Ball Valves For Steam Service: How the JFlow DM4600 Series Solves The Limitations of Steam Service Ball Valves

We all know that when water is heated beyond its boiling point, it vaporizes into steam.

However, did you know that not all steam is equal?

Depending on the both the pressure and temperature that steam is exposed to, its properties can be very different.

Types of Steam

Saturated Steam: Results when heated water is heated to its boiling point and begins to vaporize.

Wet Saturated Steam: The most common form of steam. A Mixture of saturated steam that contains condensed water particles from water molecules that are not vaporized.

Dry Saturated Steam; Saturated steam that is free of water particles.

Super Heated Steam: When Saturated steam is heated beyond the saturated steam level. This yields steam that has a higher temperature and lower density than saturated steam have at the same pressure.

Steam and steam condensate are generally more corrosive than water due to the presence of dissolved gases, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. These elements can cause the steam and ball of the valve to corrode

Limitations of Ball Valves in Steam Service

In general, ball valves for steam service are rated at a lower temperature than for liquid or gas service. There are three main reasons for this:

1. Wet steam can damage the ball when the ball is opened or closed or when throttling the valve.
2. Opening and closing the valve can also damage the PTFE or RPTFE seats in the valve.
3. Steam and steam condensate are generally more corrosive than water due to the presence of dissolved gases, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. These elements can cause the steam and ball of the valve to corrode.

How The JFlow DM4600 Series Ball Valves For Steam Service Solves These Limitations:

To solve the first problem of damage to the ball, the JFlow DM4600 series uses a vented ball with a 1/8” drill hole in the top of the ball slot to prevent excessive pressure build-up in the cavity from the trapped liquid when the valve is in the closed position.

The second issue is solved by using TFM 1600 seats and seals for low-pressure steam (261 psi @ 403°F)  and by using TFM 4215 seats and seals for saturated steam and high-pressure steam. (378 psi @ 437°F)

The JFlow DM4600 Series Ball Valves for Steam Service solves the third limitation by the application of an electroless nickel coating (also known as autocatalytic coating). This is actually a nickel-phosphorus alloy. Electroless nickel has the unusual quality of being amorphous and not crystalline in structure. These coatings possess high hardness, uniform thickness, natural lubricity, extended service life and abrasion resistance. Shutdowns and delays in industries that use steam can be quite common because of the need to replace components, but as electroless nickel substantial extends the life of parts and components, a vast amount of money can be saved. The coating also provides an excellent surface condition for ball plugs and improves the sealing at the seat areas.

To learn more about the JFlow DM4600 Series Ball Valves for steam service click here

The post Ball Valves For Steam Service: How the JFlow DM4600 Series Solves The Limitations of Steam Service Ball Valves appeared first on Blog.

What is a Vented Ball Valve and When Do You Use It?

Quick-what’s the world’s most popular form of transportation?
If you guessed a car or plane……you’re wrong.
The most common form of transport is…

The humble, ever flowing pipeline.
The sheer volume of fluid and gas that quietly passes through pipelines under our feet and all around us, every hour boggles the mind. To make sure this process runs efficiently and safely, pipes need a way of regulating how much fluid can pass through them. This is where ball valves come in handy.
Ball valves are like levers or switches that can turn pipes on and off or raise or lower the amount of fluid flowing through them.

Here’s How Ball Valves Work:

In a ball valve, a hollow sphere (the ball) sits snugly inside the pipeline, completely blocking the fluid or gas from flowing. Turn the valve’s handle and the ball moves, allowing the fluid to flow freely through the middle of it.
However, in certain applications, excessive pressure can build up inside the ball. When pressure builds, the bubble-tight seal of the ball valve prevents the trapped gas or fluid from escaping. The pressure build up can damage the ball and in extreme cases, can cause an explosion inside the valve. This is especially true in applications involving liquid oxygen or nitrogen or bleach.

