Top 10 questions you should ask when purchasing a control valve

30 Jun.,2025

 

Top 10 questions you should ask when purchasing a control valve


Automatic control valves, much like everything else we purchase these days, are not all created equal. Some fall into the high quality bracket with pricing to match, while others hover closer to the lower quality and price sensitive end of the scale. Unfortunately, when evaluating control valve prices, it is not always clear what you are being offered and what standards the valve actually meets. Here are a few questions to consider and ask the supplier to ensure you get years of trouble free operation that lasts longer than it takes the sales person to drive out of your parking lot!

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Q 1 What materials are being used?

Make sure you know what the different components of the valve are made of, as this will certainly affect the life of your valve, specifically:

Body Material – is the valve body cast iron or ductile iron? Traditionally valves were cast iron but ductile iron has become the new standard due to its superior physical properties that are much better at weathering the elements.

Body Coating – Most of the world insists on fusion bonded coating of a valve, inside and out. Unfortunately here in North America, that is not always requested. This just makes common sense for valves that are constantly wet and sit in locations that are not always dry and pristine. A valve should last for many years, so insisting on a coated valve is a wise choice.

Seat Material – bronze is typically the common material for seats but over time, depending on water quality and velocities, bronze wears resulting in the need for replacement. This is time consuming and expensive as seat replacement requires a complete disassembly of the entire valve. Ideally go for stainless steel.

Valve Internals – Most valve manufacturers utilize stainless steel for their valve stems. Make sure that you ask what grade of stainless you are getting as not all stainless steel is created equal. 316 SS is always the best choice because it is harder and least likely to corrode.

External Fasteners – Over time valves experience condensation or flooding and this can play havoc with coated studs or bolts. There is nothing worse than trying to remove heavily rusted studs out of an old valve to perform maintenance. Request stainless steel fasteners as this will ensure that bolts will be removable at any age.

Q 2 Does the valve supplier fully understand your application?

Too frequently a specification will be requested and a valve is supplied that is simply the wrong valve for the job. It may also be the case that there is just a better solution. Ensure you give your valve supplier all the necessary pressure and flow details including details of the actual application and what you want this valve to do. Having the wrong valve for the wrong application, at best case will result in a significantly shorter life and worst case, a malfunction that can result in destruction of the valve and other parts of your water distribution system.

Q 3 Will this new valve fit into my existing piping layout?

Don’t be tempted to just stay with brand X because that is the valve you may be replacing and has the same lay lengths. Most manufactures can be quite innovative on providing solutions to combat varying lay lengths so explore all of you options rather than just settling because you think it may be easier.

Q 4 Do you need specialty tools for maintenance?

Nobody wants to have to carry around a specific tool that only performs one task. Ensure that your valve can be maintained with everything you would carry in regular tool kit. Some valve manufacturers require specialized seat removal tools, or vice jaws installed with copper jaws to protect valve stems. While these are great ideas, they are certainly not things that the average operator has in his toolkit.

Q 5 Will your personnel receive complimentary factory qualified training?

Control valves are not so difficult to understand and once taught, most operations personnel can easily perform maintenance. Ensure that you will not be reliant on the additional cost of having to bring out a factory person every time your valve requires maintenance. Request that a factory-trained representative is on site when the valve is commissioned. This will allow your operators to be schooled in the regular maintenance needs, know what to look for if things go awry and how to start up a valve in a new system or after service. Simple tricks like removing air out of the pilot system are valuable lessons to see in practice.

Q 6 Does your valve have a solid warranty?

These days having a product with the long term back up of the factory is important. Three years should be the standard to ensure there are no manufacturing faults.

Q 7 Can I make changes to the valve if required

Having a valve “expansion ready” for the future can save you money and make your decisions a whole lot easier. For example, can you add a limit switch or a position indicator easily? Or, if you need to move the pilot system to the other side of the valve, can you do it, or is it not possible because the valve body does not have the required connections? Things always change and a flexible valve gives you more options to keep your now perfect valve, perfect down the road.

Q 8 Does your valve meet industry standards?

There are third party accreditations that ensure your valve was built to the correct specifications. For example; NSF 61, WRAS, UL/FM, AWWA, ISO et.al. They are important because they ensure that the valve has been built to a given standard so the user can be assured they meet approval for such things as low lead content, bacterial growth tests, functional tests etc.

Q 9 Do you have local and factory support?

Make sure there is someone in the area that is factory trained and available to come out and assist when you have questions or problems. This sounds like a given but it’s best to ensure the local agent will in fact be there for you when you need him. When a valve fails, timing is usually of the essence so you should know whom to call prior to such an event.

Q 10 Is the valve solution offered able to handle future needs?

