Advantages of V-Ball Valves

Introduction

Ball valves are designed to be used in a variety of applications and markets, but a V-port ball valve offers the added ability to be used as a control valve where necessary. The main differentiator is a contoured V-port in the ball, most commonly available with a 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° angle, which produces an equal percentage flow characteristic for better control. V-ball valves are known to offer a variety of advantages in flow control applications, especially when compared to larger and more expensive control valves. Continue reading “Advantages of V-Ball Valves”

How is Water Treated for Homes?

Water Treatment Process

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 280 million people get their drinking water from a community water system. Drinking water supplies in the United States are among the safest in the world, but even these water sources can become contaminated. Before fresh water can be considered potable, it must be treated to be made safe for drinking. Systems are set in place to ensure ongoing water quality, which then allows this treated water to be sent through water pipes and into our homes. Continue reading “How is Water Treated for Homes?”

Drinking Water Regulation

For the past few years, questions about the safety of drinking water have constantly been in the news. Following the 2014 crisis in Flint, Michigan, cities across the U.S. launched their own investigations to determine whether their own drinking water supplies were safe. Drinking water is contaminated when old lead pipes corrode, allowing lead and other chemicals to enter the water supply. While lead is most dangerous when ingested, even outside of potable water applications there are still strict regulations regarding the materials and chemicals that may come in contact with water. This minimizes risk of contamination. Continue reading “Drinking Water Regulation”

Control Valve Sizing

Hi-Flow™ Valve Application

Control valves are used to change process conditions such as flow, temperature, level, and pH. A complete control system would include a sensor, controller, positioner or current to pressure transducer, and control valve. Globe valves, such as the Dwyer Hi-Flow™ Series, are a common type of control valve. In the example shown, a Hi-Flow™ control valve is controlling temperature by varying the amount of steam or cold water added to the process. Continue reading “Control Valve Sizing”