In the construction industry, valves are used to control the flow of fluids such as water, air, heat, and cooling agents within and outside buildings, ensuring efficient operation and safety of systems. Due to diverse operational requirements in building environments, specific demands are placed on the functionality and performance of valves. Here are the specific applications and special requirements of valves in the construction industry:
Application Scenarios
1. Water Supply and Drainage Systems:
- Control the flow of water in supply and drainage pipelines.
- Require valves with corrosion resistance, pressure resistance, and good sealing performance.
2. Heating Systems:
- Control the flow of hot water and steam in heating pipelines.
- Require valves with high temperature resistance, pressure resistance, and reliable sealing.
3. Air Conditioning Systems:
- Control the flow of cooling water and refrigerants in air conditioning pipelines.
- Require valves with low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and good regulating performance.
4.Gas Systems:
- Control the transmission and usage of gas within buildings.
- Require valves with high sealing, fire and explosion resistance, and corrosion resistance.
5.Fire Protection Systems:
- Control the flow of water in fire protection pipelines.
- Require valves with quick opening/closing, high-pressure resistance, and reliability.
6. Wastewater Treatment Systems:
- Control the treatment and discharge of sewage and wastewater.
- Require valves with corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and good sealing performance.
Special Requirements
1. Corrosion Resistance:
Valves must withstand chemical substances in water and moisture in the air.
Typically made from stainless steel, brass, bronze, or plastic materials.
2. High Sealing Performance:
Ensure no leakage during use to prevent water loss and pressure drops.
Use high-quality sealing materials like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or rubber.
3. High Pressure and High Temperature Resistance:
Valves in heating and fire protection systems need to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Materials typically include brass, stainless steel, or cast iron.
4. Low Temperature Resistance:
Valves in air conditioning systems need to withstand low-temperature environments.
Use materials such as stainless steel or plastics.
5.Fire and Explosion Proof:
Valves in gas systems must be designed to be fire and explosion proof.
Certified through relevant fire and explosion protection standards.
6.Fast Opening/Closing and Regulating Performance:**
Valves in fire protection systems require fast opening/closing for quick emergency response.
Valves in water supply and air conditioning systems need good regulating performance for precise control of flow and pressure.
Typical Valve Types
1. Gate Valves:
Used for fluid interception in water supply and drainage systems.
Simple structure, easy operation, and good sealing performance.
2. Ball Valves:
Used for fluid control in heating and air conditioning systems.
Full bore design reduces fluid resistance, superior sealing performance.
3. Butterfly Valves:
Used for flow control in large-diameter pipelines.
Simple structure, lightweight, and quick opening/closing.
4. Globe Valves:
Used where flow regulation is required, such as in air conditioning and heating systems.
Simple structure, excellent regulating and sealing performance.
5.Check Valves:
Prevent backflow to protect equipment safety.
Suitable for various process pipeline systems.
6.Safety Valves:
Prevent system overpressure, ensuring equipment and personnel safety.
Used in high-pressure vessels and pipeline systems.
7.Pressure Reducing Valves:**
Used in water supply systems to ensure constant outlet pressure, protecting water use equipment.
High-precision adjustment and quick response.
8.Thermostatic Valves:
Used in heating systems to ensure constant water temperature, improving user comfort.
Precise temperature adjustment and easy operation.
Maintenance and Operation Considerations
1.Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
Periodically check valve sealing and operational performance, promptly replace worn or damaged parts.
Clean valves internally and externally to prevent deposits and corrosion.
2.Lubrication:
Regularly apply appropriate lubricants to valves requiring lubrication for flexible operation.
Use lubricants suitable for preventing lubricant failure.
3.Fastener Inspection:
Periodically inspect valve fasteners to ensure tightness and prevent leaks.
4.Operational Procedures:
Operators must strictly follow operational procedures to avoid excessive force or rapid operations.
Conduct operation training to ensure operators understand valve performance and operating methods.
5.Emergency Handling:
Develop and familiarize with emergency response plans to promptly address emergencies such as valve leaks or failures.
Typical Case Studies
1.Ball Valves in Water Supply Systems:
Ball valves used in urban water supply and drainage systems require high sealing and corrosion resistance, typically made from stainless steel or copper alloy materials.
2.Thermostatic Valves in Heating Systems:
Thermostatic valves used in heating systems require high-precision adjustment and high temperature resistance, with valve bodies and seats made from materials resistant to high temperatures.
3.Butterfly Valves in Air Conditioning Systems:
Butterfly valves used in air conditioning systems require high sealing and low-temperature resistance, with valve bodies and discs made from materials resistant to low temperatures.
4.Ball Valves in Gas Systems:
Ball valves used in gas systems require high sealing and fire/explosion resistance, typically made from stainless steel or aluminum alloy materials.
5.Gate Valves in Fire Protection Systems:
Gate valves used in fire protection systems require fast opening/closing and high-pressure resistance, with valve bodies and discs made from high-strength materials.
By selecting appropriate valve types and materials, and conducting regular maintenance and inspections, valves in the construction industry can operate reliably in various complex environments, improving system efficiency and equipment safety.