laboratory glassware are typically forms of conically-tapered plug valves.
When fused with the glassware, the valve bodies are made of glass. Otherwise, they can be made
of an inert plastic such as Teflon. The plugs can be made of a similar plastic or glass. When the
plug is made of glass, the handle and plug are fused together in one piece out of glass. When
glass is used for both the stopcock body and the plug, the contacting surfaces between them are
special ground glass surfaces (see Laboratory glassware) often with stopcock grease in between.
Special glass stopcocks are made for vacuum applications, such as in use with vacuum
manifolds. Stopcock grease is always used in high vacuum applications to make the stopcock air-
tight. Also if the plug valve is "locked" from being in the open or closed position for an extended
amount of time lubricant can be added through the greaser with the valve in service.

4.3 Ball Valve

A ball valve is a rotational motion valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start fluid flow.
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The ball, shown in Figure 12, performs the same function as the disk in the globe valve. When
the valve handle is turned to open the valve, the ball rotates to a point where the hole through the
ball is in line with the valve body inlet and outlet. When the valve is shut, the ball is rotated so
that the hole is perpendicular to the flow openings of the valve body and the flow is stopped.
Most ball valve actuators are of the quick-acting type, which require a 90turn of the
valve handle to operate the valve. Other ball valve actuators are planetary gear-operated. This
type of gearing allows the use of a relatively small handwheel and operating force to operate a
fairly large valve.
Some ball valves have been developed with a spherical surface coated plug that is off to one side
in the open position and rotates into the flow passage until it blocks the flowpath completely.
Seating is accomplished by the eccentric movement of the plug. The valve requires no
lubrication and can be used for throttling service.

Ball Valve

Ball Valve
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Port Patterns
Ball valves are available in the venturi, reduced, and full port pattern. The full port pattern has a
ball with a bore equal to the inside diameter of the pipe.

Valve Materials
Balls are usually metallic in metallic bodies with trim (seats) produced from elastomeric (elastic
materials resembling rubber) materials. Plastic construction is also available.
The resilient seats for ball valves are made from various elastomeric material. The most common
seat materials are teflon (TFE), filled TFE, Nylon, Buna-N, Neoprene, and combinations of these
materials. Because of the elastomeric materials, these valves cannot be used at elevated
temperatures. Care must be used in the selection of the seat material to ensure that it is
compatible with the materials being handled by the valve.

Ball Valve Stem Design

The stem in a ball valve is not fastened to the ball. It normally has a rectangular portion at the
ball end which fits into a slot cut into the ball. The enlargement permits rotation of the ball as the
stem is turned.

Ball Valve Bonnet Design

A bonnet cap fastens to the body, which holds the stem assembly and ball in place. Adjustment of
the bonnet cap permits compression of the packing, which supplies the stem seal. Packing for
ball valve stems is usually in the configuration of die-formed packing rings normally of TFE,
TFE-filled, or TFE-impregnated material. Some ball valve stems are sealed by means of O-rings
rather than packing.

Ball Valve Position

Some ball valves are equipped with stops that permit only 90 rotation. Others do not have stops
and may be rotated 360. With or without stops, a 90 rotation is all that is required for closing or
opening a ball valve.
The handle indicates valve ball position. When the handle lies along the axis of the valve, the
valve is open. When the handle lies 90 across the axis of the valve, the valve is closed. Some
ball valve stems have a groove cut in the top face of the stem that shows the flowpath through
the ball. Observation of the groove position indicates the position of the port through the ball.
This feature is particularly advantageous on multiport ball valves.

