Gas ball valves can include various markings that identify certain testing and ensure quality. One of the most prominent markings is CSA or Canadian Standards Association. CSA is an organization that tests gas ball valves to ensure they meet US and Canadian standards, including NSF International (NSF), CSA Group (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and other global and North American standards.
A CSA-approved product will have a CSA logo with a “C,” “US,” or both, indicating which country’s standards the product has been tested to. While CSA certification is not mandatory, it gives consumers confidence in the performance of the ball valve product. Here, we will explore the markings on gas ball valves for indoor and outdoor use and compare UL ratings to CSA to help determine which marking you should look for in a high-performance gas ball valve product.
Indoor Ratings vs. Outdoor Ratings
CSA sets the ratings for gas ball valves, which are marked on the valve body. The ratings differ based on the country and whether the valve will be installed indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Gas Ratings
Both the US and Canada use the same ratings for indoor valves. The CSA gas ratings for indoor gas ball valves are 5G and 1/2 PSI, each of which has different applications. 5G ratings are for gas ball valves used in household piping systems, whereas the 1/2 PSI rating indicates valves used in gas-fired appliances.
Outdoor Gas Ratings
For a gas valve to be used outdoors, it must have either of the following ratings:
CAN 3.16: A Canadian gas pressure rating of 125 PSIG for outdoor use in piping systems. For gas ball valves to be installed outdoors in Canada, they must have this rating.
BRS125G: A US gas pressure rating of 125 PSIG for outdoor use in piping systems. For gas ball valves to be installed outdoors in the US, they must have this rating.
UL vs. CSA Ratings
In addition to CSA ratings, gas ball valves may also be marked as UL-certified. UL is a US-based organization, while CSA is Canada-based. Both certifications are well-respected and have worldwide credibility.
Although both UL and CSA ratings are internationally recognized, a UL certification only applies to the United States, whereas a CSA certification applies to the United States and Canada. Because of this, gas ball valves and other products for international export will be at a slight advantage if they have a CSA rating. Regardless of which certification you choose, they both have the required expertise, knowledge, and skill to certify gas ball valves.
CSA Approved Gas Ball Valves From RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
Gas ball valves require CSA certification for use in combustible gas applications. The association rates gas ball valves based on country-specific requirements and application areas, and the certification is recognized by several US regulatory bodies, including ANSI and OSHA. Compared to standard untested valves, CSA-approved gas ball valves ensure optimal safety and performance.
When determining which markings to look for, it’s important to understand your application’s requirements for installation location and pressure. Look for 1/2 PSI and 5G ratings for indoor applications and CSA 3.16 or BRS125G for outdoor applications. At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP, we supply CSA-approved indoor and outdoor gas ball valves for various industrial applications. For more information, explore our CSA gas ball valves or contact us today.
The durability and versatility of ball valves make them an ideal solution for a range of industrial and commercial applications. Ball valves have a range of unique benefits. They function well even in challenging environments and can withstand exposure to high temperatures and pressures, as well as contaminated gas or liquid. RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. has been a leader in the valve industry for over 50 years. Our team of professionals can help you determine if ball valves are the best solution for your application.
What is a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are a type of shut-off valve characterized by a spherical disc that controls the flow of liquid or gas through a port. This type of valve is particularly popular in applications that feature high temperatures or pressures, as well as applications requiring a very tight shut-off. Ball valves are available with openings in multiple sizes, including standard and full port ball valves, to accommodate different flow rates.
How Does a Ball Valve Work?
This type of valve may be operated either manually or by an actuator. When an external force moves the lever, the valve’s stem moves the ball by a quarter-turn, opening the valve and allowing the gas or liquid to pass through. To stop the flow of gas or liquid, the operator must turn the lever in the opposite direction. This will return the ball to its original position.
