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.
See Plug Valves from Norgas Controls
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.
See Ball Valves from Norgas Controls
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.
See Slam-shut valves from Norgas Controls
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.
In the world of home heating and comfort, there exists a silent hero that often sits under the radar, but plays a pivotal role in keeping us warm and cozy in those blustery Pennsylvania winter nights. If you’ve ever wondered how your furnace seamlessly starts and stops to maintain your desired room temperature, or if you’re looking to demystify the inner workings of this essential appliance, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’re going to explain what a furnace gas valve is, what it looks like, and how they influence the effectiveness of your home’s heating system.
The furnace gas valve is the heart of your home’s heating system. Its primary function is to regulate the flow of natural gas or propane into your furnace, ignite the flames, and meticulously manage temperature to meet the heating requirements of your home. When a furnace gas valve malfunctions, it not only leads to an inefficient heating process, but also presents serious safety concerns including the potential for a gas leak.
A furnace gas valve controls the flow of gas into the furnace based on the signals it received from the thermostat. It ensures that the right amount of gas is being delivered for the desired heat. Safety features are integrated to prevent gas leaks and other hazards and in some cases, modern valves can modulate gas flow for more efficient and comfortable heating.
There are primarily two types of gas valves:
Though a furnace gas valve is an essential component to heating your home, when issues arise they could lead to costly implications for your furnace, and even worse, pose dangers and risks to the health of you and your loved ones.
A faulty or broken gas valve could lead to:
Of course, regular maintenance and inspections are essential, but when issues arise, it’s important to address these dangers immediately by having a qualified HVAC technician inspect and resolve the issue. Safety should always be a top priority when dealing with gas-powered appliances.
Dealing with a component as meticulous as a furnace gas valve requires expertise and experience. At Spurk HVAC, our trained HVAC professionals, with over 20 years of experience, can help you fix any issues that may arise with your furnace. Our complete package of services covers all you need to help maintain your furnace and keep it in pristine working condition.
If you notice that your furnace gas valve is not operating properly, contact Spurk HVAC day (or night) and we’ll arrange for our team to inspect and fix the gas valve and any other issues that may arise. Our 24-hour emergency service allows us to meet your needs when you need us most.
Spurk HVAC was formed in 2018 and is located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. We proudly serve Cranberry Twp., Wexford, Gibsonia, Mars, and the surrounding areas. We are an American Standard Customer Care Dealer and a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor.
We service all makes and models. Please contact us if you are seeking heating repair, heating system replacement, air conditioner repair, air conditioning maintenance, air conditioning replacement, or any other heating & cooling services. Whether you are looking for residential or commercial HVAC services, we look forward to any and all opportunities to become your preferred HVAC contractor.