There are a lot of things that require a valve to open and close so that liquids are allowed to pass through or be shut off. Water systems, chemical systems, storage tanks, and the list goes on. Making sure you have the right one is important as they are not all created equal. The differences can be a big problem in some applications, but if you take the time to research what you need, there are valves readily available at many local plumbing suppliers and home centers.
What Kind Of Valve Do You Need?
There are a lot of different kinds of valves available so make sure you get the right one for your needs is important. A gate valve uses a barrier inside the valve to close off the flow and typically they are closed by turning a handle on top of them. If you need something to close fast, this is not it.
Ball valves, on the other hand, have a ball inside the valve body with a hole through it. The valve is closed by turning a handle 90 degrees which rotates that ball inside so the hole is not accessible and blocking the flow of liquid through it. This is much faster and can be used in just about any application. There are many other examples, but these are the most commonly used styles.
Stainless Steel Valves
The material you choose for the valves you are using may be important as well. If the valve needs to resist corrosion or rust, a stainless steel valve is a good choice. Stainless steel is an alloy that is made by adding chromium to the steel. The chromium content must be 10,5 percent or higher for it steel to be considered stainless steel. There are varying grades of stainless steel, determined by the amount of chromium added.
These valves are very good at resisting corrosion, staining, and are much stronger than standard steel valves are. The environment the valve is used in might dictate the need for a higher grade stainless steel which will have more chromium and possibly some molybdenum to increase the corrosion resistance and strength of the material. Valves use with salt water, corrosive materials and acids are likely going to be stainless steel.
Where To Get The Right Valve
In most cases, the best place to find a valve for your needs is a plumbing supply, but if you need something very specific, you may need to go directly to the manufacturer. The valve may not even exist in which case the manufacturer you are working with may have to make it. The cost of having a valve made might be more than you want to spend but if you need a specific valve that is going to need to survive harsh conditions, the cost may just save a lot more expensive repair if you have a valve fail.
Contact a company like Direct Material for more information and assistance.