Ball Valve Features & Benefits
Several features characterize ball valves. These include:
Valve stops
Position indicators
Anti-static
Standard face-to-face dimensions
Fire-safe
In addition, ball valves have many unique benefits, which include:
Compact Design
While some valves are quite large, ball valves have an economical design. This enables them to perform well in a versatile range of applications. Additionally, it is possible to inspect ball valves without removing them from the line.
Durability
Ball valves perform well in harsh environments. They can withstand applications in which they are exposed to high volumes, temperatures, and pressures.
Fast Shut-Off Speeds
Their responsiveness makes ball valves ideally suited for complex applications that require rapid shut-off speeds.
Corrosion Resistance
Ball valves are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel and PVC, that offer superior levels of corrosion resistance. The design of these valves also makes them less prone to damage even in challenging environments.
Versatility
As they are available in a range of materials and designs, ball valves offer high levels of versatility. They are ideally suited for an array of industrial applications.
Long Service Life
The durable, high-quality design of ball valves gives them a particularly long service life. They continue to provide strong seals even after long periods of disuse.
Ball Valve Applications
Due to the reliability and durability of ball valves, they are ideally suited for a diverse array of applications. They function well in harsh environments and continue to perform well even when they encounter contaminated media. Some of the most common applications for ball valves include:
Compressor skids
Turbine skids
Generator skids
Separator skids
Crude oil plants
Field gas plants
Polymer plants
Industrial gas processing plants
LNG plants
Gas feed lines
Automated processing
Hydrocarbon processing
Oil refinery feedstock lines
Tank farms
Meeting Your Valve Needs for Over 50 Years
At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we have spent the past 50 years working to meet the needs of our customers by manufacturing a range of industry-leading valve solutions. We are dedicated to collaborating with our customers and meeting the highest standards of customer service, with each of our representatives offering expert knowledge of our products and services. By manufacturing our products in-house, we ensure reliable and high-quality results at competitive prices. To learn more about our valve solutions,contact us orrequest your quote today.
Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on Hydronic Valve
Hydronic HVAC systems for heating and cooling operate at peak performance only after achieving hydronic balance and temperature control. The best way to ensure this is through hydronic balancing – a process of optimizing the distribution of water in a building’s HVAC system by equalizing the system pressure using hydronic balancing valves.
RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. has served the commercial, industrial, plumbing, and HVAC industries for over half a century with an extensive range of top-quality valves. Our business philosophy is rooted in integrity, quality, and reliability, allowing us to further our reputation as an industry-leading valve producer.
Balancing a Hydronic System
Hydronic HVAC systems utilize heated or cooled water to heat or cool a facility. The conditioned water circulates through a closed system to achieve the desired temperature in specific areas of the facility. For optimal performance, it is essential to implement balancing measures to prevent underflow or overflow conditions. The aim is to provide the right amount of water at the right place and at the right time. A balancing valve ensures that all zones get proper flow under design conditions, ensuring optimal efficiency, comfort, and energy savings.
Unbalanced systems can lead to insufficient or excessive heating or cooling. Unbalanced systems will also be plagued by noisy operations, high energy use, and reduced valve and pump life.
There are two types of balancing valves:
Manual balancing (Static): Also called pressure-dependent balancing valves, static valves offer a fixed resistance to water flow. Since they don’t adjust to changing system pressure, the valve settings are calculated and adjusted before installation.
Pressure independent balancing (Automatic): This hydronic valve throttles to produce the pressure drop required to reduce the flow rate down to the design flow rate. Unlike static balancing valves, they have internal elements which move to adjust and compensate for differential pressure changes, allowing them to maintain a constant flow and operate more efficiently under variable load conditions.
Hydronic Valve Features & Benefits
Both types of hydronic balancing valves offer unique advantages that make them suitable for different applications.
Manual Balancing Valves
Manual hydronic balancing valves are manually adjusted throttling valves that serve as a permanent resistance built into the system. They are pressure-dependent and maintain a balanced system at full-load conditions (designed load). Manual valves have several benefits:
Sensitive – can read low rates accurately.
