Natural gas valves are devices designed to regulate, direct, and control the flow of gas. Their main function is to open, close, or partially close the flow of natural gas, ensuring it reaches the desired locations and providing safety by stopping the gas flow when necessary.
One of the primary functions of natural gas valves is to ensure safety by quickly shutting off or limiting the gas flow. In emergencies or gas leaks, valves can rapidly stop the gas flow, preventing potential hazards. They also allow for the control of natural gas consumption, enabling energy savings by completely shutting off the gas flow when not needed.
Automatic valves are self-acting devices that operate based on factors such as pressure, temperature, or flow changes. They are commonly used in applications like safety valves for hot water systems or boilers.
The operating principle of automatic valves relies on the movement of a diaphragm or piston inside them when a specific pressure or temperature value is reached. This movement either opens or closes the valve. For example, in a hot water system, the safety valve activates the diaphragm to stop the gas flow when there is an excessive temperature, ensuring system safety.
There are various types of natural gas valves available based on their intended use and functionality. Here are some commonly used types:
Shut-Off Valve: Shut-off valves are simple and commonly used valves designed to completely stop the gas flow. They are typically found at main gas connection points and can quickly shut off the gas flow during emergencies or maintenance work.
Gate Valve: Gate valves control the gas flow by moving a gate or disk up and down. They have a straightforward and effective design and are commonly used in gas piping systems.
Butterfly Valve: Butterfly valves control the gas flow by rotating a disc mounted on a spindle. The disc aligns with the valve’s opening to allow or block the gas flow. Butterfly valves are preferred for their quick opening and closing capabilities.
Ball Valve: Ball valves operate using a spherical disc that aligns with the valve’s opening to allow or block the gas flow. They are suitable for high-pressure applications and provide reliable sealing.
Control Valve: Control valves are used to precisely control the gas flow. They are typically responsive to changes in pressure, temperature, or flow within the gas piping system. Control valves can operate automatically, ensuring the desired level of gas flow in natural gas systems.
Safety Valve: Safety valves automatically move and shut off the gas flow when a specific pressure or temperature limit is reached. They are employed in gas systems to ensure safety in cases of excessive pressure or temperature.
These are just some of the commonly used natural gas valve types. Valves can have various designs and features depending on their specific applications and compliance with safety standards. Selecting the appropriate valve type is crucial to meet application requirements and safety standards.
Natural gas valves play a significant role in gas piping systems, ensuring the regulation of gas flow and providing safe gas distribution. Main valves are present at gas connection points, allowing for the rapid shutdown of gas flow during emergencies or gas leaks.
Natural gas valves also enable the control of gas consumption. In homes or businesses, valves are used to adjust gas usage based on specific time periods or needs. This facilitates energy savings and efficient utilization of natural gas resources.
Regular maintenance and periodic inspections of gas piping systems are essential for natural gas valves. This ensures their proper functioning and guarantees safety. Regular valve inspections help detect potential hazards like gas leaks at an early stage.
In conclusion, natural gas valves are critical devices for regulating, directing, and controlling gas flow. They have a wide range of applications, from homes to industrial facilities, and they play a significant role in safety, energy savings, and gas distribution. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of natural gas valves are essential for establishing a safe and efficient natural gas system.
Keeping the flow of oil and gas in pipelines is a monumental task and requires several reliable pieces of equipment. Gas valves are one of these crucial components. Without gas valves, the oil and gas industry could not ensure that crude oil, refined gas, natural gas, and other materials get to their destination. Learn the basics of valves, including seven common types used within the oil and gas industry, to better understand what is required for the smooth and safe flow of materials.
A gas valve is a device used to regulate the flow of oil and gas. Opening or closing an aperture controls the amount of liquids and gases allowed through pipes. The valve controls the flow of fluids by stopping and starting, adjusting the amounts, controlling the direction, regulating pressure, or relieving pressure.
No two environments are the same. Some are highly corrosive. At the same time, others function under constant high pressure. Because of these variants, many different types of valves have been developed over the decades. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages. Successful operation and application require understanding the different types and uses within the gas and oil industry.
There are several types of gas valves because of the different environments in which they are used. Below is a breakdown of seven kinds commonly used in the oil and gas industry.
The gate valve may be the most commonly used in the industry. It uses a gate system to open or close a pipeline entirely. This is an excellent choice if the flow rate needs to be controlled and maintained. When the actuator completely opens the valve, the channel is unobstructed, allowing even slurry fluids like crude oil to flow easier. While it is not an ideal candidate if throttling is required in an application, there is not a noticeable pressure drop when this valve is used.
When pressure control is necessary, the globe valve is frequently chosen. It is also often used for open and close operations. The valve plug sits vertically raised and lowered by the actuator as needed. They tend to create a more significant pressure drop than other valve types because of the S-shaped passageway within them. They are a good choice for flow regulation and throttling functions.
Gas refineries find check valves extremely helpful as the device opens under pressure and does not allow backflow of fluid or material. Because of the restricted backflow, cross-contamination of the product is prevented. That is, different materials can use the same pipeline. There is no need for an actuator as required in other valve types. However, it does need precise installation to ensure the response to fluid pressure occurs as required.
The plug valve comprises a plug-shaped disc with a horizontal passageway bored through it. When the linear valve is open, fluid will move through the hole. Turning the actuator 90 degrees from the open position blocks any flow through the pipeline. This valve is not suggested for throttling functions but is ideal for unrefined oil products as found in biogas production.
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Ball valves are rotary valves that give pipelines fast shut-offs where tight sealing is often required. They are best suited for operation under fully open or fully closed positions as they do not offer reasonable regulation control or throttle functions. This type of valve comes in many different styles, which provides options within the industry. For example, a floating ball valve works better in low-to-medium pressure pipelines, and trunnion ball valves can handle high-pressure conditions. These are easy to repair, offer solid sealing, and provide quick shut-offs.
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These valves are simple in their construction, are lightweight, and compact. They use a disc-type element held by a rod to regulate flow. They can handle high-pressure pipelines and allow easy flow of materials. When they are closed, they shut tightly. Often, these are used in pipes with large diameters and where a gate valve is not applicable.
These valves provide additional safety of equipment either upstream or downstream from them. This type of valve may be found immediately before a regulator and is designed to remain open until a significant pressure change is detected. It then immediately shuts off the flow and must be reopened manually. They are sometimes referred to as relief and safety valves and are vital to the oil and gas industry in avoiding accidents and injury.
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Because gas valves come in many different types and provide various functionalities, choosing the best one may be challenging. It is helpful to consider the primary function under which it will be used. Does the environment involve much pressure? Is there a need for additional safety measures provided by a slam-shut valve? Can the actuator be automated, or does it require only manual movement?
Additionally, consider the type of environment where the valve will need to function. By asking questions and taking the working environment into account, it is feasible to determine the best valve for the process at hand. The answers will indicate the type of materials best suited for the function.
For more than 30 years, Norgas Controls has provided the Canadian gas industry with quality valves, including slam-shut valves, gas shut-off ball valves, and gas plug valves. Contact us anytime for more information about our gas valves or any other product we carry. Our team is friendly and knowledgeable, standing ready to answer your questions and help obtain the best equipment for your project.
Contact us at 1-888-GAS-REGS (427-7347) or online to learn more about Norgas’ Gas Valves today.