Sanitary valves and their uses
OGMAN Team Among the industries that OGMAN serves, are an ample variety of fittings and equipment that, according to their purposes, make efficient manipulation, regulation and control of production lines. Choosing the correct valve is indispensable to achieve optimal results. Therefore, we gathered some of the characteristics and varieties of configurations available in our catalog, as well as the necessary data to request a quote.
DIAPHRAGM VALVES
USES
Diaphragm valves are commonly used in applications that require sterilized lines and easy cleaning; that’s why they’re present in industries like the pharmaceutical one. In contrast with other valves, diaphragm valves have a long, useful life and pose a low risk of contamination thanks to the angleless internal structure, which reduces wearing and guarantees an efficient sanitary operation. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
To successfully configure these valves, it’s necessary to know their characteristics:
Body type: T type, U-bend, multiport, among others.
Body material: 316L
Required standard: JIS3447, ISO2037, SMS, BS4825, DIN11850-1, ASME BPE, and so on.
Connections: butt-weld, clamp or both
Size (inches): ½’’ to 4’’
Gasket/seat material: EPDM, EPDM+PTFE compound or EPDM+PTFE separated
Actuator: manual, pneumatic normally closed, pneumatic normally open or pneumatic double-acting
Actuator material: plastic or metallic
Inner surface finish: Ra≤0.5 μm (SF1), Ra≤0.64 μm (SF2), Ra≤0.76μm (SF3), Ra≤0.375μm (SF4)
Working pressure: 0 – 10 bar (OGMAN) actuator normally closed 5 – 7 bar, actuator normally open 5.5 bar, pneumatic actuator double acting 5.5 bar (KING LAI)
Working temperature: EPDM: -10°C ~ 130°C, EPDM+PTFE: -10°C ~ 150°C
The following image acts as a practical guide to assemble a diaphragm valve according to your needs:
OBTURATOR/OPERATION
For these valves, the diaphragm has an obturator function: when closed, the flexible membrane acts as a gate when positioned against the weir and when opened, it lifts to allow the passing of fluids.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
A functional disadvantage of these valves is the limited temperature and pressure ranges that they can be exposed to. A great advantage is that the maintenance is usually reduced to the replacement of the diaphragm, which can be done quickly and without removing the valve from the line.
BUTTERFLY VALVES
USES
Butterfly valves have different qualities that make them a highly sought-out fitting in the brewery, food and specialized industries.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
Body material: 304 and 316L
Required standard: 3-A o ASME BPE, ISO (OGMAN)
Connection: clamp, butt-weld, threaded
Size (inches): 1/2’’ to 8’’
Gasket/seat material: VMQ (Silicone), EPDM o FPM (FKM/Viton)
Actuator: Manual with two kinds of multi-position handles, duckbill handle and pull rod handle, with up to 13 positions and pneumatic
Inner surface finish: Ra≤0.5 μm (SF1), Ra≤0.76μm (SF3)
Working pressure: 0 ~ 10 bar
Working temperature: VMQ (Silicone): -50 ~ +180° C, EPDM: -20 ~ +135° C, FPM (FKM/Viton): -30 ~ +230° C
OBTURATOR/OPERATION
The working mechanism of the butterfly valve is based on the turning of a stem which is attached to a disc, via a multi-position handle, which can turn up to 90° to control the flow to the desired volume.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Butterfly valves are more practical thanks to their simple design, compact body and easy installation. Unlike others, they are considered the cheaper option. Although the fluid resistance is low - due to the wide opening of the disc – they have the capacity to work with fluids of medium and low viscosity. They aren´t recommended for installations with highly viscous fluids, corrosives or high temperatures, because the disc can deteriorate, requiring frequent maintenance and the risk of gasket failure.
Apart from the regular bolted body type butterfly valves, at OGMAN you can find the clamp body type butterfly valves, that have a slim body design with the advantage that they can be mounted without the need of additional fittings, because the body acts as a clamp for both ends, making it a two-in-one solution, perfect for easy, quick and compact installations.
BALL VALVES
USES
Ball valves offer an on-and-off flow service. They’re used to open or close up a line, with minimum losses.