Types of ball valve

There are five general body styles of ball valves: single body, three piece body, split body, top
entry, and welded. The difference is based on how the pieces of the valveespecially the casing
that contains the ball itselfare manufactured and assembled. The valve operation is the same in
each case.
In addition, there are different styles related to the bore of the ball mechanism itself:
1. A full port or more commonly known full bore ball valve has an over-sized ball so that
the hole in the ball is the same size as the pipeline resulting in lower friction loss. Flow is
unrestricted but the valve is larger and more expensive so this is only used where free
flow is required, for example in pipelines which require pigging.
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2. In reduced port or more commonly known reduced bore ball valves, flow through the
valve is one pipe size smaller than the valve's pipe size resulting in flow area being
smaller than pipe. As the flow discharge remains constant and is equal to area of flow (A)
times velocity (V), A1V1 = A2V2 the velocity increases with reduced area of flow.
3. A V port ball valve has either a 'v' shaped ball or a 'v' shaped seat. This allows the orifice
to be opened and closed in a more controlled manner with a closer to linear flow
characteristic. When the valve is in the closed position and opening is commenced the
small end of the 'v' is opened first allowing stable flow control during this stage. This
type of design requires a generally more robust construction due to higher velocities of
the fluids, which might damage a standard valve.
4. A trunnion ball valve has additional mechanical anchoring of the ball at the top and the
bottom, suitable for larger and higher pressure valves (say, above 10 cm and 40 bars).
5. Cavity filler Ball Valve. Many industries encounter problem with residues in the ball
valve. Where the fluid is meant for human consumption, residues may also be health
hazard, and when where the fluid changes from time to time contamination of one fluid
with another may occur. Residues arise because in the half open position of the ball valve
a gap is created between the ball bore and the body in which fluid can be trapped. To
avoid the fluid getting into this cavity, the cavity has to be plugged, which can be done by
extending the seats in such a manner that it is always in contact with the ball. This type of
ball valve is known as Cavity Filler Ball Valve.
Manually operated ball valves can be closed quickly and thus there is a danger of water hammer.
Some ball valves are equipped with an actuator that may be pneumatically or motor operated.
These valves can be used either for on/off or flow control. A pneumatic flow control valve is also
equipped with a positioner which transforms the control signal into actuator position and valve
opening accordingly.

Advantages
A ball valve is generally the least expensive of any valve configuration and has low maintenance
costs. In addition to quick, quarter turn on-off operation, ball valves are compact, require no
lubrication, and give tight sealing with low torque.
Disadvantages
Conventional ball valves have relatively poor throttling characteristics. In a throttling position,
the partially exposed seat rapidly erodes because of the impingement of high velocity flow.
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4.4 Butterfly Valve

A valve used to control the flow of fluids; a disk controls flow through the port; it is also called a
butterfly damper.

A butterfly valve is a valve which can be used for isolating or regulating flow. The closing
mechanism takes the form of a disk. Operation is similar to that of a ball valve, which allows for
quick shut off. Butterfly valves are generally favored because they are lower in cost to other
valve designs as well as being lighter in weight, meaning less support is required. The disc is
positioned in the center of the pipe, passing through the disc is a rod connected to an actuator on
the outside of the valve. Rotating the actuator turns the disc either parallel or perpendicular to the
flow. Unlike a ball valve, the disc is always present within the flow, therefore a pressure drop is
always induced in the flow, regardless of valve position.

A butterfly valve is from a family of valves called quarter-turn valves. The "butterfly" is a metal
disc mounted on a rod. When the valve is closed, the disc is turned so that it completely blocks
off the passageway. When the valve is fully open, the disc is rotated a quarter turn so that it
allows an almost unrestricted passage of the fluid. The valve may also be opened incrementally
to throttle flow.

There are different kinds of butterfly valves, each adapted for different pressures and different
usage. The resilient butterfly valve, which uses the flexibility of rubber, has the lowest pressure
rating. The high performance butterfly valve, used in slightly higher-pressure systems, features a
slight offset in the way the disc is positioned, which increases the valve's sealing ability and
decreases its tendency to wear. The valve best suited for high-pressure systems is the tricentric
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butterfly valve, which makes use of a metal seat,[clarification needed] and is therefore able to
withstand a greater

Types of Butterfly Valves

1. Resilient butterfly valve, having a flexible rubber seat. Working pressure 232 psi.
2. High performance butterfly valve, usually double eccentric in design. Working pressure up to
725 psi
3. Tricentric butterfly valve, usually with metal seat design. Working pressure up to 1450 psi

4.5 Needle Valve

A fluid control valve that uses a long tapered needle to finely control the amount of fluid passing
through the orifice. The more the needle is in, the lesser is the amount of flow, and vice versa. It
can be adjusted as required.

