Choosing a high-heat valve
Selection of a high-heat valve requires in-depth understanding of the process conditions, system design and operating requirements. The following points can be used by engineers and purchasers for specifying a suitable product:
Temperature operating is specified. Specify normal, minimum, maximum, start-up, shut-down, and upset temperatures. Specify if the temperature limit is continuous or under some specified conditions. The ambient temperature around the valve and actuator should be stated.
Pressure rating is determined. Specify normal and maximum operating pressure, differential pressure and pressure spikes. Refer to the pressure-temperature rating chart provided by the manufacturer. The increase of operating temperature reduces allowable pressure of the valve.
Medium of Process: Is the valve suitable for steam, thermal oil, hot water, gas, or chemical fluids. Evaluate compatibility of body, trim, seat, packing and seals with the process medium. Consider oxidation, corrosion, contamination and deposits of fluid.
The valve type is selected. Ball and gate valves are commonly used for isolation. Globe valves may be suitable for throttling. If the design and temperature rating of the valve fit the requirements, then installation with the butterfly valve is possible. May require control valve for modulating control duties.
Suitable materials are selected. Compare carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and other materials regarding the temperature, pressure, corrosion resistance, and mechanical requirements. Evaluate thermal expansion and potential deterioration of the materials.
Seal Performance Verification. Review external leakage limits, seat leakage requirements, stem packing and gasket design. The valve body being metal does not guarantee that the valve will perform in high temperatures.
Connections and sizes are checked. Review nominal size, pressure class, face-to-face dimensions, flange standards, pipeline orientation, and available installation space.
Actuation requirements are evaluated. Think about manual operation, pneumatic actuation, electric actuation, control signals, fail-safe position, and actuator temperature limits.
Standards and testing are considered. Verify design, pressure testing, fire safe, emissions and industry requirements where applicable. Ask the manufacturer for supporting documentation.
Lifecycle cost is estimated. Consider spare parts, access for inspection, replacement intervals and downtime.
Finally, get engineering approval before installation. For critical and hazardous service consult responsible process, mechanical and safety engineers.
Avoiding common mistakes in high temperature valve design
Itโs not enough to select the valve with the highest temperature rating as part of proper valve design. The engineers have to consider total operating conditions and verify the suitability of all components.
And donโt forget about peak temperature. The design basis shall consider start-up, shut-down, thermal cycling and abnormal conditions.
Donโt ignore pressure-temperature limits. Check allowable pressure at the actual operating temperature, not the nominal pressure class.
Select suitable materials. Materials of body, trim, stem, seat, packing and gasket shall be considered for heat resistance, corrosion, oxidation, and compatibility with process fluid.
No bad sealing combinations. Select seats, stem packing and gasket for the temperature, pressure and fluid of choice.
Think about thermal expansion. Verify the changes in dimension, piping loads, clearances and actuator alignment during thermal expansion and contraction.
Select the right type of valve. Never use isolation valve for continuous throttling unless permitted by design and manufacturer.
Verify actuator requirements. Check the ambient temperature, required operating torque, enclosure protection and any required thermal barrier or extension.
Provide sufficient installation space. Space for operation, inspection, packing adjustment, removal and replacement of actuator.
Apply applicable standards. Check necessary design codes, testing procedures, material documentation and inspection criteria.
Maintenance Planning Early. Identify wear components, replacement procedures, inspection intervals and spare-parts availability prior to commissioning.
A documented design review will help to identify these issues prior to procurement and installation.














