In fluid handling and processing systems, control valves play a critical role—i.e., regulating the flow and pressure of fluids to within an acceptable range for maximum operational efficiency and operator safety. As such, they must be regularly subjected to inspection and maintenance operations to ensure they remain in proper working order. Failure to maintain them can lead to lower processing efficiency and, in extreme cases, component or system failure.
Valves are critical to maintaining control of flow, temperature, and pressures in fluid systems. However, achieving this goal necessitates selecting, installing, and maintaining the correct control valve(s). Any operational issues within a valve can lead to problems within the overall system, up to and including system failure. As such, attaining a thorough understanding of the causes and symptoms of valve failure is essential for proper system maintenance.
In all manufacturing processes, the key to increasing the efficiency of your production is ensuring that you limit the amount of downtime and maintenance time. For this reason, the experts at Baelz North America highly recommend investing in spare parts inventory. In doing so, companies can eliminate unexpected downtime of production.
The E66 electric linear actuators utilize a motor to turn the spindle of the actuator up or down in order to push or pull the control to move the valve to a desired position. They are best used in applications where precise control and positioning are required.
A digital valve positioner uses input and output signals to position a valve in such a way that it meets predetermined required ranges for flow and temperature. It is useful for continuously monitoring input and output signals and comparing them to the actuator's actual physical position.
Valves play a crucial role in almost all industrial processes. These devices regulate, redirect, or control the flow of liquids or gases by opening, closing, or partially blocking flow passages. There are numerous types of valves, each differing in various ways, including operating principle, configuration, power source, and application.
Linear valve actuators are connected to a control valve to create motion that will perform the open/close valve operation. This motion can either be pneumatically or electrically generated, depending on the type of actuator in use. Some industrial processes may require electric linear actuators for precision valve control, while other processes employ pneumatic linear actuators which can rapidly execute valve operation.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a nongovernment, nonprofit organization that coordinates U.S. industry standards with international standards so that U.S. products can reach the global market. In essence, ANSI serves as an accreditation body for standards developed by other organizations, companies, consumer groups, and government agencies.
The Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), or the German Institute for Standardization, serves a similar function. However, DIN is a government organization that embodies German concerns within the framework of European and International standards. DIN has a wide reach, and over 30,000 DIN standards provide comprehensive coverage for various products and technologies.
To ensure optimal system performance, safety, and reliability, it’s critical to ensure the right size valve is used. Proper valve sizing allows for reduced costs, less downtime, and fewer labor needs — keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Below are some key points to keep in mind when sizing control valves.
Thrust, speed, power, and precision: the right actuator is a key element of equipment performance in applications across almost all industries. Heavy duty manufacturing plants, marine industries, as well as automotive plants all rely on specialized actuators.
Baelz offers a complete line of actuator solutions, with emphasis on two major types: electric and pneumatic. The most recent specialty addition, the E65 model, is the first to feature a spring assisted fail position with either an open or closed solution.