A needle valve is a type of valve having a small port and a threaded,

needle-shaped plunger. It allows precise regulation of flow, although it
is generally only capable of relatively low flow rates.
Construction and operation

A needle valve has a relatively small orifice with a long, tapered seat, and a needle-shaped
plunger, on the end of a screw, which exactly fits this seat.

As the screw is turned and the plunger retracted, flow between the seat and the plunger is
possible; however, until the plunger is completely retracted the fluid flow is significantly
impeded. Since it takes many turns of the fine-threaded screw to retract the plunger, precise
regulation of the flow rate is possible.

The virtue of the needle valve is from the vernier effect of the ratio between the needle's length
and its diameter, or the difference in diameter between needle and seat. A long travel axially (the
control input) makes for a very small and precise change radially (affecting the resultant flow).
Uses

Needle valves are usually used in flow metering applications, especially when a constant,
calibrated, low flow rate must be maintained for some time, such as the idle fuel flow in a
carburetor.

Note that the float valve of a carburetor (controlling the fuel level within the carburetor) is not
a needle valve, although it is commonly described as one. It uses a bluntly conical needle, but it
seats against a square-edged seat rather than a matching cone. The intention here is to obtain a
well-defined seat between two narrow mating surfaces, giving firm shutoff of the flow from only
a light float pressure.

Since flow rates are low and many turns of the valve stem are required to completely open or
close, needle valves are not used for simple shutoff applications.
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Since the orifice is small and the force advantage of the fine-threaded stem is high, needle valves
are usually easy to shut off completely, with merely "finger tight" pressure. Small, simple needle
valves are often used as bleed valves in hot water heating applications. Unlike a ball valve, or
valves with a rising stem, it is not easy to tell from examining the handle position whether the
valve is open or closed.

4.6 Globe Valve

A valve in which the flow of water is controlled by a movable spindle which lowers to a fixed seat,
thereby restricting the flow through the valve opening; the spindle is fitted with a washer to provide
tight closure; usually enclosed in a chamber having a globular shape.

A globe valve is a type of valve used for regulating flow in a pipeline, consisting of a movable
disk-type element and a stationary ring seat in a generally spherical body.

Globe valves are named for their spherical body shape with the two halves of the body being
separated by an internal baffle. This has an opening that forms a seat onto which a movable
plug[2] can be screwed in to close (or shut) the valve. The plug is also called a disc or disk. In
globe valves, the plug is connected to a stem which is operated by screw action in manual valves.
Typically, automated valves use sliding stems. Automated globe valves have a smooth stem
rather than threaded and are opened and closed by an actuator assembly. When a globe valve is
manually operated, the stem is turned by a handwheel.
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Although globe valves in the past had the spherical bodies which gave them their name, many
modern globe valves do not have much of a spherical shape. However, the term globe valve is
still often used for valves that have such an internal mechanism. In plumbing, valves with such a
mechanism are also often called stop valves since they don't have the global appearance, but the
term stop valve may refer to valves which are used to stop flow even when they have other
mechanisms or designs.

Globe valves are used for applications requiring throttling and frequent operation. For example,
globe valves or valves with a similar mechanism may be used as sampling valves, which are
normally shut except when liquid samples are being taken. Since the baffle restricts flow, they're
not recommended where full, unobstructed flow is required.

4.7 Pinch Valve

The relatively inexpensive pinch valve, llustrated , is the simplest in any valve design. It is
simply an industrial version of the pinch cock used in the laboratory to control the flow of fluids
through rubber tubing. Pinch valves are suitable for on-off and throttling services. However, the
effective throttling range is usually between 10% and 95% of the rated flow capacity.
Pinch valves are ideally suited for the handling of slurries, liquids with large amounts of
suspended solids, and systems that convey solids pneumatically. Because the operating
mechanism is completely isolated from the fluid, these valves also find application where
corrosion or metal contamination of the fluid might be a problem.

