Backflow Prevention Devices

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Feb 10th 2026

According to the American Backflow Prevention Association, 24 gallons of asphalt emulsifier, intended for dilution in 8,000 gallons of water, were pumped back into the city water main in 2016 in Corpu … Read More

Top 10 Swing Check Valves by Model & Manufacturer

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Feb 6th 2026

Looking for reliable swing check valves? Discover the top 10 models from leading manufacturers like Chicago Valve, AVCO, Red-White, and Apollo. This comprehensive guide covers specifications, applicat … Read More

What is a Spool Valve and How Does It Work?

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jan 27th 2026

Spool valves are incredibly useful. They are a simple directional control valve used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to block or redirect fluid flow. In these systems, the fluid powers critical com … Read More

What is the cracking pressure of a check valve?

Posted by Russ Bailey on Jan 22nd 2026

Check valves, regardless of their individual design, serve the specific purpose of permitting the flow of the service medium in one direction while intentionally preventing—or at least limiting& … Read More

Smart Water Valves: Futuristic Flow Control Technology

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jan 22nd 2026

Leaks can range from annoying to devastating, and the longer they go unaddressed, the more costly the damage will be. Depending on what is being leaked, there can be downtime costs, process disruption … Read More

How to Calculate Flow Rate In Water Systems

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jan 16th 2026

Flow rate is critical in water systems, from simple home plumbing to complex industrial water systems. The flow rate in a system may be determined through basic calculations or by using flowmeters.&nb … Read More

What Is a Valve Pressure Rating? Definition and Guide

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jan 5th 2026

Pressure ratings are important considerations when designing a system that uses valves, but they can be confusing as well. In this article, we’re going to review some fundamental definitions, th … Read More

Special Pricing and Services for OEM - the ValveMan Valve Store

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 29th 2025

OEMs or Original Equipment Manufacturers make up a large portion of our clients at ValveMan. With this type of business, the engineers, purchasing agents, and others that are specifying and buying val … Read More

Data Cooling Centers and Sanitary Valves

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 20th 2025

Overheated data centers pose a massive challenge, and the global data center cooling market is growing rapidly, with experts predicting growth from USD 11.8 billion in 2025 to USD 24.2 billion in 2032 … Read More

Valve Maintenance Best Practice Guide

Posted by Mark Trainer on Dec 19th 2025

A Guide to Safer, Long Lasting Valves Valves are found in most piped systems that move liquids, gas, and steam. From industrial plants processing chemicals to municipal water networks delivering clean … Read More

Valve Materials for Gaseous Oxygen Service

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 18th 2025

Oxygen may seem safe because it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, but in the wrong conditions, it can become one of the most hazardous industrial gases in use today. Oxygen supports and accelerat … Read More

Pneumatic Actuators Valve Types

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 16th 2025

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes an automated assembly line push, pull, lift, and rotate parts with such perfect timing? QUICK ANSWER: Pneumatic actuators + directional control valve t … Read More

-320°F Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Control Valve Setup

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 16th 2025

Need a valve that can handle -320°F liquid nitrogen without freezing up — and still control flow? Here’s a proven configuration ValveMan supplied for a cryogenic control application. … Read More

Why Fall is the Perfect Time for Valve Maintenance (And What Happens If You Wait)

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Nov 17th 2025

We're well into fall now, which means it's time for that conversation nobody wants to have: winter prep. Between production schedules, quarterly budget reviews, and everything else demanding attention … Read More

From the DMZ to Bonomi: Rick Wentzel’s Valve Legacy

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Oct 20th 2025

In the inaugural episode of the Fully Open podcast, host Gil Welsford sits down with Rick Wentzel of Bonomi North America to explore a career that spans Vietnam, Christmas Eve robberies, and the revol … Read More

Check Valve vs Backflow Preventer Comparison | ValveMan

Posted by Mark Trainer on Jul 4th 2025

If you need to make sure that fluid in your pipe system flows in one direction only, and prevent reverse flow, there's a key decision you need to make; check valve vs. backflow preventer? This article … Read More

Different Types of Gas Shut Off Valves | ValveMan

Posted by Gil Welsford on Jun 27th 2025

Whether you're upgrading your residential gas system, looking for the best gas shut off valve for your industrial plant, or simply want to learn more about gas shut off valves, we've got you covered! … Read More

Globe Valve vs Ball Valve Comparison Guide | ValveMan

Posted by Russ Bailey on Jun 18th 2025

Valves are widely used in industrial and manufacturing facilities, but they’re also used in utilities, commercial and residential settings. You’ll find valves as close as your home or car, … Read More

NEMA Ratings Explained | ValveMan

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jun 10th 2025

Have you ever wondered what that little NEMA number on your electric actuator meant? Or perhaps, you’ve seen a 4X stenciled on your valve actuator name plates, without ever realizing that there … Read More

Gate Valve vs Ball Valve Comparison Guide | ValveMan

Posted by Russ Bailey on Jun 2nd 2025

Valves are widely used in industrial and manufacturing facilities, but they’re also used in utilities, commercial and residential settings. You’ll find valves as close as your home or car, … Read More

Valve Inspection - Main Points of Valve Inspection and Testing in Manufacturing Settings

Posted by Mark Trainer on May 16th 2025

Industrial facilities rely on different types of valves (such as gate valves, check valves and ball valves) to control fluid flow, which is critical for the successful operation of many manufacturing … Read More

Can Ball Valves Be Used For Flow Control?

