Modular Valves

Brief Introduction to Modular Valves

When it comes to the composition of products, the modular valves are the simple constituents as they are compared to other pneumatic components.Basically there are only 3 base valves and 18 different ways to activate the base valve. These combinations give a variety of valve elements that expand the possibilities when designing a pneumatic circuit. 

These valves are the perfect manifold mounted solution to pneumatic circuit applications. As the name suggests, modular valves can be the components utilized in the valve applications of all sorts, such as pneumatic valve, control valve, and check valve.

What is Control Valve?

A control valve modulates the rate of fluid flow; while the very position of the valve disc or plug is altered by an actuator. Control valves are utilized to maintain a process variable as close as possible to the desired set point. Controller set points are basically flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Product parameters, such as density, concentration, liquid level and others can be controlled with control valves as well. 

A control valve consists of a valve body, positioner, actuator, and other accessories. There are the trim parts and a bonnet assembly that comprise the body of the valve.Its design withstands fluid static pressure and differential pressure, enables fluid flow, provides pipe-connecting ends, and upholds seating surfaces and a valve closure member. The positioner is in charge of monitoring and maneuvering the movements of the actuator in order to maintain the desired set point. The actuator may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrically powered device that offers the force to close and open the valve. The accessories include pressure regulators, hand wheels, electro-pneumatic transducers, position indicators, and limit switches.

Modular Check Valve

Modular check valves allow water to flow freely and prevent it from flowing in one direction at the same time. These valves are found in myriad onboard systems, including sanitation systems, in a variety of raw-water plumbing applications from air-conditioning to sink drains, and in several bilge-pump plumbing runs. 

Generally speaking, too much reliance is placed on modular check valves to prevent flooding. The most ordinary type is the swing check valve. Made of bronze, it employs a metallic gate or door that freely opens when fluid flows in one direction and slams shut when fluid attempts to flow in the opposite direction (in most cases, these must be set up close to the horizontal plane to function). A variation on this theme uses a plastic body and a rubber gate. Normally it works the same way: water flows and pressure activates the gate/flap to carry it into the open or closed position, maintaining it there as long as pressure is present.

There are; nevertheless, three problems. One, check valves are inclined to jamming in the open position, therefore becoming an uncheck valve of sorts. Two, they are inclined to jamming in the closed position, preventing water flow in any direction. And three, they can keep water flowing under control. 

The insidiousness of all three of these problems, especially for bilge pumps, is that they are not immediately obvious. The pump runs and pumps just fine if the check valve is stuck open; nonetheless, it won’t avert backflow or flooding. In contrast, as the valve is stuck closed, it would cause the pump to run and create turbulence around its base at the same time. Nevertheless, the check valve doesn;t pump water, which explains the reason why the actual pumping is involved in a true bilge pump test.

It’s essential to understand that check valves can be held closed by the weight of the water in the column above them, which in some cases is too massive for a pump to prevail over.  Needless to say, when tested water around a submersible pump will froth, giving the appearance of pumping action.

Symptoms of a Failing Check Valve

Failing valves will release warning signs at the first hint of trouble. For instance, failing check valves will start to vibrate and even lose some internal parts when problems begin to emerge. Other symptoms of check valve failure include reverse flow and excessive damage and component wear. Check valves will also discharge noises as they start to break down. 

The phenomenon that the noises are made by check valves is called the “water hammer”, which occurs when the disc slams into the seat of the valve. Water hammer can result in ruptured pipelines and serious damage. Installing a faster-closing check valve is recommended to avert pressure surges to alleviate this issue. Valves will begin to leak and stick as they start to break down as well. When the valve is stuck in a certain position, and debris gets into the disc and the body bore, sticking may happen. Leaks originate from a damaged seat or disc or contaminants in the pipeline

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