Liquid handling valves represent a necessary component for many manufacturing processes. They offer precise ways to control fluid distribution within your industrial processes, whether you’re a food and beverage manufacturer, chemical company, or plastics manufacturer.
However, they can also cause issues that can throw a wrench in manufacturing. Today our team at Roto-Disc discusses the common problems associated with liquid handling valves and some things you can do to prevent them.
Flashing & Cavitation
Suddenly dropping from high pressure to low pressure might cause flashing and cavitation in globe valves. Either of those situations will reduce the amount of liquid that moves down the line, forcing your staff to stop the line to correct the problem. Over time, it can cause erosion of the valve itself.
Limited Rangeability
Butterfly valves solve the problem of the high-pressure drop. But they offer limited rangeability from maximum to minimum flows for your process. This limits your production line to making only a certain type of product.
Erosion & Corrosion
Unless you’re dealing with water, erosion and corrosion are inevitable with liquid handling valves over the long term. The more caustic or acidic the liquids are in your system, the more problematic this becomes. Regular cleaning and neutralization of liquids become necessary to preserve your equipment, especially the parts that aren’t made of metal or where metal is thinner.
Plugging & Sticking
Any liquids that get outside of the valve can cause it to plug or stick over time if portions of the liquid turn to solid where the valve meets the casing. Regular cleanings solve this problem. However, if your team can’t clean or doesn’t want to clean the liquid handling valve as regularly as they do, then having an apparatus that prevents plugging and sticking offers a way to make your processes more efficient.
Vibrations
Vibrations are the bane of any industrial process, especially in liquid handling valves. Vibrations are often the result of flashing and cavitation because both issues can cause valve erosion.
Higher Maintenance
All of these problems cause higher maintenance concerns with your liquid handling valves. More maintenance means more downtime, and it also could lead to higher rates of replacement for your industrial equipment.
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Roto-Flate Solves Many Liquid Handling Problems
Roto-Flate offers heavy-duty construction and bubble-tight sealing against full vacuum and pressures up to 150psig. The seal is maintained even when the process fluctuates between pressure and vacuum.
The positive seal prevents leakage of liquids, gasses or dry material into or out of the valve. Bubble-tight sealing means your process runs more efficiently because compressors or vacuum pumps won’t be overloaded.
Contact Roto-Disc today to learn how Roto-Flate improves your liquid handling valve operation. We’ll gladly put you in touch with our experts and engineers so you can discuss valve solutions that are right for you and your process.