Why valves deserve more attention in industrial piping systems

When deliberating between material choices and general industrial piping system design, the primary considerations revolve around pipes and fittings. Specifically, the focus is typically on the pipe and fitting materials’ temperature, pressure and compatibility characteristics.Valve selection is often an afterthought finally considered once those primary decisions are settled. But valve decisions are vast: types include ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, butterfly or wafer valves, check valves, diaphragm valves and more. The number of valves can vary greatly in a system depending on the purpose of the piping system.However, valves are critical to any successful system due to their importance in controlling the flow. Also, because a system is only as strong as its weakest component or joint, valves deserve much greater attention when considering material options.

With such an extensive role in increasing efficiency, improving safety and keeping systems up and running, why are valves rarely discussed at the outset of planning a piping system?One explanation may be the minimal cost associated with valves, especially when compared to the overall cost of a system of large, Schedule 80 pipes and fittings. But, by evaluating valve options of different materials earlier in the material selection and design process, systems can become more efficient, reliable and cost effective.A common assumption is that the weakest point in any industrial system exists at the valves. This is not always the case. 

Depending on the selected pipe and fitting material, valve material and joining method, many valves can uphold the same performance standards as the rest of the piping system.It is a good engineering practice to identify the weakest component in any system when determining the total system pressure rating. Valves utilized in non-metallic systems must always be considered for pressure capabilities in particular, as they can vary by manufacturer.When working with acidic and/or caustic solutions, increasing the life of a system is vital. Corrosion is the culprit of many system issues, causing premature repairs, costly downtime and even complete replacement.

 Each of these setbacks results in significant costs and is reason enough for engineers to pursue opportunities to increase system life.Materials that are susceptible to corrosion often experience it at joints. The more system components involved, including fittings and valves, the greater the chance of corrosion plaguing the system.Even if corrosion does not damage a system to the point of needing immediate repairs, it can harm the valves. Valves are especially susceptible to both corrosion and degradation of the valve seats. Corrosion creates debris and scale that can make valves more difficult to move, making systems less efficient, or cause significant safety concerns in the event of a failure.Electrochemical corrosion is a specific type of corrosion more often experienced at valves when the line is heat traced and the material is not corrosion resistant.