Environmentally friendly – manual balancing valves use much less energy than automatic hydronic valves.
Cost-effective – they are energy efficient, which will translate to reduced energy costs.
Intuitive – easier to troubleshoot if there’s a problem.
Automatic Balancing Valves
These balancing valves function independently of pressure and can maintain the designed flow rate within the PSID range specified by the manufacturer. They can also maintain an overall system balance, even when other branches fluctuate. Benefits of automatic balancing valves include:
Ease of use – unlike manual balancing valves, automatic valves can automatically adjust with changing water flow rates, so there is no need for adjustments.
Efficient – automatic balancing valves ensure more accurate balance in the water flow distribution throughout the system.
Durable and quiet – automatic balance valves are long-lasting and help eliminate noise and vibration in HVAC systems.
Time-saving – automatic valves require less time and cost for maintenance.
Hydronic Valve Applications
Hydronic valves have several applications, including:
HVAC: Hydronic balancing valves are used in HVAC systems to ensure the system delivers proper flow to all terminals.
Heat exchangers: Balancing valves are used in heat exchangers to deliver the desired flows in low temperature, chilled, or hot water applications and provide the desired flow rate to maintain comfort and energy.
Power generation systems: Hydronic flow control valves are used in power generation systems to control conditions such as flow, pressure, temperature, and liquid.
Refrigeration systems: Hydronic valves control the flow of liquid refrigerant between the low side and high side of a refrigeration system.
Server cooling systems: Hydronic zone valves are used to regulate water flow in hydronic server cooling systems.
Water return lines: Hydronic check valve keeps water flowing in one direction only and prevents reverse flow.
Hydronic Balancing Valves from RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. (RWV), we manufacture and distribute a broad selection of balancing valves. Our valves feature brass (DZR) construction for superior corrosion resistance and a fixed venturi design for easier setting requirements. We also offer accessories for all types of connections. Contact us today to request a quote.
Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on Globe Valves vs. Gate Valves
Gate valves and globe valves both serve important roles in applications that require control of liquid and media passing through industrial systems. As the most common valves used in industrial plants, they are often used in the same applications and are very similar in appearance, but they have different functionalities.
It is important to understand these differences when deciding what valve type to use in your application. This article discusses the differences between and the purposes of each type of valve.
Globe Valves
At a glance, it is easy to understand why globe valves were named as such. Traditional globe valves closely resemble a globe. Belonging to the linear motion valve family, globe valves are primarily intended to start, stop, and regulate the flow of media. Most globe valves have a top-entry design, meaning you have to access the valve’s internal components from the top.
Globe valves provide a tight, efficient seal to limit the risk of leakage. They are suitable throttling valves because their seats are parallel to the media flow, preventing erosion of the seat when the valve is on. Globe valves experience high-pressure drops and are more resistant to media flow when the valve is turned on.
Applications that encounter high temperatures, high pressures, or highly viscous media call for globe valves. They are appropriate for applications that require a safe, leak-proof solution that resists corrosion. Due to their capabilities, globe valves are more costly than gate valves but are a worthwhile expense in certain applications.
Gate Valves
As part of the shutoff valve family, these linear valves feature a wedge-shaped gate and a rising or non-rising stem to indicate when the valve is open or closed. The primary function of gate valves is to isolate media by providing a tight seal to stop the flow. Unlike globe valves, they don’t regulate the flow of media, but they can accommodate any flow direction.
Gate valves are ideal for applications that require tight sealing. Knife valves, a unique variety of gate valves, are suitable for viscous media. Gate valves are useful in wide variety of above- and below-ground applications and are suitable for all kinds of fluids, including gas and water.
Differences: Globe Valves vs. Gate Valves
Click to Expand
While they appear similar in design and can be used in similar ways, these two valves differ in functionality, structure, sealing capabilities, and application.
