Top Mistakes to Avoid in Industrial Valve Selection: A Guide for Plant Engineers
Top Mistakes to Avoid in Industrial Valve Selection: A Guide for Plant Engineers
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| Top Mistakes to Avoid in Industrial Valve Selection: A Guide for Plant Engineers |
Choosing the
right industrial valve may seem straightforward, but small mistakes during
selection can lead to costly breakdowns, leaks, or process inefficiencies. Many
plants face recurring problems because some crucial factors are overlooked.
Here are the key mistakes plant engineers should avoid—and what to do instead
for reliable performance.
1. Not
Defining the Application Clearly
A common
mistake is failing to fully understand the type of fluid, pressure,
temperature, and flow rates involved. Without clear application data, it's easy
to select a valve that won’t work or lasts only a short time. Always confirm if
the process handles corrosive, abrasive, or viscous fluids and whether steam,
gas, or slurry is involved.
Tip: List
all process parameters and share them with your valve supplier before making
any decision.
2.
Choosing the Wrong Valve Type
Not all
valves are created equal. Ball, gate, globe, and butterfly valves serve
different purposes. Picking the wrong type may result in poor control or
frequent failure.
Tip: Know which valve offers on/off control (ball, gate), precise throttling (globe, needle), or compact flow (butterfly), and match carefully to your requirements.
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| Top Mistakes to Avoid in Industrial Valve Selection: A Guide for Plant Engineers |
3.
Ignoring Material Compatibility
Valve body,
seal, and trim material must suit the fluid and process conditions. The wrong
material can corrode quickly, causing leaks or contamination.
Tip: For
aggressive chemicals, use stainless steel or alloys. For water, standard
iron/brass works, but always check compatibility charts for your fluid.
4.
Selecting the Wrong Size
Incorrect
sizing—too small or too big—can cause pressure drops, flow issues, or damage.
It’s a frequent pitfall, often due to guesswork.
Tip: Perform
accurate flow and pressure calculations or use sizing charts/software. Ask your
supplier to validate sizing if unsure.
5.
Neglecting Installation and Maintenance Requirements
Some valves
are easier to clean and repair than others. Choosing a complex or
hard-to-access valve can make future maintenance expensive and time-consuming.
Tip: Consider
future maintenance requirements and consult with your maintenance team before
finalizing the selection.
By taking a
strategic approach and avoiding these common mistakes, plant engineers can
ensure smooth operations, longer valve life, and significant cost savings.
For expert
repair, maintenance, or new industrial valves, contact Unimax Valves—your
trusted partner for reliable solutions tailored to your plant’s needs.
Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Khan
+91 7977539875 / 
+91 9920307161
Address
I-304 Sahara Colony Phase -1, Shil Mahape Road, OPP. Pooja Punjab Hotel, Shil Phata Kalyan Thane 421204 Maharashtra India.
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