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Friday, May 30, 2014

Basic Features Of Sherwood Valves

By Nora Jennings


Valves refer to gadgets used to regulate, direct, and control the flow of fluids in channels. They achieve their function by opening, shutting, and partially obstructing passageways. Increased technology has seen several types of valves being invented and used in different environments. Sherwood valves are among the best flow regulators in use today because they are made from quality materials. Basic features and applications of most valves are discussed below.

Valves can be classified into many classes depending on different criteria. One of the criteria is by the means of actuation. There are five main items classified under this group including manual, motor, solenoid, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Items in all categories have the same parts although there may be slight variations. Major parts include ports, bonnet, stem, disc, seat, handle, and packing among others.

The body forms the second outermost part after the bonnet. It covers all interior parts. Bodies can be made from different materials including stainless steel, bronze, gunmetal, steel, steel alloys, plastic, brass, and cast iron among others. Materials that can resist corrosion from seawater are used in making devices for use in seawater conditions. High temperature, hydrogen, high pressure, and acid environments also have specific materials used to make devices that can be used in them.

Most gadgets have bonnets as the outermost components. Mostly bonnets are screwed semi-permanently onto the bodies. They hold all components inside bodies together. All maintenance works require bonnets to be unscrewed from position to happen. Bonnets are however not found in all valve models. Plug and ball valves are key examples that do not have them.

Handles are used for actuation and are externally attached onto the device. They offer a way of actuating the device externally without using the internal controls. Handles are not available in automatic valve models, but if they exist, their work is to override internal automatic controls. Fluids are allowed to pass through the device via internal passageways called ports. Ports can be as many as 20, but they are normally two in most products. Pipes and other parts get connected to the ports at one or either ends. Connections are made through welding, gluing, threading, compression fittings, or cementing.

Valves are employed in almost all industrial processes such as processing of water and sewerage, power generation, oil processing, food production, chemical and plastic manufacturing, and mining. In residential settings, these devices are used in tap water, cookers, washing machines, hot water systems, car engines, and dish washers. The gadgets may allow fluid to flow in one direction or in both directions.

The devices normally come with temperature and pressure capabilities labeled on them. The maximum working temperature and pressure specified by the producers must not be exceeded for the gadget to work effectively. Exceeding these specifications can cause leakage in the appliance. Leaking appliances must be replaced before the system is put to use.

In expensive models, a leaking valve can be repaired. This is done by replacing the seat and maybe the discs. It is the work of the seat to maintain a leak-tight seal hence any form of leaking are mostly caused by it. Seats are classified as hard or soft depending on whether they are made of the same material as the rest of the valve or not.




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