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by Katie Dennis on Wed, Apr 01, 2015 @ 11:04 AM
See below for answers to your most common valve questions. You can also request a printed copy of our new Installer's Pocket Guide for Swagelok Valves here:
Q: Why does my 45S8 leak every winter?
A: The 45S8 is a one-piece 40 Series ball valve. This valve is not good for cold temperatures, and packing needs to be adjusted. You might want to consider the Swagelok 40T and 43G Series, which are designed for low-temperature service.
Q: What is the best valve for O2 service?
A: You'll do best with slow opening needle valves. Ball valves should not be used due to potential for ignition via creating high velocity or adiabatic compression.
Q: Can ball valves be used for throttling?
A: No. Throttling would cause premature wear on the packing and side discs.
Q: What types of valves should be used for vacuum applications?
A: Bellows valves or diaphragm valves are best because of their diaphragm and or metal seal design.
Q: Are Swagelok R Series relief valves approved for Alberta Boiler Safety Association service?
A: No. The R Series valves are proportional relief valves, and should never be used as code safety valves. Code safety valves are much larger and capable of relieving pressure much quicker.
Q: What is the difference between Cv and orifice size?
A: Cv is the flow of U.S. gallons per minute of water at 21 °C (70 °F) with a 1psi pressure drop across the valve. The orifice size, on the other hand, is an actual measurement of the size of the flow path.
Q: The stem threads on the needle valves we have in the field keep seizing. What’s going on?
A: It's very likely that the packing in your valve is above the stem threads, and the lubricant is being washed out. Choose a needle valve with the packing below the stem threads, such as an N series needle valve.
Q: What is the lowest temperature your valves are rated to?
A: While it is dependent on various factors, standard valves are rated as low as -53 °C (-63 °F).
Q: Do your valves come with a CRN?
A: Every valve we sell has a CRN number. For specific CRN information, contact Edmonton Valve & Fitting.
Q: Where are your valves manufactured?
A: Swagelok valves are manufactured by Swagelok in Ohio, USA. Swagelok is a $2 billion, privately held company. Its manufacturing, research, technical support and distribution facilities support a global network of more than 200 authorized sales and service centers offering support in more than 70 countries.
Q: If these valves are used in a severe service can they be rebuilt or repaired?
A: Yes. Many of our valves are able to be repaired or rebuilt using standard repair kits available from your local authorized Swagelok distributor.
Q: What is the difference between the black and green handle quarter-turn valves?
A: Usually the black handles indicate Swagelok 40 series ball valves. These are ball valves with PTFE/PFA packing and seals. The green handled valves are usually the quarter-turn plug valves, which use O-rings for seals. But don't automatically go by color. It is important to remember that all Swagelok valves can have different colored handles installed on them.
Printed pocket guide available
Remember, if you have a question on any of our Swagelok valves, make sure to call one of customer services representatives at our Edmonton, Drayton Valley, or Fort McMurray location. And you can always request your own copy of our new printed resource, An Installer's Pocket Guide to Swagelok Valves (available for customers in our sales & service location).
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