Replacing Industrial Valves? Use This 7-Step Method to Verify Selection

The average Alberta industrial facility has, on average, 7,400 valves installed. And when a valve wears out, it's typically replaced one for one. But if your system isn't performing perfectly, it's worthwhile looking at valve selection. We offer a DIY method below, and our Field Advisors are ready to provide rigorous, thorough analysis.

We wrote earlier this year that,

“Depending on the size of your facility, there may be anywhere from 100 to over 40,000 valves installed, according to a widely referenced US EPA report. The average is somewhere around 7,400 valves…. The same research points to seals at valves as the top cause of fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- the ones most critical to mitigate.”

When an industrial valve is replaced, it’s usually swapped out one-to-one during maintenance. Valve selection happened back when the system was designed. If the wrong valve was specified then, the mistake gets repeated and associated costs accrue over the years. Takeaway: If costs associated with fluid system maintenance are too high, you're justified in looking hard at valves' fitness for function.

This video shows in four minutes how to take a methodical approach to assessing valves' fitness for function -- due diligence that can quickly pay off because valves are so numerous and so critical to fluid system performance.

Every design engineer, operator, or procurement expert we collaborate with has their own unique method for selecting valves. Some dive into material compatibility research first, while others prioritize ease of installation and maintenance for elimination. Some scrutinize the flow coefficient ratings, or Cv, of valves before considering additional criteria, and the list goes on.

No approach is incorrect. However, consistently applying a systematic method is crucial to ensure you select the perfect valve for the job every single time.

Valve Selection Best Practices Resource Collection In one step get our STAMPED Method of Valve Selection Technical Briefing Video, relevant catalogue, pocket guide, and brochure; and articles on this topic by our local team.

Getting help with valves

Our Field Advisors are ready to talk with you about any fluid system challenge you're facing. Our goal is to help identify timely, cost-effective options that enable you to take control. Onsite visits and remote collaboration are available.

Tip: Have us combine valves with other components

We can assemble the valve(s) you need with other parts to provide a custom, ready-to-install solution. We combine safe, reliable Swagelok components to produce assemblies for analytical instrumentation, grab sampling, and other uses. We also build hose, bend tubing, and make filter retainer assemblies, for example. Design support, fabrication, assembly, and pressure testing are included! Results are under warranty just like Swagelok's individual parts. We even build in time to be onsite at installation, to answer any questions.

Also see:

• Finding the True Cost of Compressed Gas Leaks in Dollars
• Bend Your Emissions Curve with Swagelok Low-E Valves (New Video, Free PDF)
• What to Expect When a Swagelok Field Advisor Visits