12 min read
The Best Valves for Steam Condensate
Which valves survive steam condensate? Flashing, erosion, trim and body materials, check valve cracking pressure, and a worked flash steam example.
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Articles by Gil Welsford
8 min read
The Best Valves for Milk
Compare butterfly, mixproof, diaphragm, and flow diversion valves for milk, with 3-A, PMO, 316L, and CIP guidance from ValveMan's 60+ years in valves.
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12 min read
The Best Valves for Boiler Feedwater
How to spec boiler feedwater control, check, stop-check, and recirculation valves: Cv sizing, drum level control, ASME B31.1 rules, and materials.
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8 min read
The Best Valves for Deionized Water
PVDF, PP, and 316L compared for DI water valves. Pressure ratings, seal choices, and purity protection from ValveMan's 60+ years in valves.
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8 min read
The Best Valves for Seawater
Why seawater corrodes valves, how PREN numbers work, and which metals and plastics survive chloride service. A selection guide from ValveMan's 60+ years.
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12 min read
The Best Valves for Cooling Tower Water
Butterfly, check, ball, and blowdown valves for cooling tower duty: seat materials, chloride limits, and sizing guidance from 60+ years in valves.
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10 min read
The Best Valves for Chilled Water
Compare chilled water ball, butterfly, control, and check valves. Cv sizing math, glycol corrections, and material picks from ValveMan's 60+ years.
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10 min read
The Best Potable Water Valves
Five NSF 61 lead free potable water valves compared: full port ball, DZR brass, check, and butterfly. Specs, Cv, and selection advice.
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2 min read
Introducing Apollo Safety Relief Valves
Apollo is a name synonymous with quality, and that very quality is built into the Apollo safety relief valves line. Water boilers and similar equipment...
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10 min read
How to Adjust a Water Pressure Regulator
Step-by-step guide to adjusting a water pressure regulator: target psi, high/low pressure symptoms, and when to replace the PRV. Call 888-825-8800.
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7 min read
Normally Open vs Normally Closed Solenoid Valves
How to choose between normally open and normally closed solenoid valves: fail-safe logic, coil duty cycle with worked energy math, and a selection checklist.
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9 min read
Ball Valve Guide: How They Work, Types, Ratings, and Selection
How ball valves work, floating vs trunnion, WOG and Class ratings, seat materials, and how to spec the right one. From ValveMan, in valves since...
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12 min read
Temperature Regulator Guide: How Self-Operated Valves Work and How to Size Them
Learn how self-operated temperature regulators work, direct vs reverse acting, sizing with Cv, and when to upgrade to a control valve. Call 888-825-8800.
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6 min read
P&ID Valve Symbols: A Guide to Common Valve and Actuator Symbols
Read P&ID valve symbols fast: ball, gate, globe, needle, solenoid, check and relief valves, plus actuator marks, FO/FC notation and ANSI/ISA-5.1 basics.
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10 min read
AC vs DC Solenoid Coils: How to Choose the Right Voltage
AC vs DC solenoid coil selection explained: inrush vs holding current, burnout risks, flyback diodes, and when to pick 12VDC, 24VDC, 24VAC or 120VAC.
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13 min read
Top 10 Best Check Valves
Learn about ValveMan’s Top 10 check valves by model and manufacturer. You can compare quality options and find the right check valve for your system.
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8 min read
OSHA Pressure Relief Valve Regulations
Learn how to stay compliant with OSHA pressure relief valve regulations. Get some expert guidance from ValveMan today!
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10 min read
Top 10 Best Ball Valves
Explore the Top 10 best ball valves by model and manufacturer. Compare performance and shop trusted ball valve options at ValveMan.
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9 min read
The STAMPED Framework: Delivering Efficiency from Start to Finish
Master the STAMPED method for industrial valve selection. Learn how to evaluate Cv, pressure-temperature charts, and materials to specify the perfect valve.
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11 min read
Globe Valve vs Gate Valve: Key Differences and Applications
Globe valve vs gate valve: flow paths, Cv and pressure drop, API 600/623 standards, stem types, and when each belongs in your line. From ValveMan.
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3 min read
Firesafe Control Valves Explained: Why the AVCO 1900 Does Both Jobs
What makes a ball valve firesafe, why a 60° vee port throttles well, and how the AVCO 1900 does both. API 607, graphite seals, NACE....
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9 min read
Ball Valve Body Styles: 1, 2, and 3-Piece Compared, Plus Full vs Reduced Port
Compare 1, 2, and 3-piece ball valve bodies plus full vs reduced port, with Cv math, pressure ratings, and a decision framework from ValveMan.
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7 min read
What is the Difference Between Full Port and Standard Porting?
Valve terminology is much like any other jargon. Some words and descriptions mean the same thing, and can be used interchangeably, while others are almost...
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7 min read
Cavitation in Pipes and Valves: Causes and Solutions
Learn what causes cavitation in control valves, how to recognize damage, and proven engineering solutions including anti-cavitation trim and pressure staging.
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15 min read
Control Valve Positioners: Guide to Types & Selection
A guide to the types of selection of control valve positioners, and including why and when to use them.
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12 min read
Solenoid Valve Selection Guide: Direct-Acting vs Pilot-Operated, Cv Sizing, and Coil Specs
A solenoid valve is the cheapest, fastest way to put a fluid line under electrical control. It is also one of the most commonly mis-specified...
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5 min read
Choosing PVC vs Brass Ball Valves
Learn when to choose PVC ball valves, and why.
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13 min read
Agricultural Irrigation Maintenance Checklist
Reactive maintenance costs more than preventive maintenance — every time. A season-by-season guide to keeping agricultural irrigation pumps, filters, and fertigation systems running at peak...
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