1. Follow proper installation techniques
Always follow the control valve (regulating valve) manufacturer's installation instructions and precautions. Here is a brief summary of typical installation instructions.
2. Read the operating manual
Before installing the valve, read the instruction manual first. The instruction manual introduces the product and the safety precautions and precautions that should be taken before and during installation. Following the guidelines in the manual will help ensure an easy and successful installation.
3. Confirm pipeline cleanliness
Foreign matter in the pipeline may damage the sealing surface of the valve or even hinder the movement of the valve core, ball or butterfly plate, causing the valve to not close properly. To reduce the possibility of dangerous situations, clean all pipelines before installing the valve. Confirm that the pipeline dirt, metal debris, welding slag and other foreign matter have been removed. In addition, check the pipeline flange to ensure a smooth gasket surface. If the valve has threaded ends, apply a high-grade pipeline sealant to the male threads of the pipe. Do not apply sealant to the female threads, because excess sealant on the female threads will be squeezed into the valve body. Excess sealant can cause the valve core to jam or accumulate dirt, which can cause the valve to not close properly.
4. Check the control valve (regulating valve)
Although valve manufacturers take certain steps to prevent shipping damage, such damage is still possible and can be discovered and reported before installation.
Do not install valves that are known to have been damaged during transportation and storage.
Before installation, check and remove all shipping blocks, protective plugs or gasket surface covers, and check the inside of the valve body to ensure that there are no foreign objects.
5. Use good pipe connection practices
Most control valves (regulating valves) can be installed in any position, but the most common method is to place the actuator vertically and on top of the valve. If horizontal installation of the actuator is necessary, consider adding an additional vertical support to the actuator. Make sure to install the valve body in such a way that the fluid flow direction is consistent with the direction indicated by the flow arrow or instruction manual.
6. Make sure there is enough space above and below the valve to easily remove the actuator or valve core during inspection and maintenance. Spatial distances can usually be found on the valve manufacturer's approved dimensional drawings. For flanged valve bodies, ensure that the flange faces are accurately aligned so that the gasket surfaces are in even contact. After the flanges are centered, tighten the bolts gently and tighten them in a staggered pattern.
Proper tightening avoids uneven gasket loading and helps prevent leaks, as well as the possibility of flange damage or even cracking. This precaution is particularly important when the connecting flange and valve flange are made of different materials.
Impulse lines installed upstream and downstream of the control valve (regulator) can help check flow or pressure drop. Connect the impulse lines to a straight pipe section away from elbows, reductions or expansions. This location minimizes inaccuracies caused by fluid turbulence. Use 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6-10mm) pipe to connect the pressure port on the actuator to the controller. Keep the connection distance short and minimize the number of fittings and elbows to reduce system time lag. If the distance must be long, a positioner or booster can be used on the control valve (regulator).