Flange valves are shutoff valves, the use of which turned out to be so simple and convenient that with their appearance the number of valves has fallen dramatically.
Connection methods and piping
The main classification of this reinforcement is based on the connection method. There are coupling, welded, flanged and choke. Flanged valves are most often used in cases where it is necessary to install stop valves on a pipeline for industrial use. The following networks are referred to systems of this type:
- utility pipelines;
- systems for transferring oil working medium;
- oil pipelines;
- networks for cooling and supplying compressed air;
- gas pipelines.
In addition, flanged cranes are actively used in industries such as agriculture and shipbuilding.
Detailed classification
The main element of this stop valve is a ball-valve. There is also a square and circular hole inside this part. In order to fix the shutter inside the crane, a wide variety of fasteners and gaskets are used that create tightness. Fastening is carried out directly to the crane, with the help of which the flow of the working medium is further controlled. There are only two positions at the flanged crane; it can be either completely open or completely closed.
Currently, such fittings are produced with a very wide range of diameters - from 15 mm to 1400 mm. However, most often resort to the use of a valve when the diameter of the pipeline network is 50 mm or more.
Further, it should be noted that the location of the ball can have two methods, which depend on the diameter of the valve. If the device has a small diameter value, then the ball is floating. If the indicator exceeds 50 mm, then the ball is sealed on the supports. It is also worth adding that a distinctive feature of steel flanged cranes is that they have very high strength, which allows them to be operated in environments with high pressure.
Various device specifications
Since any equipment needs to be repaired, the cranes are also divided into two categories according to the method of its implementation. The first group is non-separable devices having a cast one-piece housing. If they fail, then they cannot be repaired; it is necessary to replace the valves with a new one. The second group is collapsible locking parts, consisting of two parts connected in a single housing. It is not difficult to disassemble it, and therefore it is possible to replace only worn parts, and not the entire reinforcement.
In addition, separation is also carried out according to the class of drive that is used in the device. Standard models have a manual gearbox. Further there are cranes with electric drives, however, additional supports are required for their installation. The third type is pneumatic fittings. Another rather important characteristic is the degree of skipping of the working environment. Partial bore models are available that let through up to 50% of the work environment. Standard types pass from 70 to 80%. Full bore models - more than 90% of the substance.
Ball Valve Prices
Naturally, the cost of these devices depends entirely on their characteristics, as well as on the manufacturer. For example, stop valves with a diameter of 100 mm cost about 3,500 rubles. Moreover, it has the following characteristics:
- The price of flanged cranes greatly depends on what type of medium you have to work with: water, air, oil products, fuels and lubricants, as well as liquids that do not contain abrasive impurities.
- Working pressure in such valves can reach 1.6 MPa.
- The maximum allowable temperature of the working substance is 200 degrees Celsius.
Such models are produced in Russia, their weight is about 13 kg. There are similar spherical flanged cranes, the price of which is about 3,400 rubles. They are also produced by the company Also located in Russia. Speaking generally about the difference in the amount, the cost of such a crane starts at 3,300 and can reach 44,000 rubles.
Material, installation and operation
Cast iron, bronze, brass, stainless steel can be used as raw materials for the production of these devices. If we talk about the operation of these devices, then they can be used only where it is necessary to either pass or block the flow of the working substance. As a regulator, these devices cannot be used. During the installation process of a 100 mm flanged ball valve or any other, it is important to consider several parameters.
- Type of valve control and type of pipeline.
- The direction of the network is horizontal or vertical.
In order to carry out the installation of the crane, it is necessary to perform several mandatory steps:
- Before proceeding with the installation, you need to conduct a complete audit of the device. It is important that the device does not have any damage.
- Next, you need to check the valve and pipeline for such a parameter as alignment.
- Direct installation of fittings is carried out between the pipe flanges. It is necessary to use gaskets.
- Before proceeding with the installation of fittings, it is also important to carry out axial alignment. In other words, it is necessary to tighten the bolts as evenly as possible around the entire perimeter.
Terms of use
During operation of these devices, you must follow a couple of simple rules.
Firstly, it is important to regularly conduct a technical inspection of a 80 mm flange crane or any other. The frequency of this kind of inspection depends on the operating conditions and on the working environment. However, the time difference under any circumstances cannot be more than 6 months.
Secondly, if the valve is almost always operated in the same position, that is, it is always open or closed, it is necessary to periodically change its position. This procedure will prevent the appearance of deposits on the surface of the spherical structural element, which will significantly increase its service life. Such work must be carried out from two to four times a year.
Pros, Cons and Reviews
Of the undoubted advantages it is worth highlighting high reliability and the almost complete absence of the need for constant maintenance. The low resistance to hydraulic flow and the ability to completely shut off the flow of matter are also significantly distinguished.
The disadvantages include the fact that if it is a manual type, then it has a rather long handle, which must be taken into account during installation. It is also worth saying that the weight of the flange valves is quite large.
As for the reviews on these products, they are mostly positive. The most recognized buyers were firms such as Bugatti, FAR, Oventrop. These manufacturers have recommended their products as one of the most reliable. Some negative reviews are mainly due to the fact that the products were purchased of poor quality. The most common problem is the metal from which the crane is made.