Options for Accessorizing Your Bottom Outlet Valve
Bottom outlet valves are a critical component of a glass-lined reactor or storage vessel. While their rudimentary purpose is to discharge product, today&#;s standard for valves require much more functionality than a basic dump valve. To meet the growing demands of modern-day processes, valve manufacturers now offer enhancements to increase the capabilities available in the marketplace. Before we get into detail about the different options available, it&#;s important to explain the two main types of bottom outlet valves that we offer for glass-lined equipment that we will be referring to throughout the post:
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VBS Flush Valve - De Dietrich&#;s most basic model is referred to as the VBS style. This glass-lined valve is designed with proportional outlet diameters to ensure full product flow. Its one-piece head and stem design, combined with a seat of PTFE-lined steel, assures tight shut-off to prevent leaking under pressure or vacuum.
Clean Valve - Our clean-in-place "CIP" valve provides enhanced functionality when compared to the standard VBS model. Available in glass-lined steel or unlined stainless steel, this upgraded design features an extra port that facilitates cleaning and maintenance without having to dismantle the valve.
Either valve can be connected to any De Dietrich glass lined bottom nozzle and are offered in sizes from 2&#; to 6&#; connections. Additionally, special seats and stems can be designed to connect to other brand reactors. Per the illustration below, red arrow dimensions are required for all non-De Dietrich reactors:
For additional technical data on these valves, refer to our Glass-Lined Valves data sheet and Clean Valve data sheet.
Accessories for Bottom Outlet Valves
Now that you are familiar with the two main styles of BOVs, let&#;s discuss the wide range of accessories that are available for each. Depending on your application, one or more of these accessories can help to optimize the performance of not only your valve but your entire process.
RTD
RTDs are temperature measuring probes that can be installed into the head of the valve stem. Measuring temperature in the head is very common as it allows a reading at the vessel&#;s lowest point of the bottom head. And since it is externally removable, temperature measurement, calibration and replacement can be easily done. An advantage to our CIP valves is that this procedure can be done without disrupting the process while the VBS valves must get removed from the reactor. For the VBS model, once the valve is removed it is recommended to replace the valve seat and two gaskets. For this reason we recommend that customers keep a rebuild kit on hand for these instances to minimize downtime.
Clean Out Port Adapters (CIP Adapters)
If you are currently using standard VBS valves and are looking to enhance your valve&#;s cleanability, you might want to look into upgrading to CIP models that feature the additional port for cleaning and other process use. With the addition of a CIP adapter, we can quickly connect to ANSI, NPT and Triclamp in case you need to take a sample or flush out the valve while still connected to the vessel.
Actuator
The tide has shifted in the last few years with more valves being controlled electronically from a control room versus the traditional manual handwheel design. Our pneumatic actuators are rated at 87 PSI and require about 40 PSI to open. Before purchasing an actuated valve it&#;s important to make sure you have enough plant air to operate it correctly.
Both VBS and CIP bottom outlet valves are available with standard actuators or a low-profile actuator (shown below) for vessels that have space constraints.
(On Clean Valve Diagram: A - valve seat design, B - additional side nozzle, C - Chevron packing with o-rings, D - valve body, E - valve head and stem with temperature sensor, F - actuator)
Solenoid
Solenoid valves are used wherever fluid flow must be controlled automatically. As most plants are moving towards more automated processes, solenoids are becoming increasingly more popular. The solenoid does require the valve to already have a pneumatic operator, so anyone using a manual handwheel design will also need to upgrade their valve with an actuator to properly integrate a solenoid. Its main function on a DDPS valve is to open the valve via compressed air. The solenoid valve to the actuator removes the air so it becomes spring closed.
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Limit Switch
The DDPS limit switch is mechanical instrumentation that will detect and alert the operator if the stem is in a fully open or fully closed position. This is a desired feature in processes where environmental and operator safety are key concerns.
Bracket and Target for Proximity Switch
Proximity switches are another option that sense whether the valve is opened or closed. Unlike our standard limit switch, which is mechanical, the proximity switch is electronic and sends a signal back to the control panel. While DDPS doesn&#;t offer the actual proximity switch, we can provide a bracket and target to integrate the component.