 

How To Prevent Pressure Build Up Using a Vented Ball Valve

The most common and effective way to relieve damaging pressure is to vent the ball valve through a second, smaller hole in the ball. This hole allows the fluid or gas trapped inside the ball to escape, preventing damage to the ball while relieving the pressure. Vented ball valves are segmented as either vented internally or externally ( Where the vent is located on the valve.) and whether the vent is facing upstream or downstream. Upstream is the side from which the flow arrives. Downstream is where the flow goes after it leaves the valve.

Here’s How External Vented Ball Valves Work

The vent allows trapped pressure to pass harmlessly away from the system directly into atmosphere when the valve is closed. The ball contains a vent that is isolated from the ball hollow to prevent continuous leakage from the body vent port when the valve is open. The downstream vent provides an exhaust path for the fluid downstream of the valve. The upstream vent provides an escape path for the fluid upstream of the valve.

External vents allow trapped pressure to pass harmlessly away from the system directly into atmosphere when the valve is closed. The external vent is isolated from the ball hollow to prevent continuous leakage from the body vent port when the valve is open.

How An External Vented Ball Valve Operates Downstream

When the valve is open, system fluids flow through the valve. No venting occurs because the vent passage is separated from the flow path.

No venting occurs because the vent passage is separated from the flow path.

When the valve is closed, shutoff occurs on on the upstream side only. Downstream fluids flow through the vent passage to the vent port and are released to atmosphere.

When the valve is closed, shutoff occurs only on the
upstream side. Downstream fluids flow through the vent passage to the vent port and are passed harmlessly to atmosphere.

How An External Vented Ball Valve Operates Upstream

When the valve is in the open position, system fluids flow through the valve. No venting occurs because the vent passage is isolated from the flow path of the fluid.

When the valve is open, system fluids flow through the valve.
No venting occurs because the vent passage is isolated from the flow path.

When the valve is in the closed position, shutoff occurs only on the downstream side. Upstream fluids flow through the vent passage to the vent port and are released to atmosphere.

 

When the valve is closed, shutoff occurs only on the downstream side. Upstream fluids flow through the vent passage to the vent port and are passed harmlessly into atmosphere.

How An Internal Vented Ball Valves Work

The internal vent equalizes pressure in the ball and valve body to the same as the system, protecting the valve from damaging pressure build up. The ball has a vent that intersects the hollow part of the ball at a 90° angle. (See Image) The downstream vent equalizes pressure in the ball and body to that of the downstream system when the ball is in the closed position. The upstream vent insures the fluid pressure is equalized to that of the upstream system when the ball is in the closed position.

The ball contains a vent  that intersects the ball’s hollow at a 90° angle. There are no external vent ports

How An Internal Vented Ball Valve Operates Downstream

When the valve is in the open position, system fluids flow through the valve. The vent passage allows pressure inside the valve to remain equal to system pressure.

When the valve is open, system fluids flow through the valve. The vent passage allows pressure inside the valve to remain equal to system pressure.

When the valve is closed, the vent passage faces downstream. This allows pressure to equalize between the valve body and the downstream system.

When the valve is closed, the vent passage faces downstream. This allows pressure to equalize between the valve body and the downstream system.

How An Internal Vented Ball Valve Operates Upstream

When the valve is in the open position, fluids flow through the valve. The vent passage allows pressure inside the valve to remain equal to system pressure.

When the valve is in the open position, fluids flow through the valve. The vent passage allows pressure inside the valve to remain equal to system pressure.

When the valve is in the closed position, the vent passage faces the upstream side. This allows pressure to equalize between the body and the upstream system.

When the valve is in the closed position, the vent passage faces the upstream side. This allows pressure to equalize between the body and the upstream system.

Vented ball valves are actually an excellent solution to relieving damaging pressure build up in pipelines. They can be used in a variety of applications. They are commonly used in refrigeration units, cryogenic applications, and high pressure air lines that incorporate automated gates for safety reasons. To learn more about JFlow Controls Vented Ball Valves click here.