Some of the most distinct differences between globe valves and gate valves include the following:
Performance/Functionality:Globe valves are control valves, meaning they can start, stop, and regulate media, giving the operator full control media flow. The primary function of gate valves is to isolate media. Its design does not cater to flow control.
Structure: Globe valves and gate valves differ significantly in terms of structure. Globe valves tend to have a complicated structure with most of their components housed internally. Their design allows for a change in flow direction and obstruction, which promotes its throttling function. On the other hand, gate valves have a more simplistic structure. Their components are found on the upper part of the valve body, so they become hollow when the valve is open. Gate valves also have a non-rising or rising stem.
Sealing surfaces: Globe valves provide a superior seal to gate valves due to its internal valve core, which effectively seals globe valves. Gate valves only seal on the surface of the valve disc, creating a weaker seal.
Application: Because globe valves experience such drastic pressure changes, they are ideal for application that are unaffected by pressure drops. Gate valves are multidirectional, and they are suitable for applications that are more sensitive to drops in pressure.
Valve Solutions at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
Successful applications depend on choosing the right components to suit the job. At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality solutions that provide optimal system performance.
With over 50 years serving the commercial, industrial, HVAC, and plumbing industries, we have the expertise to help you find the right solution for your business. To learn more about our selection of globe and gate valves, contact us or request a quote today.
Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on How to Maintain a Gas Tankless Water Heater
Gas tankless water heaters offer an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to get hot water on demand. However, these systems require proper maintenance to prevent premature component failure and ensure long service life. Generally, tankless water heaters should be serviced once a year; however, they may require more frequent maintenance if you have hard water or if you keep your water temperature high. To ensure that your tankless water heater is properly maintained, there are many steps you can take.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are a type of on-demand water heater that provides hot water when needed. They are capable of heating water without the need for a storage tank. Once a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water moves through the unit’s heat exchanger before it is heated by a natural gas burner. This results in a constant supply of hot water without having to wait for a storage tank to fill.
Some of the primary advantages of gas tankless water heaters are their energy efficiency and compact size. This means that these systems not only save money but also save on the amount of space they take up in an area. However, minerals can build up within the heat exchanger over time, which can cause clogs and affect the water flow speed. Because of this, tankless water heaters require a certain degree of maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Steps for Maintaining a Tankless Water Heater
When performing maintenance on your gas tankless water heater, it’s important to follow these steps:
All tankless water heaters are not alike and therefore, cleaning procedures may differ. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper cleaning procedures.
To ensure optimal safety, it is crucial to turn off the energy source before performing inspection or maintenance. In the case of a gas tankless water heater, you will need to turn off the main gas supply valve.
2. Close All Main Water Valves
To prevent water from entering the water heater, you must close the main water valves. Typically, there is a blue valve that marks cold water (in) and a red valve that marks hot water (out).
3. Remove Purge Port Valve Caps
Purge port valve caps cover and protect the hose connections used for maintenance.
4. Attach Hoses To Each Valve
Connect hoses to the hot and cold purge ports. The hose connected to the cold valve (blue) will attach to a small recirculation pump. The hose connected to the hot valve (red) will feed back to the cleaning solution container.
5. Open the Port Valves
Open all the port valves by turning them perpendicular to the direction of the water lines.
6. Descale
To thoroughly clean your tankless water heater, use a commercial descaling solution or white vinegar mixture to the container. The recirculation pump should be submerged in the cleaning fluid container. Turn on the pump. The pump will push the cleaning fluid through the hose and into the heat exchanger. The fluid will then exit the heater and return to the cleaning fluid container.
(Note: some manufacturers require the electrical power to be on during this procedure to allow all internal actuated valves to open properly)
7. Flush and Drain the Unit
To complete your maintenance routine, simply flush and drain your tankless water heater for approximately 45-60 minutes for thorough cleaning. Now, you can close the port valves, disconnect the hosing, and reseal the purge valves. It is always a good idea to do a final flush with clean water to remove any cleaning solution from the unit.
