Selecting the right flow control valve isn’t a novice task. If you aren’t careful, you may end up buying the wrong valve.
So, what do you need to know before choosing the best ARC valve? These are some basic tips to consider.
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Know the Process Conditions
Do you know the process conditions of the flow? Are you willing to share this information with your dealer?
For instance, say you place an order for an ARC valve but you don’t share the process conditions? Chances are the dealer or their engineer may not know the capacity of your flow. If the valve has a lower capacity than what your process needs, that’s a recipe for failure.
The only way to get the best valve is if you know all the process conditions.
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Calculate the Flow
Are you conveying, gas, liquid or solids? What you’ll be pumping will help you choose the best valve for your needs.
What valve coefficient should you buy? In knowing this, you need to know the flow restrictions. The valve flow coefficient combines the effects of all these restrictions in your valve to a single number.
For example, solids and liquids are incompressible while gasses are compressible. So, you’ll have different formulae and equations to calculate the flow.
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Determine the Function of Your Valve
You need to know how you expect the valve to perform in the process. Is it normally closed? Or normally open? It may be a 3-way, 2-way or multipurpose valve.
If you don’t know the valve condition, seek assistance from experts. They’ll help you get the best valve for your process.
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The Longevity of the Valve
As with any device, regular servicing and maintenance are the best way to improve the life of your valve. Depending on the frequency of operation and application, regular maintenance can make the system work for decades.
However, all this is possible if the valve you’ve bought is of a higher value. Check through the reviews and ratings that this product enjoys online. That’s the only way to make sure the needs you have are met.
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Manufacturer’s Review
Before making the purchase, you need to authenticate the manufacturer. For instance, what’s their rating on the market?
If you want to buy a high-quality valve, you need to ensure that the manufacturer is competent in the industry. The best way to do this is by analyzing what their past clients are saying. If a huge number of customers were happy with the product, then you should consider buying it. Otherwise, continue looking till you get what you need.
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Budget Provisions
Money is a scarce resource. You must use it prudently. The simplest way to do this is by having a financial budget.
Engage the dealers in negotiating for better prices or discounts. But be very wary of experts who charge extremely higher low rates for their products. That’s an indication of low-quality products.
Don’t forget, you get what you pay for.