A feasible way to optimize the performance of your reactor is by enhancing its various components. Whether you are looking for a new bottom outlet valve or upgrading an existing one that's in service, De Dietrich Process Systems offers standard VBS and CIP valves along with a variety of accessories and instrumentation options to upgrade the features and performance of this important reactor component. Additionally, rebuild kits are available for both VBS and Clean Valves for the entire range of valve sizes available. The rebuild kits are typically in stock and readily available in our Texas warehouse and include all the necessary PTFE parts to rebuild the valve (valve seat, chevron packing, neck ring and gaskets). Contact us for more information about a bottom outlet valve or rebuild kit or download our eBook on Optimizing the Glass-Lined Reactor to find out even more ways get the most out of your glass-lined vessel.
Valves 101: Valve Types, Sizes, Standards & More
You might also see valves classified by function instead of design.
Common functional designations and their common design types include:
- Isolation Valves: Ball, butterfly, diaphragm, gate, pinch, piston, and plug valves
- Regulation Valves: Ball, butterfly, diaphragm, globe, needle, pinch, and plug valves
- Safety Relief Valves: Pressure release and vacuum relief valves
- Non-Return Valves: Swing check and lift check valves
- Special Purpose Valves: Multi-port, float, foot, knife gate, and line blind valves
Valve Sizing Explained: Keeping Things Flowing
While valves might be a small part of your piping process or system in terms of space, they&#;re often a substantial portion of the design and build budget. They also have a significant impact on long-term costs and overall system performance.
Choosing a proper valve size is essential to both optimizing costs and ensuring safe, accurate, and reliable operation.
The first thing to consider is the overall size of the valve -- both in terms of physical dimensions and in terms of internal size and flow rates (CV).
Choosing a valve that does not fit properly in the space required could result in added costs. Choosing a valve which does not provide the ideal flow rate can lead to inaccurate flow control at the least and complete system failure at worst.
For example, if your valve is too small, it could cause reduced flow downstream while creating back-pressure upstream. If the valve is too large, you&#;ll find that flow control is drastically reduced the further you move from fully open or fully closed.
When choosing the proper size, be sure to consider both the connector diameter and the overall flow rate of the valve compared to your needs. Some valves offer excellent flow while others constrict flow and increase pressure.
This means sometimes you must install a larger valve to adjust for flow than the adapter diameter alone might imply.
Valve End Connections: The Key to a Good Fit and Proper Operation
With sizing and design out of the way, it&#;s also important to consider valve end connections.
Common Valve End Types. Source: Unified Alloys
While the most obvious implication here is choosing an end connection compatible with your piping, there are also functional characteristics to common end types that might make one valve more suited to your needs than another.
Common valve connections and ends include:
- Screwed or Threaded: Often used in instrument connections or sample points
- Flanged: The most common ends for piping use
- Butt Welded: Typically used in high-pressure or high-temperature operations
- Socket Welded: Commonly used on small bore piping where threaded connections are not permitted
- Wafer and Lug: Often used for compact valves installed in systems with limited space
Valve Materials: Ensuring Safety and Long-Lasting Performance
Depending on your intended use, the materials with which your valves are made might be a critical aspect in ensuring safe operation and reducing maintenance and replacement costs over the life of your operation.
Stainless steel valves are excellent options in a range of processing environments, including those involving corrosive media (such as chemicals, saltwater, and acids), environments with strict sanitation standards (such as food and beverage manufacturing and pharmaceuticals), and processes involving high pressure or high temperatures.
However, if you are processing solvents, fuels, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), choosing a valve material from a non-sparking material -- such as brass, bronze, copper, or even plastic -- is often a better option. In addition to selecting the correct body material, internal (wetted) trim parts should be evaluated for chemical compatibility as well. If your valve contains elastomers, they should also be evaluated for their chemical compatibility as well as pressure and temperature limitations.
Valve Standards: Meeting Compliance and Regulatory Concerns
Depending on your intended usage, you might find that valves must adhere to particular standards to meet regulatory requirements for safety, sanitation, or other concerns.
While there are too many standard organizations and potential regulations to cover in detail, common general standard organizations include:
There are also industry-specific standards to consider.
Major standards organizations by industry include:
- ASHRAE Valve Standards
- ASME BPVC Valve Standards
- ASSE Valve Standards
- ISA Valve Standards
- NFPA Valve Standards
- SAE Valve Standards
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right valve for your project might seem complex. However, by starting with general characteristics -- such as valve design, valve size and actuation method -- you can quickly limit your options to determine the best valves for your needs.
Whether you&#;re designing a new processing system or looking to make upgrades to or maintain an existing system, Unified Alloys&#; selection of valves and fittings can help you find the ideal solution for your application and usage environment. As a leading provider of stainless steel alloys, valves, flanges, and more, our experts have helped industries across Canada and North America for more than 4 decades. Need assistance or have a question? Contact us for personalized help.
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