Globe Valve 101: Their Value & Care Needs
When it comes to managing and regulating fluid flow, few valves are as popular as globe valves. Cast globe valves are strong, durable, and reliable—making them a great investment when you need to be able to moderate fluid flow to varying degrees. If you've been struggling with the valves you currently have in place and are looking for a better solution, you may want to consider investing in cast globe valves instead. Here are some of the things you need to know about what makes these valves a great choice and what you need to do to keep them that way.
Why Are Globe Valves Ideal?
Particularly in plumbing and pipeline environments, globe valves are a great investment for many reasons. For example, since globe valves rely on a hand wheel to open and close the valve, you have precision control over the volume of the liquid flow through the valve. You can adjust it easily with even small movements on the hand wheel. In addition, the hand wheels are designed so that they respond quickly, allowing you to open or close the valve rapidly when the situation requires it.
Since they are designed for rapid opening and closing, you don't need to turn the hand wheel as many times as you might with other valves, which is ideal in environments where you need to minimize wear and tear. Fewer turns each time means less wear on the components and fewer periods of downtime for repairs.
Another great benefit to these valves is that their simple, straightforward construction makes them easy to work on. If they do need repairs, it's pretty easy to take care of without having to break down the entire line or disassemble the entire valve. You don't even need to remove the valve from the pipeline it's connected to.
How Do You Care for Globe Valves?
Globe valves, like any other, are susceptible to certain types of problems and need to be maintained. Understanding the most common issues they may encounter is important, as it helps you preemptively address the issues and possibly prevent complete valve failure.
For example, depending on what type of fluid is flowing through the pipeline, you may need to be concerned about debris clogging up the valve. If there are any kind of particles or debris in the fluid, consider adding a filter somewhere ahead of the globe valve. In addition, make an effort to clean the valve on a regular basis to remove anything that has accumulated. Otherwise, it could completely block the valve and lead to fluid flow failure.
If the fluid flowing through the pipeline is caustic, you need to be attentive to any potential signs of erosion inside the globe valve. Check it regularly for signs of wear and damage. Repair it right away if you notice any problems, that way you can keep the valve flowing and prevent any leaks that could be disastrous.
Monitor the packing to ensure that there is no leakage around it. If the stem is bent or the packing is damaged, it can cause the valve to leak. In cases like this, you will need to disassemble the valve to access the packing and the stem. If the stem is bent, replace it. Insert new packing and reassemble the valve. This should restore the flow without the leak around the packing.
These are some of the things you need to keep in mind when you opt for globe valves on your plumbing. The more you understand, the easier it is to capitalize on the investment and make it work for you. Talk with a cast globe valve supplier to learn about NEWCO cast globe valves and other relevant products.