Tankless Water Heater Valve Kits From RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we offer valve and valve kits for gas tankless water heater maintenance. To ensure that all your daily tasks run smoothly, it’s crucial to maintain proper water pressure, and maintaining your water heater’s pressure relief valves is a key step in doing this. Our water heater relief valves relieve excess pressure in your tankless water heater to prevent pressure buildup that could lead to a tank burst.
Our valve and valve kits for tankless water heater maintenance include:
3400AB LF Tankless Water Heater Valve Kit. This tankless water heater valve kit features a full port, virgin PTFE seats, integral base drain, purge port with cap, and an integral relief valve.
To learn more about the gas tankless water heater maintenance solutions from RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., contact us or request a quote today.
Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Ball Valves
Ball valves are a type of shut-off valve designed to control the flow of a gas or liquid through the use of a pivoting ball that has a port through its center. When the ball is rotated 90°, the medium is either blocked or allowed to flow through, depending on the orientation of the port. Ball valves come in a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes to meet the particular needs of various applications.
What Are Ball Valves?
Ball valves are installed throughout piping systems to allow, obstruct, and control the flow of various vapors, gases and liquids. The ball is mounted against two seats and is connected with a shaft to the control mechanism used to rotate the ball. When the port opening is perpendicular to the flow, the fluid is not allowed to pass through the valve. By rotating the port to the open position, fluid is allowed to pass through at a controlled rate.
Design
One key design element of ball valves is their construction material. Ball valves can be constructed from a wide range of materials, such as metals, plastics, or metal fused with ceramic. The ball itself is often plated with chrome for added durability. The ideal ball valve material depends on factors such as operating temperature, pressure, and the type of fluid that will move through it.
Another design aspect of ball valves is their port profile. The hole through the ball can have different profiles such as V-shaped, reduced port or full port:
V-Shaped. A V-shaped or characterized profile allows for more precise control of flow rate by rotating the ball. The profile can be optimized to achieve linear flow characteristics.
Reduced port. This is the most common type of bore profile. Reduced bore ball valves can introduce friction losses into a system; however, these losses are relatively small compared to other valve types.
Full port. These ports have the same diameter as the pipe, meaning they are easier to clean and there are no extra friction losses. However, full port valves often cost more and are bigger than standard ball valves.
Function
Similar to other valves that use a rotating disc to control the movement of fluid throughout a system, ball valves use a ball to control the fluid. By moving the actuator, the ball rotates to a point where the port aligns with the valve body outlet and inlet, allowing the fluid to flow through the valve.
The valve needs a one-quarter turn of a handwheel to move from fully open to fully closed. This small degree of movement allows operators to quickly open and close the valve in the event of an emergency. By closing the valve, operators can easily isolate a section of piping for repairs, installation, or inspection.
Applications
Because of minimal flow restrictions, ball valves cause a low-pressure drop compared to other valve types, which prevents valve damage. Since ball valves only require a one-quarter turn to fully open or shut off, they offer a great way to immediately allow or restrict fluid flow. This advantage makes ball valves a popular option for a wide range of residential and specialized applications, including:
Outdoor hoses, plumbing, washing machines, and other residential applications
This exterior shell houses the other valve components. It’s often constructed from a rigid metal that can provide adequate protection to the internal components.
Ball
The spherical ball features a hole in the center, known as a port. The port serves as an opening to either allow or block the flow of fluid, depending on its position. When the cross-section of the port aligns with the fluid path, fluid is allowed to flow through. This is crucial in preventing throttling.
Seat
The seat seals the gap between the ball and the body of the valve.
Stem
The stem connects to the actuator or handle that rotates the ball. It has o-rings or other seals in place so fluid can’t leak between the shaft, stem, or bonnet.
Bonnet
This is part of the valve housing. It contains and protects the shaft and its packing.