The post What is a Vented Ball Valve and When Do You Use It? appeared first on Blog.

8 Best Articles on What is a Solenoid Valve and How Do They Work

The 8 Best Articles on What is a Solenoid Valve and How Does it Work

Quite a few of our website visitors want to know “What is a solenoid valve” and “How do solenoids work?” To help you out, we pulled together eight of the best and most up-to-the-minute articles, infographics and videos on the internet that explain everything you need to know about solenoid valves. Including how they work and what are the best applications in which to use them.

A solenoid, (from the French solénoïde) according to Wikipedia, “is a coil wound into a tightly packed helix.” A solenoid valve is defined as “an integrated device containing an electromechanical solenoid which actuates either a pneumatic or hydraulic valve.”

Now that we have the technical definitions out of the way, let’s get started:

Here are, in no particular order, some easy to understand articles and videos that can answer all your questions about solenoid valves as well as hopefully spark some ideas on how you can use them to solve your flow challenges.

Note: We know that there are other pieces of content that we might have missed. Feel free to add them in the comments.

1. How A 2-Way Normally Closed Solenoid Valve Works

Source: Pinterest: Discover and save creative ideas

“Solenoid valves make automation of fluids and gas control possible. Modern solenoid valves offer fast operation, high reliability, long service life, and compact design..”Read More

2. How does a direct acting solenoid valve work?

Source: How does a direct acting solenoid valve work? – YouTube

This short video explains the function of direct acting solenoid valves, using Bürkert’s 3/2 way Type 6014 valve to demonstrate..

3. A Tutorial on Solenoid Control Valves by fluid control experts

Source: Solenoid Control valves | Proportional Valves | Burkert

“Checklist for choosing the correct solenoid control valve

1.What medium (fluid) do you want to control?

With regard to its chemical-physical reaction behaviour, it must be checked whether the valve parts in contact with the medium are compatible with the medium itself.

2. How high is the maximum operating pressure?

The valve must be able to shut off the highest pressure in the application.

3.What are the process data?

For optimal sizing of the valve orifice there are some issues to be cleared up…” Read More

4. Solenoid Valve – A Beginners Guide

Source: Solenoid Valve, ASCO Valves, How Do Solenoid Valves Work, What Is A Solenoid Valve

“A solenoid valve is an electromechanical valve which is normally used for the fluid control of water, air, oil or gas. They are made up of two components. The solenoid (essentially consisting of a coil, core, core tube, shading coil & spring) and the valve (the body containing orifices in which the disc, diaphragm or piston is positioned…” Read More

5. Understanding Solenoid Valves

Source: Understanding Solenoid Valves

“Direct operated solenoid valves function to directly open or close the main valve orifice, which is the only flow path in the valve. Direct operated valves are used in systems requiring low flow capacities or in applications with low pressure differential across the valve orifice. The sealing surface that opens and closes the main valve orifice is connected to the solenoid plunger. The valve operates from zero pressure differential to maximum rated pressure differential (MOPD) regardless of line pressure. Pressure drop across the valve is not required to hold the valve open…” Read More

6. Solenoid Valve Technology for Upstream Oil and Gas Heating Equipment

Source: Solenoid Valve Technology for Upstream Oil and Gas Heating Equipment

“At remote installations, power is often in short supply, so that valves may draw electrical power from generators, solar arrays or battery packs. Also, valves that don’t use wellhead gas for pneumatic power require added equipment such as compressors, filters, regulators and lubricators. So users prefer control equipment that minimizes power consumption as much as possible.

Most early solenoid valves used in these applications continuously drew over 20 W of power: a distinct drawback for many users. In succeeding years, valve designers re-engineered their products, striving to cut power consumption for remote applications. Almost all models are now much improved…” Read More

7. Direct-Acting Solenoid Valve Animation

Source: Direct-Acting Solenoid Valve Animation – YouTube

How does a direct-acting solenoid valve work? This video will help you understand the basic operation principle.