Pinch Valve

The pinch control valve consists of a sleeve molded of rubber or other synthetic material
and a pinching mechanism. All of the operating portions are completely external to the valve.
The molded sleeve is referred to as the valve body.
Pinch valve bodies are manufactured of natural and synthetic rubbers and plastics which have
good abrasion resistance properties. These properties permit little damage to the valve sleeve,
thereby providing virtually unimpeded flow. Sleeves are available with either extended hubs and
clamps designed to slip over a pipe end, or with a flanged end having standard dimensions.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 17 of 29

Pinch Valve Bodies

Pinch valves have molded bodies reinforced with fabric. Pinch valves generally have a
maximum operating temperature of 250oF. At 250oF, maximum operating pressure varies
generally from 100 psig for a 1-inch diameter valve and decreases to 15 psig for a 12-inch
diameter valve. Special pinch valves are available for temperature ranges of -100oF to 550oF and
operating pressures of 300 psig.
Most pinch valves are supplied with the sleeve (valve body) exposed. Another style fully
encloses the sleeve within a metallic body. This type controls flow either with the conventional
wheel and screw pinching device, hydraulically, or pneumatically with the pressure of the liquid
or gas within the metal case forcing the sleeve walls together to shut off flow.
Most exposed sleeve valves have limited vacuum application because of the tendency of the
sleeves to collapse when vacuum is applied. Some of the encased valves can be used on vacuum
service by applying a vacuum within the metal casing and thus preventing the collapse of the
sleeve.

4.8 Check Valve

Check valves are designed to prevent the reversal of flow in a piping system. These valves are
activated by the flowing material in the pipeline. The pressure of the fluid passing through the
system opens the valve, while any reversal of flow will close the valve. Closure is accomplished
by the weight of the check mechanism, by back pressure, by a spring, or by a combination of
these means. The general types of check valves are swing, tilting-disk, piston, butterfly, and stop.
The types of Check valves are
1. The swing Check Valve
2. Tilting Disk Check Valves
3. Lift Check Valves
4. Piston Check Valves
5. Butterfly Check Valves
6. Stop Check Valves

The Swing Check Valve

Aswing check valve is illustrated in Figure 22. The valve allows full, unobstructed flow and
automatically closes as pressure decreases. These valves are fully closed when the flow reaches
zero and prevent back flow. Turbulence and pressure drop within the valve are very low.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 18 of 29

Swing Check Valve

A swing check valve is normally recommended for use in systems employing gate valves
because of the low pressure drop across the valve. Swing check valves are available in either Y-
pattern or straight body design. A straight check valve is illustrated in Figure 22. In either style,
the disk and hinge are suspended from the body by means of a hinge pin. Seating is either metal-
to metal or metal seat to composition disk. Composition disks are usually recommended for
services where dirt or other particles may be present in the fluid, where noise is objectionable, or
where positive shutoff is required.

Straight body swing check valves contain a disk that is hinged at the top. The disk seals against
the seat, which is integral with the body. This type of check valve usually has replaceable seat
rings. The seating surface is placed at a slight angle to permit easier opening at lower pressures,
more positive sealing, and less shock when closing under higher pressures. Swing check valves
are usually installed in conjunction with gate valves because they provide relatively free flow.
They are recommended for lines having low velocity flow and should not be used on lines with
pulsating flow when the continual flapping or pounding would be destructive to the seating
elements. This condition can be partially corrected by using an external lever and weight.

