Category Archive: Check Valves

Valve Value: The Return on Investment (ROI) of Quality Check Valves

Fluid system management requires a complete approach; if any component is compromised from the pump to valve to pipe and back again, flow can suffer. In-line management, including products such as check valves, can be challenging — after all, they can be a major purchase. However, the lifespan, safety, and efficiency of your system require careful investment.

Not all check valves function or cost the same. A check valve’s long-term return on investment (ROI) is a major factor and can be significantly more important than upfront cost of these components.

Assessing Real Cost and System Lifespan 

Putting a system’s needs in perspective requires factoring in the unfortunate possibility of worst case scenarios and highest demands. In evaluating your component needs, remember to factor in:

• Maintenance
  The cost of maintenance can be high in time, money, and human resources, especially if parts need to be regularly maintained.
• Down Time
  The worst case scenario for production managers — system failure — demands necessary valve repair or replacement. The resulting downtime comes at a high cost to an entire facility.
• Media Demands
  Do you handle a highly acidic or caustic application? You may require a higher-grade alloy than standard 304 or 316 SS (stainless steel) for chemical resistance and system component lifespan extension.
• Water Hammer Problems
  Sometimes a side note in engineering, water hammer can cause serious damage to piping, valves, and pumps, resulting in unwanted shutdowns. Custom sizing your valves and using DFT silent check valves can help manage water hammer issues.

The Real ROI: High Performance Check Valves for Optimal System Performance

At their most basic level, check valves are smart components designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction and prevent back flow in the other. They are self-automated, driven by pressure as opposed to an operator.

On the surface, it would appear that the more complex the check valve, the higher the price tag —but is that an accurate conclusion?

Bearing in mind the considerations above, our value experts take ROI seriously. In a study evaluating the performance of swing check valves versus the more high-tech axial flow silent check valves over a 20 year period, we found that the utility facility had a significant savings over time using axial flow silent check valves.

Comparing initial cost of components to lifespan, the system’s superior performance using axial flow silent check valves reduced annual maintenance costs. In fact, the valves worked so well that they led to an 85% reduction in overall operating costs at the facility!

Making a Case for High Quality Components

The utility facility our team tracked is far from the only example in the field. Real world applications abound, reinforcing the idea that high quality check valves can lead to superior performance. Our value team has found that better-made, sophisticated components offer reduced maintenance expenses, long lifespans, and reliable valve and fluid system performance in countless cases, including:

• A United States chemical facility struggling with a water hammer. They replaced worn out, double door check valves with three 10”, 150/300# ALC check valves and completely eliminated the problem — their system has been running smoothly since 2012.
• A food processing facility that has relied on the DFT SCV Check Valve since the 1950’s for sanitizing management. It met safety needs and industry criteria as a leading technology then and now.
• A petrochemical plant with high cycling and system failures. They replaced failing swing check valves with the DFT model GLC Check Valves, custom-sized for the application. DFT valves minimized the chattering and excessive cycling previously disrupting the system.

Investing with Smart Components at DFT

Do you want to prevent check valve failures but have concerns about cost? Our check valve experts and value team are here to help you with sound engineering and upfront investment evaluations. Reach out to contact an expert today, and we’ll guide you through the best valve solutions to fit both your application and your budget.  

Customizing Your Condensate Line Check Valve for Low Cracking Pressures

Understanding Low Cracking Pressure in Condensate Lines

One of the most common issues in steam systems is the pooling of steam condensate — a byproduct of all steam processes — inside of the equipment. When released from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area, pooled condensate can flash, or quickly heat back up into steam, resulting in extreme pressure spikes, audible banging noises, valve and steam line failure, and even full equipment failure.

To mitigate these risks, manufacturers in the chemical processing industry incorporate steam traps and condensate drain systems into their equipment. These applications also utilize in-line check valves in the condensate system piping to allow flow in only one direction — from low pressure to high pressure — before sealing.

Cracking pressure, or the minimum upstream pressure at which the valve can operate, is a critical aspect of check valve applications. To help manufacturers ensure they use the best components for their processing system, check valves can be designed and specified for unique cracking pressures.