8. Answers to your technical questions on Solenoid Valves & Pressure Operated Valves

Source: How do solenoid valves work | Solenoid Valve technology

“Simple on/off valves are the most popular as many process lines only need flow or no flow.  Solenoid valves can be used in factories/plants where compressed air is not available. They can also be used in place of larger valves such as electrically actuated ball valves, but without taking up anywhere near as much space. Operation is also much quicker than other valve technologies..” Read More

 

The post 8 Best Articles on What is a Solenoid Valve and How Do They Work appeared first on Blog.

4 Best Control Valve Market Forecast For 2016 -2021

Where is the control valve market headed? What are the current factors driving the market?

Valves are relatively mature product. Many experts agree that design innovation has largely plateaued since the 1960’s.  As you will see in the article by world-renown expert Hans D. Baumann listed below, this is a becoming a major consideration in market growth. 

However, innovation is just one of many factors that determine the control valve market’s growth. Sales levels in any given year are primarily influenced by the performance of the industries that utilize the valves. The most common concern in the various forecasts listed below is the sharp decrease in the price of oil.

Below are listed the best control valve market forecasts for 2016 and beyond.

Let’s take a look:

1. Valve Magazine’s 2016 Market Outlook: Mostly Cloudy

Source: 2016 Market Outlook: Mostly Cloudy

An Insightful article that paints a grey picture of the market in general (with one bright spot) due to the these major factors:

• The price of oil:-the big question is, when will demand begin to grow and prices rise again?
• The slump in China’s economy.

However, the article concludes on a hopeful note. World population growth is expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050 from it’s present level of 7 billion. The number of people living in cities is expected to jump from it’s current percentage of 60% to over 70%. This will put stress, strain and capacity problems on water delivery and wastewater systems. Which, in turn will increase the need for control valves.

2. Control Valves Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 – 2021

Source: Control Valves Market – Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 – 2021

The Bottom Line:

According to the most recent market report published by Transparency Market Research titled Control Valves Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 – 2021, the control valve market was valued at US $7.74 billion in 2014. The report estimates the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% and reach US$12.14 billion by 2021. The much discussed report  provides a comprehensive analysis of the global control valves market as well as a control valve market forecast for the period from 2015-2021.

The report segments the global control valves market into three categories:

• Pneumatic control valves
• Hydraulic control valves
• Electric control valves,

The market is divided geographically into four regions:

•  North America
• Europe,
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the world

Major factors driving the market are:

1. Increasing investment in the oil and gas industry
2. The growing number of pipeline installations for efficient fluid handling across different industries
3. The sprouting demand of processed foods from the emerging markets like China, India and Brazil, which snowballs the demand for control valves to ensure efficient food processing.
4. The increasing demand in the pharmaceutical industry for sophisticated and fast fluid handling systems.
5. The rising number of industrial infrastructure projects in developing countries.

 

3. World Pipelines’ Summary of Transparency Market Research Control Valves Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2015 – 2021

Source: Control valves market forecast for 2015 – 2021

This post provides you with a free summary of the paid report above. It breaks down the data into easily digestible pieces and gives you the overall tone of the forecast.

 

 

4. International Society of Automation – Control Valves -An Update

Source: Automation Basics: Control valves – an update – ISA

While not a control valve market forecast per se, this is a very concise article on the cutting edge of control valve industry as well as a brief economic outlook of the market. 

The author, Hans D. Baumann, is a world-renown expert on control valves and the holder of over 103 U.S. patents.

Hans attributes some of  the current woes of the industry to the fact that over 85% of all control valves sold today rely on technology from the 1960’s. He argues that while the lack of innovation makes sense from an accountant’s point of view, it allows well established products to lack patent protection. This, in turn, makes these valves easy prey to “knock-offs.”

