Choosing the Right Flow Control Valve
The water, oil, gas, and mining industries are industries that need a network of pipes for their necessary fluids to flow through. So, aside from the pipes, what do all these industries have in common? They all use flow control valve systems to regulate the flow of liquids. Though these industries are different from each other, the mechanisms needed to control flow are similar.
Selecting the right flow control valve for a specific application
Many factors are involved in selecting the correct valve for any application. While valve sizing and selection is a complex process even for engineers, any valve selection process starts by understanding application requirements and suitable valve specifications. Necessary valve attributes also need to be considered.
Valve size and type
Every correct valve type needs to perform one or more basic functions:
- Shut off flow
- Divert flow
- Mix flow
- Pressure relief
- Backflow prevention
- Adjust flow
Valve function determines the design of standard valve types. Correctly measuring valve size is also important. The right valve choice means matching the valve’s size to the expected flow need or mix through any system.
Construction material
Selecting valves means knowing the chemical compatibility requirements of said valves. What material the valve is made of needs to be compatible with the liquids or gasses flowing through the valve. Metal valves need to be tested if they are resistant to corrosive chemicals. Most hard plastic valves can resist harsh chemicals, oils, and gas.
Performance and special requirements
Make sure to check that the valve will work as expected. Check the response time needed as well as the cracking pressure required to open the valve. Consider also checking for normally closed and normally open as needed for positive downstream pressure. Some valves may also not work correctly if mounted vertically instead of horizontally. Flow direction upwards or downwards and fluid density will matter for any valve design.
Master Mac 2000
In selecting your flow control valve for any application or system, Master Mac 2000 P/L is the sole authorised agent of all types of valves and valve components from the Mack brand in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. What makes the Mack brand unique is that it is made in Australia and has become known locally and internationally for its longevity, robust, and reliable design. Master Mac 2000 has this brand – as well as other brands – well-stocked in their Brisbane office and warehouse. All you need is to call 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.