Customizing Your Condensate Line Check Valve

There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when selecting check valves for steam applications. Important factors include:

• Sealing ability
  • Resiliency — Resilient, reliable seals will provide a long-lasting, leak-tight seal through the use of engineered elastomers; these seals are highly resistant to abrasion and are mainly used for low-pressure environments (up to 500 psig).
  • Metal-to-metal — More reliable for piping systems with temperature and pressure changes, metal-to-metal seals are able to withstand higher contact forces and pressures (exceeding 500 psig).
• Non-slam characteristics — The valve must be able to close quickly to prevent the reverse flow that can result from steam condensate flashing. Factors that influence non-slam characteristics include:
• Disc location in the full open position
• Length of stroke to close
• Presence of a closure mechanism, either internal or external to the valve
• Orientation of the valve and piping

To learn more about methods for eliminating steam condensate issues in chemical processing operations, download a copy of our eBook, “The Challenge with Steam Condensate.”

API 6D -24^th Edition Certification:
Why it’s Important for Quality and Safety of Your Check Valves

What is the API Q1 ninth edition and API 6D 24^th edition monogram specification?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a trade association that has led the development of petroleum and petrochemical equipment and operating standards. Its API Monogram Program verifies that manufacturers are operating in compliance with industry standards.

The API Q1 ninth edition specification establishes the API Quality Management System requirements necessary for organizations to consistently and reliably manufacture products in accordance with API or other specifications for the use in the petroleum and natural gas industry.

The API 6D 24^th edition specification defines the requirements for the design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and documentation of valves for application in pipeline and piping systems for the petroleum and natural gas industries.

This API 6D 24^th edition specification holds hydrostatic and pneumatic testing to a new higher standard, unlike the less API 598 testing, API 6D testing requires increased pressure testing durations, test medium rust inhibitor injection, medium pH monitoring  and more stringent design and manufacturing process control, as well as packaging requirements to reduce valve damage from transportation.

When requested by the purchaser, an API 6D monogram valve manufacturer must meet the strict testing and documentation requirements to insure the valves performance under designed operational pressure and temperature conditions.

Purchasing valves under the specification ensures greater reliability and safety for equipment and personnel.

Download our API 6D Certificate

Common Industries that Require API 6D

When transmitting raw materials and potentially harmful chemicals, it is critical that check valves are tested for proper safety and functionality. Therefore, the API 6D certification is commonly required for valves used in petroleum, natural gas and electrical generation industries. Specific industries requiring API 6D include:

• Natural Gas Transmission: Check valves are frequently built into natural gas transmission pipelines to prevent the occurrence of reverse flow. They act as critical components within these systems, as improper flow could result in dangerous leakages, contamination, explosions, or fires.

• Petroleum Production and Refining: Transforming crude oil into refined products for consumer industries requires a multi-step chemical process that adheres to strict standards. Check valves are used in a range of petroleum-related applications, including discharge compressors, cooling towers, water treatment, pumps, generators, and boilers.

DFT Valves Built to API 6D 24^th Edition Standards

In order to meet the needs of our clients in the natural gas and petroleum industries, we have certified our GLC® and PDC® check valve manufacturing processes to meet API 6D 24^th Ed. specifications. By improving design, manufacture, assembly, testing, and documentation processes, we’re able to provide a higher level of quality and safety.

• GLC® Silent Check Valve: This silent center-guided, spring-assisted flange valve can be used with several types of fluids and can operate under a wide range of temperature and pressure combinations. This check valve is API 6D 24^th certified and available in various materials and sizes.

• PDC® Check Valve: A silent, non-slam valve that is specifically designed to allow gases to flow in one direction through a pulse-dampening chamber on the discharge side of a compressor. Our PDC® model is API 6D 24^th certified and available in a range of materials and sizes.

• DFT is in the process of adding other valve models to the list of API 6D 24^th certified valves. Contact DFT if you require API 6D 24^th Edition Certification.

Online Case Studies

To learn more about how DFT’s API 6D certified check valves perform across industries, check out our application success stories.