Tilting Disk Check Valves

The tilting disk check valve, illustrated in Figure 23, is similar to the swing check valve. Like the
swing check, the tilting disk type keeps fluid resistance and turbulence low because of its
straight-through design.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 19 of 29

Tilting Disk Check Valves

Tilting disk check valves can be installed in horizontal lines and vertical lines having upward
flow. Some designs simply fit between two flange faces and provide a compact, lightweight
installation, particularly in larger diameter valves

The disk lifts off of the seat to open the valve. The airfoil design of the disk allows it to "float"
on the flow. Disk stops built into the body position the disk for optimum flow characteristics.
A large body cavity helps minimize flow restriction. As flow decreases, the disk starts closing
and seals before reverse flow occurs. Backpressure against the disk moves it across the soft seal
into the metal seat for tight shutoff without slamming. If the reverse flow pressure is insufficient
to cause a tight seal, the valve may be fitted with an external lever and weight.
These valves are available with a soft seal ring, metal seat seal, or a metal-to-metal seal. The
latter is recommended for high temperature operation. The soft seal rings are replaceable, but the
valve must be removed from the line to make the replacement.

Lift Check Valves

A lift check valve, illustrated in Figure 24, is commonly used in piping systems in which globe
valves are being used as a flow control valve. They have similar seating arrangements as globe
valves.
Lift check valves are suitable for installation in horizontal or vertical lines with upward flow.
They are recommended for use with steam, air, gas, water, and on vapor lines with high flow
velocities. These valves are available in three body patterns: horizontal, angle, and vertical.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 20 of 29

Lift Check Valves

Flow to lift check valves must always enter below the seat. As the flow enters, the disk or ball is
raised within guides from the seat by the pressure of the upward flow. When the flow stops or
reverses, the disk or ball is forced onto the seat of the valve by both the backflow and gravity.
Some types of lift check valves may be installed horizontally. In this design, the ball is
suspended by a system of guide ribs. This type of check valve design is generally employed in
plastic check valves.
The seats of metallic body lift check valves are either integral with the body or contain
renewable seat rings. Disk construction is similar to the disk construction of globe valves with
either metal or composition disks. Metal disk and seat valves can be reground using the same
techniques as is used for globe valves.

Piston Check Valves

A piston check valve, illustrated in Figure 25, is essentially a lift check valve. It has a dashpot
consisting of a piston and cylinder that provides a cushioning effect during operation. Because of
the similarity in design to lift check valves, the flow characteristics through a piston check valve
are essentially the same as through a lift check valve.
Installation is the same as for a lift check in that the flow must enter from under the seat.
Construction of the seat and disk of a piston check valve is the same as for lift check valves.
Piston check valves are used primarily in conjunction with globe and angle valves in piping
systems experiencing very frequent changes in flow direction. Valves of this type are used on
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 21 of 29

Piston Check Valves

Butterfly Check Valves

Butterfly check valves have a seating arrangement similar to the seating arrangement of butterfly
valves. Flow characteristics through these check valves are similar to the flow characteristics
through butterfly valves. Consequently, butterfly check valves are quite frequently used in
systems using butterfly valves.
In addition, the construction of the butterfly check valve body is such that ample space is
provided for unobstructed movement of the butterfly valve disk within the check valve body
without the necessity of installing spacers.
The butterfly check valve design is based on a flexible sealing member against the bore of the
valve body at an angle of 45o.
The short distance the disk must move from full open to full closed inhibits the "slamming"
action found in some other types of check valves. Figure 26 illustrates the internal assembly of
the butterfly check valve.
Because the flow characteristics are similar to the flow characteristics of butterfly valves,
applications of these valves are much the same. Also, because of their relatively quiet operation
they find application in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Simplicity of design
also permits their construction in large diameters - up to 72 inches.
As with butterfly valves, the basic body design lends itself to the installation of seat liners
constructed of many materials. This permits the construction of a corrosion-resistant valve at less
expense than would be encountered if it were necessary to construct the entire body of the higher
alloy or more expensive metal. This is particularly true in constructions such as those of titanium.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 22 of 29

Flexible sealing members are available in Buna-N, Neoprene, Nordel, Hypalon, Viton, Tyon,
Urethane, Butyl, Silicone, and TFE as standard, with other materials available on special order.
The valve body essentially is a length of pipe that is fitted with flanges or has threaded, grooved,
or plain ends. The interior is bored to a fine finish. The flanged end units can have liners of
various metals or plastics installed depending upon the service requirements. Internals and
fasteners are always of the same material as the liner.