They can be found in different connection configurations, with thread, weld, clamp (or both) ends; in compliance with the DIN, ISO, GB, ASME BPE and 3-A standards. A particularity to these valves is their variety of three-way body configurations, that allow fluid distribution with both manual or pneumatic actuation, providing – depending on the position – 90° flows, with two or three flow exits. There are the T, J, H and L types, offering a cheaper alternative in just one device.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
Body material: 304 and 316L
Required standard: 3-A, PED/97/23/EC
Connection: clamp, butt-weld, threaded
Size (inches): 1/2’’ to 6’’
Gasket/seat material: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Actuator: manual, pneumatic and electric
Inner surface finish: Ra 0.6μm
Working pressure: 8-10 bar
Working temperature: -20° C to 150° C
OBTURATOR/OPERATION
The obturator in these valves is made of a pierced internal ball and its seat. The seat design in this kind of valve envelopes the ball with o-rings that prevent the entrapment of process product in the valve body, making it perfect for sanitary applications. To open it, the handle has to be positioned in-line with the valve body and to close it, the handle has to be positioned at a 90 degree angle to the body. For that same reason they are also known as “quarter-turn ball valves”.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Ball valves stand out among other valves for their low cost and easy maintenance. However, they can also present inconveniences due to their length, that tends to occupy more space in a process line. At the same time, the construction of their obturator can trap process fluids when closing the valve, therefore, they aren’t recommended for use with viscous fluids or high purity applications. Due to their design, they aren’t recommended as regulatory flow instruments either. On the other hand, they are functional for liquids, gases, oils, corrosive fluids and dry, pulverized materials.
CHECK VALVES (CLAMP BODY TYPE)
USES
These valves are used to prevent reverse flow in a process line. As their actuation relies on mechanical pressure, it is important that they operate within the designed flow parameters, so it can properly allow forward flow and block reverse flow. This valve has positioning restrictions, whether vertically or horizontally installed, and there are model variations according to the position in which it will be installed.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
Body material: 304 and 316L
Required standard: 3-A, ASME BPE, DIN, ISO
Connection: clamp, butt-weld
Size (inches): ½’’ to 4’’
Gasket/seat material: EPDM, VMQ (Silicone) o FPM (FKM/Viton)
Actuator: N/A
Inner surface finish: Ra ≥0.4-0.8 μm
Working pressure: 0 ~ 10 bar
Working temperature: Silicone: -50 ~ +180° C, EPDM: -20 ~ +135° C, Viton: -30 ~ +230° C
OBTURATOR/OPERATION
The obturator that allows the passing of fluids is made of a disc that is pushed back with flow pressure and returns to its closed position with help of a loaded spring found on the opposite side.
ADVANTAGES AND DISASVANTAGES
Benefits of check valves are related to the protection of the process line wherever they are installed, as they can prevent reverse flow that could damage other equipment. They’re easy to install and don’t require direct actioning from the user, and offer a longer useful life. However, if what you need in is flow control in your process line, the check valve is the least adequate for this task.
SAMPLING VALVES
USES
Sampling valves are designed to extract representative samples of fluids directly from a process line or a tank. Their main function is to allow safe and precise recollection of samples for test and analysis, making sure they reflect real characteristics of the fluid inside the system. They hold a fundamental part to guarantee quality control and operative efficiency.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
Body material: 316L
Stem material: PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEEK (polyetheretherketone)
Required standard: ASME BPE (Steel & O’Brien), ASMT A276 (King Lai)
Connection: clamp, butt-weld, barbed
Entry size (inches): ¾’’ to 6’’
Exist size (inches): 1/8’’ to ½’’ (depends on the model)
Gasket material (o-ring): FDA/USP EPDM o FDA/USP FKM (Viton)
Actuator: manual
Inner surface finish: SF1 to SF5
Working pressure: 0-10 bar
Working temperature: -20°C ~ +120°C (King Lai), up to 148°C (Steel & O’Brien)
OBTURATOR/OPERATION
Through the control of the stem height within the inner valve passage the sample valve can extract a controlled amount of fluid, guaranteeing a minimal pressure drop in the line, while keeping the desired flow for taking the sample.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Some models, like Steel & O’Brien sample valves, have a safety feature when closed to prevent accidental openings and leaks, and offers a controlled opening. Their design minimizes bacteria build-up, guaranteeing a maximum level of cleanliness. Their capacity to bring trustworthy samples without flow interruptions and contaminant-free, makes them useful for good quality control.
Among their disadvantages are their higher cost in comparation with traditional valves, because of their sanitary design and high-quality materials. They can require frequent maintenance when they are used with viscous products and if they aren’t cleaned correctly, they can turn into a critical point of contamination.
In the other side, King Lai valves, have some models that add a fitting for sterilization of the valve, effectively preventing contamination and harboring of bacteria. Their barbed design, adding a safer fitting. Moreover, they’ve a standard model that can be a cheaper option. Among their disadvantages, is the necessity of gasket change every hundred samples or sterilization cycles.
The right choice of valve makes the difference in your process; it prevents constant replacements and unnecessary expenses. If you need additional information, require a specialized sanitary valve, with an actuator or for an explosion-proof environment, we can quote and offer you technical support, so you can find your ideal stainless-steel equipment; at OGMAN we don’t only sell tubing, we provide solutions.
Comments