Maintenance and Replacement Blog Series: SCV-R® Check Valves for High Cracking Pressure

At DFT® Inc., our SCV-R® Check Valves exemplify our commitment to providing products that can withstand the toughest environments, including applications with high cracking pressure. These products are fully comparable to their counterpart, the DFT® Model SCV®, but with enhanced features that allow them to endure high cracking pressure conditions—including a spring-assisted, non-slam design that reduces or eliminates water hammer.

An Ideal Solution for High Cracking Pressure Applications

Many advanced applications require check valves for high cracking pressure. Cracking pressure is the point at which the valve opens and the media is introduced to the system. Using a spring-assisted design, DFT® Model SCV-R® Check Valves are ideal for such advanced applications. With versatile, corrosion-resistant features, they are also cost-effective, making them a preferred option in a number of uses.

SCV-R® Check Valves Also Solve Water Hammer

Water hammer is another common problem affecting applications that require check valves, often signified by a loud hammering sound coming from pipes. The condition arises when valves either shut too quickly or pumps suddenly shut down, causing the moving water to backflow when encountering the closed valve.

This causes loud noises and potential damage to pipes.  Fast-closing SCV-R® Check Valves help to eliminate this problem; for further details, download our eBook, “Understanding Water Hammer.”

A Wide Array of Advantages

The high-quality design and reliable materials of SCV-R® Check Valves provide a host of advantages, including:

• High versatility allows valves to be used in both vertical and horizontal installations.
• Easy maintenance helps to extend service life.
• Stainless steel construction provides the utmost strength and corrosion resistance—even in the harshest environments.
• Usability in many different applications, including hydraulic lines, boilers, pumps, and compressor discharge, makes the valves incredibly versatile.

SCV-R® Check Valves are also available with a full array of options, some of which include:

• 316 stainless steel springs
• A soft seat
• Hastelloy® or Alloy 20 body and seat material
• Repair and field conversion kits

Download the SCV-R® Cut Sheet for Details

To explore our full selection of durable, cost-effective SCV-R® Check Valves, download a free copy of the SCV-R® cut sheet. You will learn how these self-contained valves provide unparalleled reliability and service life for virtually any liquid, gas, or steam application.

Valve Basics Seminar Recap

Each year, the Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA) hosts a series of highly regarded Valve Basics Seminars & Exhibits to give industry associates — ranging from engineering students to experienced professionals looking to broaden their subject knowledge — a hands-on crash course in valves.

Last month’s three-day seminar hosted approximately 70 participants at the Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. The dynamic program featured several speaker presentations highlighting different aspects of valves and valve safety, as well as the iconic Valve Petting Zoo, where attendees participated in hands-on demonstrations of what they’d learned earlier in the classroom.

Getting Hands-on with Valves

The Petting Zoo, a relatively new addition to Valves 101 developed based on past participant feedback, turned out to be the highlight of the program. On the second day of the seminar, after each speaker had an opportunity to present, they showcased their topics in action as attendees rotated around nine different stations to gain further understanding through hands-on learning.

“The valve petting zoo was outstanding,” said one attendee. “I learned a great deal by seeing how valves actually function and operate.”

Valves, Actuators & Controls 101 with DFT®

DFT®’s own Director of Sales and Marketing, Jeff Kane, and Regional Sales Manager, Bud Volz; have had the honor of presenting the Valve Basics Seminar & Exhibits for the past several years. This year, Kane’s course segment in “Valves, Actuators & Controls 101” focused on the subject of check valves, the importance of check valve sizing, and preventing water hammer.

In his presentation, Kane discussed how correctly sized check valves can minimize unnecessary costs by preventing low flow situations that lead to valve failure, as well as high velocity flows that can cause high-pressure shock waves (commonly known as water hammer. Students are given an unbiased presentation regarding the features and benefits of all the popular types of check valves.

Next Stop: Texas

Valves 101 will be stopping at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel in Houston, Texas on October 18-20 for the next installment of the Valve Basics Seminar & Exhibits program. To date, over 1,500 people have attended these workshops; the VMA looks forward to expanding this number and continuing to spread the word on the importance of valves and valve safety.

To find out more about the next Valve Basics Seminar & Exhibits program and how to attend, visit the VMA.org website.

Learn more about check valves and how to avoid common sizing mistakes by downloading DFT’s free eBook, “Common Mistakes in Check Valve Sizing.”