Working With RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we specialize in creating high-quality ball valves for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our products include:
Comprehensively certified valves: 5544AB and 5549AB
For more information about our capabilities, or for help determining the right ball valve for your application, contact our experts or request a quote today.
Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on An Introduction to Pneumatic Actuators
What Is a Pneumatic Actuator?
Actuators convert potential energy into kinetic energy (i.e., mechanical motion) when prompted by a control signal. They are integrated into a variety of devices and systems to perform various tasks. There are many types available, each of which is suitable for different applications. One way of categorizing them is by their power source (i.e., what form of energy they use to produce mechanical motion).
Pneumatic actuators—also referred to as pneumatic cylinders, air cylinders, and air actuators—rely on compressed air for their operation. While all pneumatic actuators have the same basic components (a cylinder, ports or valves, and a mechanical element), they can vary in design; for example, rotary actuators convert energy into rotary motion, while linear actuators convert energy into linear motion.
Typical applications for pneumatic actuators include:
Aircraft
Automobiles
Packaging and production equipment
Pump systems
Trains
How Does a Pneumatic Actuator Work?
As mentioned above, a pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to produce mechanical motion. It does this by containing regular air, pressurized gas, or a combination of the two within a chamber and allowing it to expand. As the air/gas expands, it creates a pressure differential between the inside of the chamber and the surrounding environment, which energizes the air/gas. The air/gas is then directed out of the chamber toward a mechanical component (e.g., gear or piston), which actually performs the task.
Advantages of Pneumatic Actuators
Compared to other types of actuators, pneumatic valves offer a number of advantages.
They have a simple design, which makes them easy and, consequently, cheaper to produce.
They are highly durable and easy to maintain, resulting in lower replacement and repair costs.
They do not require electricity or ignition to operate, making them suitable for use in environments where combustion is a concern.
They can generate greater forces than electric actuators, which makes them better suited for handling heavier loads.
Types of Pneumatic Actuators
Pneumatic actuators can be classified according to a variety of design factors. For example, they can be categorized into three main varieties based on what type of mechanical motion they produce: linear, rotary, and combination.
Linear Actuators
Linear actuators are designed to produce linear motion. They use various mechanisms to perform this function, such as pistons and diaphragms. In piston-style linear actuators, the stroke length is dependent on the length of the cylinder. In diaphragm-style linear actuators, the stroke length is dependent on the stretch tolerance of the diaphragm.
Piston-style linear actuators can be further classified into single-acting actuators and double-acting actuators. Single-acting actuators rely on air pressure to move the piston in one direction and a spring to move it back to the original location. Double-acting actuators rely on air pressure to move the piston forward and back. The former has a simpler design, a smaller footprint, and lower compressed air requirements. The latter offers greater force capacities, faster operating speeds, and longer lifespans.
Rotary Actuators
Rotary actuators are designed to produce rotary motion. Similar to linear actuators, they use a variety of mechanisms to perform this function. Some of the most commonly used are pistons, diaphragms, yokes, vanes. Piston-style rotary actuators offer a limited range of rotation, yoke-style rotary actuators offer up to 90 degrees of rotation, and vane-style rotary actuators offer up to and exceeding 360 degrees of rotation.
Combination Actuators
Combination actuators are designed to produce both linear motion and a limited degree of rotary motion. They are commonly used in work holding applications, where they are used for clamps that must be constantly engaged, disengaged, and reengaged to switch out workpieces.
Pneumatic Actuators From RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
Pneumatic actuators play a vital role in many different devices and systems (e.g., in valve systems, they open and close the valve to start and stop the flow of fluid). Given their importance, it is essential to source them from a reliable supplier. Otherwise, they may underperform or fail, which can lead to loss of productivity and profitability.
Need pneumatic actuators you can trust in your critical valve applications? The experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. have got you covered! We offer high-quality pneumatic actuators for valve assemblies used in industrial and commercial applications. To learn more about our product offerings, contact us today.
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