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Apr 2nd 2025

Ball valves are widely used in plumbing and piping systems, in fact, they are one of the most common valve types. In case you aren’t familiar with them, a ball valve is a quarter-turn valve with … Read More

Introducing Bonomi Valves

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Apr 2nd 2025

The Bonomi Group is a leader in industrial sectors including oil and gas, hydraulics, heating and energy. Bonomi is a valve and automation specialist, specializing in the production of components to r … Read More

Understanding Valve Actuators: Manual, Electric, Pneumatic and Hydraulic

Posted by Jason Welsford on Mar 10th 2025

Are you a beginner new to the valve world, ready to learn more about the various types of valve actuation options? Perhaps you've come across terms like linear actuators, double acting actuators, sole … Read More

3 Check Valve Mistakes to Avoid

Posted by Jason Welsford on Mar 10th 2025

So, you’re looking for a check valve, but you’re not sure if there’s any pitfalls to look out for? Or perhaps you have a check valve that just wont stop ch...ch...chattering? Worry n … Read More

Types of Valves in Plumbing

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Feb 7th 2025

Have you ever wondered what goes into managing the flow of water in your home, or through a building? It all depends on a critical component found in plumbing — valves. Valves are essential for … Read More

Introducing Apollo Valves

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Feb 4th 2025

Apollo Valves® inventory includes a wide range of valve products supplied to diverse markets. These include residential, commercial and institutional plumbing, as well as industrial sectors such a … Read More

Types of Water Valves

Posted by Russ Bailey on Sep 3rd 2024

We all know that valves play a crucial role in regulating the flow of liquids and gasses in a broad range of applications, from automotive to manufacturing, mining to oil and gas. Something you might … Read More

Understanding Valve Sizes and Measurement

Posted by Jason Welsford on Sep 3rd 2024

Sizing the appropriate valve is critical to ensuring the performance of your system. Whether you're into industrial process piping, utilities, HVAC, or plumbing, it is important that you understand … Read More

Ball Valve Types and Applications

Posted by Mark Trainer on Apr 16th 2024

Ball valves are important components in a vast range of systems, from small family-owned workshops to huge industrial facilities - ball valves are everywhere. However, despite the widespread use of th … Read More

What is a Backflow Preventer, and How Does it Work?

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Apr 16th 2024

When a simple check valve is inadequate for the job, you need a backflow preventer. But knowing you need one and understanding how they work are two different things entirely. Unlike an inline check v … Read More

Understanding valve standards and specifications

Posted by Mark Trainer on Mar 22nd 2024

Hey there, fellow valve enthusiasts! Today, we're looking at valve codes, standards and specifications. Now, I know what you're thinking, this seems like such a 'dry' topic. Believe me, it's anythi … Read More

How to Tell if a Valve is On or Off

Posted by Russ Bailey on Mar 22nd 2024

We’ve all been there —staring at a valve, almost certain you know whether it’s open or closed, but not quite confident enough to act. Maybe it’s a valve type you’ve neve … Read More

Understanding Different Types of Valve Connections and Fittings

Posted by Russ Bailey on Jan 29th 2024

Hey there, fellow valve enthusiasts! We know valves play a crucial role in regulating the flow of liquids and gasses in a broad range of applications. Something you might not know much about are valve … Read More

Types of Valve Handles: Lever and Handwheels

Posted by Mark Trainer on Jan 29th 2024

Whether you're involved in industrial work, plumbing, or you're a DIY enthusiast, you come across valves all the time, which means you come across valve handles too. But how much do you know ab … Read More

The Basic Parts of a Valve

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Jan 29th 2024

Valves quietly work in many different areas, even places you wouldn't expect. They're truly everywhere—power plants, drug factories, chemical plants, water treatment centers, heating and coolin … Read More

Gas Ball Valves In Industrial Applications - 5 Things to Keep in Mind

Posted by Russ Bailey on Jun 21st 2023

Unlike the standard ball valves, most gas ball valves are tested and approved by CSA. These valves are vital for combustible gas service in different industrial applications. They are used in natural … Read More

How To Correctly Use A 3 Way Valve In Different Applications

Posted by Jason Welsford on May 17th 2022

To understand the "T"-port and an "L"-port 3-way valves and what makes them different, it's important first to establish what each of these terms mean. By clearly defining each term, the differ … Read More

Industrial Ball Valves - 9 Questions To Make The Right Choice

Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Feb 22nd 2022

Ball valves are versatile flow control devices suitable for extensive industrial applications. They are available in different sizes and designs, making them adaptable to diverse sanitary, petrochemic … Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Valves for Your Application

Posted by Russ Bailey on Dec 20th 2021

In the selection process of valves, you have to take into consideration different factors that are specific for your application. First, you have to know what function you want the valve to perform. W … Read More

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