Butterfly Check Valves

Butterfly check valves may be Figure 27 Stop Check Valve installed horizontally or vertically
with the vertical flow either upward or downward.
Care should be taken to ensure that the valve is installed so that the entering flow comes from the
hinge post end of the valve; otherwise, all flow will be stopped.

Stop Check Valves

A stop check valve, is a combination of a lift check valve and a globe valve. It has a stem which,
when closed, prevents the disk from coming off the seat and provides a tight seal (similar to a
globe valve).
When the stem is operated to the open position, the valve operates as a lift check. The stem is not
connected to the disk and functions to close the valve tightly or to limit the travel of the valve
disk in the open direction.
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 23 of 29

Stop Check Valves

4.9 Diverter Valve

Diverter Valves are special purpose valves
Diverter valves are used to route flow through various piping systems
The Valve body contains three or more ports
Ball and plug valves adapt readily to multi-port con figurations
Figure shows some of the flow variations possible with 3-way and 4-way valves
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 24 of 29

4.10 Types of Valve Summary

Gate valves are generally used in systems where low flow resistance for a fully open valve is
desired and there is no need to throttle the flow.
Globe valves are used in systems where good throttling characteristics and low seat leakage
are desired and a relatively high head loss in an open valve is acceptable.
Ball valves allow quick, quarter turn on-off operation and have poor throttling characteristics.
Plug valves are often used to direct flow between several different ports through use of a
single valve.
Diaphragm valves and pinch valves are used in systems where it is desirable for the entire
operating mechanism to be completely isolated from the fluid.
Butterfly valves provide significant advantages over other valve designs in weight, space,
and cost for large valve applications.
Check valves automatically open to allow flow in one direction and seat to prevent flow in
the reverse direction.
A stop check valve is a combination of a lift check valve and a globe valve and incorporates
the characteristics of both.
Safety/relief valves are used to provide automatic over pressurization protection for a system.

4.11 Questions
List the various types of Valves

5 Valve Size
A valve will normally have the same size as the pipeline in which it is installed
In some installations, a reduced size valve is often desirable when:
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 25 of 29

1) Excess pressure is available and pressure loss is not critical

2) The valve location is crowded and a smaller valve improves operating conditions
3) The absence of vibrations and bending movements prevents excessive bolt stress
4) A larger number of valves is required and the size savings can be realized without
sacrifice of safety
5) The mechanical strength of a reducing valve is adequate for stresses induced by thermal
expansion or mechanical stress.

6 Pressure Loss Through Valves

In general, valves used for utility piping are rarely selected based on pressure drop through the
valve but rather for their suitability in service. Calculations are not needed since established
equivalent lengths of pipe for each type of valve are sufficiently accurate for determination of the
approximate pressure drop through the valve. Refer to Fig. 9.1 to determine the equivalent length
of pipe for common valves.
There may be occasions where precise determination of the pressure drop through any valve
would be desired, such as in cases where pressure drop must be kept to a minimum or the exact
determination of the pressure drop is necessary. This is done by using the standard measure of
valve flow, the coefficient Cv . This coefficient is the flow in gallons per minute that will pass
through a valve in the wide-open position with a pressure drop of 1 psi (6.9 kPa). This coefficient
is determined by the valve manufacturer using actual flow tests. With the Cv known, the
pressure differential can be found using the following formula:

SF 2
P
Cv2
where
P pressure difference, psig
S = specific gravity of fluid (the value for water is 1)
F = flow rate in gpm
Cv = valve flow coefficient (obtained from valve manufacturer)
The
Cv is calculated by dividing the flow in GPM by the square root of the pressure difference
across the valve.

