THE GATE VALVE (See Figure: 13)
THE GATE VALVE (See Figure: 13)
In process operations, fluids and their movement and transfer from place to place, plays a large part in the process. Fluids are contained in various types of vessels and are transported in pipelines. In order to Start or Stop fluid flow, to Control flow and to Prevent Back-flow, various types of valves are installed in the piping. To prevent over-pressure in piping and vessels, we use Safety Relief valves and, to isolate equipment for maintenance etc, Block valves are installed.
Where fluids contain suspended solids - scale, dirt etc, which must be removed, Filters and Strainers of various types are installed. In steam systems, steam condensate (water), is a particular problem which can cause 'Water-Hammer' in piping and equipment. (This will be explained later). To minimize this problem, the water must be drained from the steam lines. This is sometimes accomplished by regularly 'Blowing Down' (draining the water manually), - from the system. Generally, steam systems are fitted with automatic drainage mechanisms called 'Steam-Traps'. As previously stated, valves are used for the following purposes :
1. 2. 3. 4.
To start and stop flow of fluids To regulate, throttle and control fluid flow or pressure To prevent back-flow To relieve excess pressure / vacuum
TYPES OF VALVES
Figure : 15
Figure : 16
Figure : 17
Figure : 18
Figure : 19
1. 2.
The 'LIFT' type. (Spring loaded 'BALL' & 'PISTON' Types). The 'SWING' (or Flapper Type).
Figure : 20
In the bellows type, the bellows isolates the plug from the back-pressure and therefore there is no effect on the valve setting. The following diagram is of a conventional safety relief valve. All safety valves have the same purpose of protecting equipment from overpressure. Different makers have their own designs. SAFETY RELIEF VALVE
Figure : 21
VALVE ACCESSORIES
1. STUFFING BOX and PACKING (See Figure : 22)
Packing is a means of preventing leakage around the valve stem to atmosphere. The packing is placed in the 'Stuffing Box' around the stem. It is then held in place and compressed by the 'Gland' and 'Gland Follower' to give a leak-tight seal. However, having the packing too tight can cause the operation of the valve to be stiff. When tightening down on the packing does not stop leakage or causes valve operation to be stiff, the packing should be replaced. In some larger valves, a 'Lantern Ring' is inserted between the turns of packing and is placed opposite to a lubrication point where grease can be injected in order to ease the valve operation.
Figure : 22
A. A Diaphragm Here, the valve is operated by an air powered diaphragm. These are called 'Pneumatic Control Valves'. The air powered actuator can also take the form of a 'Piston' rather than a diaphragm. The operation of the valve, depending on requirements, may be 'Air to Open' (AO) or 'Air to Close' (AC). B. An Electric Motor This is called a 'Motor Operated Valve' (MOV) and may be installed to allow valve operation from a remote location and may then be referred to as a 'Remote Operated Valve' (ROV). C. A Solenoid This method of valve operation is used for a small valve placed in an air supply line to a shut-down device. The solenoid will be activated on an electrical signal from an automatic trip system and will open or close depending upon its function.