In the world of “low bid wins”, a supplier may be tempted to squeeze as small a valve as possible into the application in order to reduce price. Make sure that the offered solution will supply your needs for the foreseeable future without the burden and additional cost of having to change a valve in a couple of years.

Guide to Stainless Steel Gate Valves: Benefits, Applications

What is a Stainless Steel Gate Valve

A stainless steel gate valve is a critical flow control device designed to start or stop the movement of liquids, gases, or slurries in industrial pipelines. It operates by lifting or lowering a rectangular or wedge-shaped “gate” via a handwheel or actuator, allowing precise control over fluid flow. Known for durability and corrosion resistance, stainless steel gate valves are widely used in industries requiring high hygiene standards, chemical resistance, and reliability under extreme temperatures or pressures.

What is Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer on its surface. This layer prevents rust and corrosion, making it ideal for harsh environments. Additional elements like nickel, molybdenum, and manganese enhance properties such as strength, ductility, and resistance to oxidation.

Types and Grades of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is categorized into five main types, each with unique compositions and applications:

1. Austenitic Stainless Steel

Grades: 304, 316, 321, CF8, CF8M

- Features: Non-magnetic, excellent corrosion resistance, and weldability.

– Common Use: Food processing, pharmaceuticals, and marine environments.

2. Ferritic Stainless Steel

Grades: 430, 409

– Features: Magnetic, moderate corrosion resistance, and cost-effective.

– Common Use: Automotive exhaust systems and appliances.

3. Martensitic Stainless Steel

Grades: 410, 420

– Features: High strength, hardness, and moderate corrosion resistance.

- Common Use: Cutlery, turbine blades, and valves.

4. Duplex Stainless Steel

Grades: , , 4A, 5A

– Features: Combines austenitic and ferritic properties, superior strength, and chloride resistance.

– Common Use: Chemical processing and offshore oil rigs.

5. Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel

Grades: 17-4PH

– Features: High strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance.

– Common Use: Aerospace and nuclear industries.

For gate valves, Grades 304 and 316 are most common due to their balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and affordability.

Want more information on Stainless Steel Gate Valve Supplier? Feel free to contact us.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Gate Valves

1. Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for acidic, alkaline, or saline environments.

2. High Temperature/Pressure Tolerance: Maintains integrity in extreme conditions.

3. Longevity: Resists wear, scaling, and pitting for decades.

4. Hygienic: Non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth, perfect for food and pharma.

5. Low Maintenance: Minimal leakage risk due to tight sealing.

6. Versatility: Compatible with water, oil, gas, and chemicals.

Applications of Stainless Steel Gate Valves

Stainless steel gate valves are indispensable in industries such as:

- Oil & Gas: Control crude oil and natural gas flow in pipelines.

- Water Treatment: Manage clean water, wastewater, and desalination systems.

- Chemical Processing: Handle corrosive acids, alkalis, and solvents.

- Food & Beverage: Ensure hygienic transfer of ingredients and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems.

- Pharmaceuticals: Maintain sterile conditions in drug manufacturing.

- Marine: Withstand saltwater corrosion in ships and offshore platforms.

Top 10 Gate Valve Manufacturers Worldwide

When sourcing high-quality gate valves, consider theseTop 10 Gate Valve Manufacturers in the world:

1. Emerson Automation Solutions – (https://www.emerson.com)

2. Schlumberger (Cameron Valves) – (https://www.slb.com)

3. Flowserve Corporation – (https://www.flowserve.com)

4. Velan Inc. – (https://www.velan.com)

5. NSW Valve – (https://www.nswvalve.com)

6. KITZ Corporation – (https://www.kitz.co.jp)

7. Swagelok – (https://www.swagelok.com)

8. IMI Critical Engineering – (https://www.imi-critical.com)

9. L&T Valves – (https://www.lntvalves.com)

10. Bonney Forge – (https://www.bonneyforge.com)

These brands are renowned for innovation, certifications (API, ISO), and global service networks.

Stainless Steel Gate Valve Manufacturer – NSW

For specialized stainless steel gate valves, NSW stands out as a trusted manufacturer.

Why Choose NSW Stainless Steel Gate Valve Manufacturer

- Material Expertise: Uses premium 304/316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance.

- Custom Solutions: Offers valves in sizes from ½” to 48”, with options for bolted bonnet, pressure seal, and cryogenic designs.

- Quality Assurance: Compliant with API 600, ASME B16.34, and ISO standards.

- Global Reach: Serves clients in oil & gas, power generation, and chemical sectors worldwide.

Explore NSW’s product range here: NSW Valve Manufacturer

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Stainless Steel Globe Valve Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Conclusion

Post time: Apr-27-