7 Valve Ratings
There are a number of designations used to indicate the pressure ratings of valves.
Valves are pressure rated by their ability to withstand pressure within a range of temperatures.
Standard pressure ratings have been established to match ANSI ratings of flanges and fittings and
are designated by class, conforming to ANSI B 16.34 ratings. Two types of designation are WSP
and WOG. WSP, or working steam pressure, rates the ability to handle steam at the specified
working pressure. WOG, or water, oil, and gas, rates the ability to handle cold water, oil, and
gases at the assigned working pressure. When the two ratings are given, WSP is called the
primary rating. When only one rating is given, the valve is not generally used for the service not
mentioned. The rating 150 lb refers to the working pressure in psig for which the valve is rated.
If a valve is primarily used for water service, a common designation is WWP, or water working
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 26 of 29

pressure. This designation rates the ability to handle cold water. The valve class designates the
working pressure of a valve. A class 300 rating indicates a valve with a working pressure of 300
psig.

Cold temperatures mean ambient temperatures from 32 to 900F .For high temperatures, the valve
pressure shall be derated. For high pressures, the temperature rating shall be derated. The
temperature limitation on most metallic valves is generally based on the capabilities of the seat
and interior trim materials.

8 Control Valves and Valve Actuators

Control valves are valves used to control conditions such as flow, pressure, temperature, and
liquid level by fully or partially opening or closing in response to signals received from
controllers that compare a "setpoint" to a "process variable" whose value is provided by sensors
that monitor changes in such conditions. Control valves are may be classified by how they are
actuated. Control valve are actuated by one of the following means
1. Manual
2. Power
a. Electric actuator
b. Pneumatic actuators
c. Hydraulic Actuator

8.1 Electric Actuators

These are the most commonly used power source. They can be solenoid or motor
operated. They usually have the least total installed cost because the source of electricity is
generally available throughout a facility and the wiring and control instrumentation is relatively
simple. Solenoid operation is generally limited to smaller lines, ON/OFF service, and systems in
which the water hammer produced by quick closing can be easily attenuated because of the
systems low pressure and velocity requirements. Motor-operated actuators tend to be bulky and
slow, particularly when large gear reduction is used to increase torque. Their advantage is that
the torque output is constant throughout their stroke, and their response is linear. For critical
systems, there must be an emergency power supply.
The speed at which a valve closure member is operated is important. The figure
generally used for a gate valve closure member is 12 in (300 mm) per min and for a globe valve
closure member, 4 in (100 mm) per min. Higher rates are available, but exceeding the maximum
specified speed will damage the seat and disk. Gate and globe valves are torque-seating valves
when closed. In the open direction, a limit switch is often provided to protect the seat against
backseat over-tightening. Quarter-turn valves are position-limited open and closed because
seating is based on position, not force.
Electric motors do not stop instantaneously, but coast to a stop. The use of a solenoid
brake to prevent the motor from over-tightening the closure member should be ascertained from
the manufacturer of the valve on which the actuator is installed. Unless an emergency power
source is available, electric motors should not be used where cycling to a fully opened or fully
closed position is a requirement in the event of a power failure. Motor operators should be
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 27 of 29

limited to moderate cycling functions. They are not recommended for service where severe
cycling is necessary.
Generally, 2-in (50-mm) valves do not have sufficient strength for a standard electric
motor actuator. Electric motor actuators have been extensively tested in seismic and harsh
ambient environments.

8.2 Pneumatic Actuators

Depending on the system selected, these air-driven devices generally operate in a range
of between 30 and 120 psig (210 and 830 kPa), with 30 to 60 psig (210 to 415 kPa) being the
most common. The compressed air supply should be a dedicated one, conforming to ISA
requirements, and preferably supplied from a control air compressor assembly. An alternative,
but less desirable means, would be to obtain the air supply from the facility system, using
additional compressed air-conditioning filters, dryers, and PRVs as required.
Pneumatic actuators are well suited for frequent operation and fast response times. There
are two types of actuators, piston and diaphragm. The piston actuator is generally used for
ON/OFF operation. The piston stroke can be long, making it suitable for large valves. The
diaphragm actuator is appropriate for modulating service but because the travel is short, the
valve size on which it can be used is limited.
The fail-safe mode is usually accomplished by using either an internal spring or a
secondary accumulator tank to provide the necessary power to cycle to an opened or closed
position. The internal spring may cause the assembly to be flexible, which may be a problem for
seismic installation. The accumulator tank is externally mounted, often on a nearby wall or
column.
Pneumatic actuators are large in size and require frequent maintenance because of air
leakage over time (particularly piston types) that also makes response time longer. There is a
limitation on maximum valve differential pressure.

