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Fluid flow control is critical for operational success in today’s industrial world. The valve, a device used to regulate, direct, or control fluid flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing fluid flow, is an essential component in this process. Pneumatically operated valves have established a space among the various valves accessible due to their numerous advantages. These air pressure-operated valves are well-known for their safety, reliability, and energy efficiency.
This blog post delves into pneumatically operated valves specific role in numerous industries.
What is Pneumatically Operated Valve?
A pneumatically actuated valve is a control valve that regulates fluid flow within a system using air pressure. It comprises two major parts: the valve body and a pneumatic pressure actuator.
The section of the valve that comes into direct touch with the fluid is the valve body. It has an opening and closing device, typically a disc, gate, or ball, that is moved to control fluid flow.
The pneumatic actuator is the device that uses air pressure to power the valve’s opening and closing mechanism. When you apply air pressure to the actuator, it moves a piston or diaphragm within the actuator. This movement is subsequently conveyed to the valve’s opening and closing mechanism, which causes it to open or close. When the air pressure is released, a spring or the process fluid within the pilot valve returns the valve to its original position.
These valves can be constructed for various functions, including on-off control (the valve is fully open or fully closed) and modulating control (the valve can be partially opened or closed to modulate the flow rate). The application’s requirements determine the specific design and function.
Pneumatic valves are well-known for their dependability, speed, and safety. They are employed in various industrial applications, including oil and gas and water treatment.
Specific Tasks for Pneumatically Operated Valve
§ Emergency Shutdown Systems in the Oil and Gas Industry: These systems are intended to reduce the impact of emergency scenarios like equipment breakdowns or unexpected pressure shifts. Because of their dependability and short response times, pneumatically actuated valves are frequently utilized in these systems.
§ Flow Regulation in Chemical Processing: The precise regulation of fluid flow rates is frequently required to manufacture chemicals. Their precise modulating capabilities make pneumatic control valves suitable for this task.
§ Wastewater Treatment: Valves are required in wastewater treatment plants to control the flow of water and sludge through various stages of the treatment process. Pneumatically operated valves are frequently used due to their dependability and ease of automation.
§ CIP Systems in the Food and Beverage Industry: CIP systems clean the internal surfaces of pipelines and vessels without disassembling them. Because of their ease of automation and compatibility with the cleaning chemicals employed, pneumatically actuated valves are perfect for these systems.
§ Fluid Handling in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: The manufacture of medications frequently entails the handling of sterile fluids. Because they can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, pneumatically actuated diaphragm valves are commonly utilized for this duty.
§ Steam Control in Power Generation: To maintain efficient power generation, the steam flow in power plants must be managed appropriately. Because of their capacity to tolerate high temperatures and pressures, pneumatic control valves are frequently used.
How to Select the Right Pneumatically Operated Valve?
§ Type of Fluid: The nature of the fluid being controlled is a significant consideration when selecting a valve. Consider the fluid’s viscosity, corrosiveness, temperature, and whether it’s a liquid, gas, or slurry. Different valve types and materials are appropriate for various fluids.
§ Operating Conditions: Take into account the operating pressure and temperature. The valve and its components must be able to resist these conditions indefinitely.
§ Flow Requirements: Consider your flow control requirements. Is an on-off valve required, or must you manage the flow rate carefully? Different valve types provide varying degrees of control.
§ Actuation Speed: How fast does the valve need to open or close? The speed of a pneumatically controlled valve can be varied by adjusting the air pressure. However, certain valves run more quickly than others.
§ Safety Requirements: Safety is a crucial consideration in several applications. For example, a fail-safe valve that automatically closes (or opens, depending on the application) when the air supply is turned off may be required in an emergency shutdown system.
§ Cost and Maintenance: Consider the valve’s maintenance requirements as well as the total cost of ownership, which includes the initial cost, operating cost, maintenance cost, and the cost of anticipated downtime for repairs or replacements.
§ Regulatory and Industry requirements: Ensure that the valve complies with any applicable regulatory or Industry criteria, particularly in industries such as food and beverage or pharmaceuticals, where hygiene and sterility are critical.