He then reveals promising new butterfly valve innovation as well as new ways to fight noise and cavitation.

Hans ends the post with his own economic outlook, which is “mildly optimistic.”

Very worth-while reading.

The post 4 Best Control Valve Market Forecast For 2016 -2021 appeared first on Blog.

How To Size A Diaphragm Actuated Control Valve In 5 Easy Steps

 

The 5 Steps to properly sizing a diaphram actuated control valve using the Cv method.

We found this great blog post at www.wwdmag.com on sizing in diaphragm actuated control valve and adapted it into an infographic. Next time you need to size one, have this image handy. It will make sure that you are getting the right valve for the right application at the RIGHT Price!

Check out the original post here.

Get the Free Valve Sizing App on Your Phone or Tablet

Size Your Valve In The Field With Accurate Calculations of Process Cv’s
For Mobile Phones, Tablets & Desktop

Click here to access the FREE Sizing App

The post How To Size A Diaphragm Actuated Control Valve In 5 Easy Steps appeared first on Blog.

One-Third of Industrial Control Systems Breached in Last Twelve Months

According to a report from SANS on the state of Industrial Control System (ICS) security, one-third of respondents (34%) said their systems had been infiltrated or infected in an attack at least twice in the last twelve months.

Of the organizations breached, nearly half (44%) said they were unable to identify the source of the infiltration, and 15% said it took them more than one month to detect the breach.

“The number of confirmed breaches is rising, but the limited ability of most ICS security systems to detect attacks, let alone reveal their source and type, is at least as big a problem as the number of attacks on operational technology systems,” said Bengt Gregory-Brown, consultant to the SANS ICS program.

“Lack of visibility into ICS systems is a problem, and one that’s growing with greater connectivity and the IT-OT integration.”

The study surveyed 314 respondents, the majority of which identified their roles as security administration/security analyst, security manager/director or officer, and security design engineer.

The study revealed that the threat of attacks carried out by external actors was the primary security concern, with 42% marking it as the top threat and 73% identifying it as being in their top three concerns.

Threats from insiders was identified by 49% of respondents as being in the top three threats, and 46% said the integration of IT systems into the ICS networks was a major risk factor.

Despite the integration concerns, only 29% of respondents said their organization has begun implementing strategies to manage the risks from convergence, 36% said their organization is currently developing strategies, and 18% said there is no strategy in place and no plans to develop one.

“We are very glad to see indications of growing collaboration between IT and ICS security staff,” says Derek Harp, director of the SANS ICS-SCADA security.

“But the number of companies lacking strategies to manage the integration of IP technologies and commercial operating systems into ICS environments is still quite high.”

In April, ICS-CERT released its annual Year In Review report (PDF), which examined the risks posed by the increase in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) that are connected to the Internet, either intentionally or by mistake.

ICS-CERT reported that they responded to 245 attacks (PDF) against U.S. based Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in the 2014 fiscal year (October 2013 to September 2014), with nearly one-third of the incidents focused on systems governing energy production and distribution.

Of the reported attacks, 32% targeted the Energy Sector, with attacks against Critical Manufacturing systems following up at a close second place at 27%, Healthcare with 6%, Water supply systems and Communications each with 6%, and Government Facilities at just over 5%.

ICS-CERT also received 159 reports of vulnerabilities identified in control systems components, and they coordinated with researchers and vendors on mitigations both domestically and abroad, with the majority affecting systems used in the Energy Sector, followed by Critical Manufacturing, Water and Wastewater.

Authentication issues, buffer overflows, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities were the most common vulnerability types, with the ‘Heartbleed’ OpenSSL vulnerability garnering the most attention through multi-vendor coordinated responses.

This post was originally published here: One-Third of Industrial Control Systems Breached in Last Twelve Months

Related article: Best practices in IT/OT integration for ICS