8.3 Hydraulic Actuators

These devices produce torque by using an electric pump to push fluid to a piston. They
are capable of providing fast actuation and are suitable for modulating service. They allow
operation on large valves with high pressure differentials and are appropriate for frequent
cycling. They have no fail-safe mode unless emergency electrical power is available. The stroke
is easily adjustable in service.
Typically, these actuators operate slowly. Their cost is between the electric and pneumatic
systems.

9 Operating and Torque Considerations

The following factors require consideration in the selection of an actuator:
1. Valve type and size. The valve-operating torque results from the inherent size and
characteristics of the valve itself and the type of seat. The amount of torque necessary to
overcome static imbalance must be obtained from the manufacturer.
2. Pressure drop. The operating torque increases with an increase in pressure drop across the
valve. A valve operating at full-rated pressure will require significantly more operating
torque than one operating at a low-pressure drop. Depending on the source of pressure, it is
probable that the pressure differential will vary throughout the valves entire stroke. This
Valve and Pipeline Design Page 28 of 29

condition is important if the actuator torque output must be carefully matched with that of the
valve.
3. Service-operating conditions. Will the valve be required to be only opened or closed or will it
also be required for throttling flow? Actuators for ON/OFF service will be selected only on
breakaway torque. For quarter-turn valves requiring throttling, calculating the torque is more
complicated because additional torque is required to counterbalance the momentum of the
flowing fluid. Unbalanced forces generate hydrodynamic torque. The actuator torque
output must be well above the operating torque to achieve smooth operation.
4. Seat material. Most valves have a metal closure member sealing on a soft seat made of
elastomers. Metal-seated valves may require as much as 50 percent more seat material as
needed for soft seat valves.
5. Fluid being transported. Since air and gas do not provide any lubrication, their operating
torque requirements add to the frictional forces. Water and other media may provide excellent
lubrication. Liquids carrying solids clog clearances between stem and bearings. The fluid
may also corrode internal parts, so that in time the torque valve may rise considerably, up to
twice that when new. An adequate safety factor should be considered to assure reliable and
continued operation.
6. Bidirectional seating. If operating conditions require the reversal of flow, additional torque
may be required for seating.
7. Fire safety. The valve may require secondary metal-to-metal seating if the primary seat is
destroyed by fire. This will require more operating torque
8. Fail-safe operation. With the automatic fail-safe operation, the energy necessary to close or
open the valve requires a larger size actuator than one without a failsafe requirement.
9. Temperature of fluid. Torque requirements are lowest at room temperature. High temperature
and cryogenic bearings require higher operating torque. Fluid temperatures above 3000F may
require a special operating and mounting assembly, often a stem extension. Ambient
temperatures must also be considered, for example, actuators located outdoors require special
consideration.
10. Cycling rate. Pneumatic and hydraulic actuators cycling in excess of 30 cycles per h are
considered to have high operating rates. The same is true for electric actuators cycling in
excess of 10 percent of their duty cycle (operating for 1 cycle and resting for a time
equivalent equal to 9 cycles). An extended duty motor should be obtained for this condition.
11. Cycle speed. Fast cycle speeds of less than one-half standard cycle times require special
consideration. The sudden physical shock associated with fast operating speed combined
with fast cycling rates can damage valve and actuator parts. Pneumatic actuators may need
quick exhaust valves, special solenoids, and larger actuators. Higher speeds are accomplished
using different gearing devices, which may increase torque output, or an electronic speed
control, which will not affect torque output.
12. Stem orientation. Orientation of the valve stem in a position other than vertical will require
mounting in a manner that may cause stem seal leakage or galling due to side thrusts induced
by an overhung load on the actuator. The use of heavy-duty couplings and mounting brackets
will minimize these problems.

10 Calculating Pressure Loss Through Valves

Valve and Pipeline Design Page 29 of 29

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