Introduction

Steam control is crucial for the completion of industrial processes. Steam is often a byproduct or a reactor in chemical reactions. It is vital to control and manage steam through responses. Industries use valves to regulate steam. There are different types of steam control valves. They play a central role in the working steam throughout the processes. Here is an insight into the best industrial steam control valves

What are Industrial Steam Control Valves?

Industrial steam control valves manage, regulate, or release steam to ensure efficient operation. They are devices to control the steam within a system. The purpose of the steam control valve is similar to that of a tap, which is used to remove or stop the flow.  

Material selection is primarily essential for the steam control valve. Their material is often sturdy metal, suitable for withstanding steam conditions. We can locate these valves in large pipelines or industrial equipment where steam is in operation. The handle or lever is the part of the steam valve that controls the flow of steam and starts or stops the valve.

When the valve lies in an open condition, the steam is allowed to pass through. It lets steam reach the desired location, such as in chemical reactors or power generators. We can adjust the steam flow by changing the position of the lever or handle. It helps regulate temperature, pressure, and other essential factors.

Steam control valves are excellent for safety as they can shut off in emergencies. They have a shallow risk of hammering. Thus, we can shut them off during maintenance activities. They keep the integrity of the systems where steam is operating.

Steam control valves play a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation of factories, refineries, turbines, and other industrial facilities. You can also change the pressure and temperature settings by regulating these valves. Operators can opt for desirable settings for even steam distribution to each sector.

Working of Steam Control Valves:

Steam control valves are similar to a tap or faucet, used to regulate water flow.  A steam valve design features a metallic body with a passage that allows steam to pass through. The valve seat is a ring-shaped surface present within the body. The valve seat is the part that determines whether the steam will pass or be blocked. When the valve closes, the steam valve seat blocks the passage. It prevents steam flow from passing through. When the valve opens, the seating surface allows the steam to pass. The seat connects with a flat, round part of the disc. The valve disc assembles into a rod-like structure called the valve stem. This stem combines with the lever or handle of the valve, causing the valve to open or close. Turning off the handle causes the stem to move, which regulates the disc position. We can manage the flow of steam by changing the handle position. This is how the steam control valve works. Steam valves also contain a shut-off mechanism. In the closed position, it blocks the steam flow by sealing the disc mechanism against the seat. This property helps when it is necessary to stop the steam flow for safety and protection. Flow control by steam valves is crucial in industrial processes. Adjusting the valve allows us to control the steam moving through the system.  This can regulate essential factors, such as temperature and pressure, in steam operations.

Control Methods for Steam Valves:

Control methods refer to the type of actuator or operational valve. There could be many different ways to actuate a steam control valve. Here are a few of the top control methods for steam valves.

Manual Control Method: This is the most basic method, where a person turns the handwheel or lever to operate or regulate the steam control valve. This is standard in smaller applications where no precision overflow rate is required. It is also suitable for low-pressure and flow rate conditions.
Hydraulic Control Method: In this type of actuator, the hydraulic fluid is responsible for opening and closing the valve. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid is regulated via a control signal sent by the central control system. It is suitable for high-pressure applications and handling large valves.
Pneumatic Control Method: Pneumatic control is a significant feature in industrial applications, providing precise control and a rapid response time. They operate on pneumatic principles, utilizing compressed air to open and close valves. The adjustment of compressed air changes the position or state of the valve. A signal sent by the control system directs the valve positioner, which adjusts the compressed air. This is how fluid regulation takes place in the pneumatic steam control valve.
Electric Control Method: Electric actuators are used where pneumatic and other control methods are not feasible. They provide a high level of precision with an efficient control system. An electric motor rotates the valve stem, regulating the valve position. The control system generates digital or analog signals to administer the valve position. This control system is ideal for heavy-duty valves in industrial settings and sensitive applications where precise flow rate regulation is crucial.

Actuator Selection for Steam Control Valves:

The mode of the actuator plays a significant part in the valve’s performance. It should generate a high input force, leading to good closure and excellent sealing. The actuator selection for steam control valves should focus on the following listings.

A manual actuator is ideal for small systems and lightweight applications. We can rely on manual controls for applications not affected by low precision.
Selecting a pneumatic control actuator is preferable for explosion-proof systems applications. It can handle excess pressure and is handy for sensitive systems.
Electric actuators are ideal in conditions that demand energy-saving options. These actuators operate efficiently using digital systems, reducing the need for operational energy.
For ultra-precision overflow control, the hydraulic control method is advised. They can regulate the speed of machines in power plants and manage temperature variations in the catalytic units of reactors.

Different Types of Steam Control Valves:

Here are the different types of steam control valves for industrial applications.

Steam Control Globe Valve:

These valves are spherical, featuring a central passage for steam flow. They control steam through a plug or disc that raises and lowers to pass or block steam. In open conditions, steam moves across without any hurdle. On closing, the steam passage blocks due to the action of the disc or plug. Globe valves offer reasonable control over the steam flow rate. They are the best valves for handling steam due to their specific control features.

Specifications of Steam Control Globe Valve:

Steam Control Gate Valve:

Gate valves feature a gate-like mechanism that regulates steam flow by sliding up and down. To allow steam to move across, the gate lifts. On closing the valve, the gate returns to its initial position, leaving no room for steam to pass. Gate valves are used where the steam flow requires an entire shut-off. They are also suitable to handle minimal pressure drops across the valve.

Specifications of Steam Control Gate Valve:

Steam Control Ball Valve:

Steam Ball valves are also the best valves to handle steam. These valves have a disc-shaped ball. The ball starts to rotate as we turn the handle from the initial position. The steam flows from across the hole in the opening of the path. Similarly, the process reverses when the valve closes. Ball valves provide quick operation, handles, and tight sealing. It is the reason they are suitable for fast shut-off or control applications.

Specifications of Steam Control Ball Valve:

Steam Control Butterfly Valve:

Butterfly valves regulate steam flow with the help of a rotating disc in their body. This disc has connections with a rod that assembles with the handle—the position of the disc changes to either parallel or perpendicular when the handle is rotated. Butterfly valves are applied in pipelines to control minor pressure drops. They are considered top steam control valves.

Specifications of Steam Control Butterfly Valve:

Steam Control Diaphragm Valve:

Diaphragm valves contain a diaphragm that moves up and down to control the flow. When the valve opens, the diaphragm lifts, making the steam flow across. Closing the valve lowers the diaphragm, blocking the steam flow. Diaphragm valves work where we need to separate steam from other systems.

Specifications of Steam Control Diaphragm Valve:

Parts of Steam Control Valves:

The primary components of a steam control valve are the bonnet, ball, seat, and positioner. Each of them is connected to the other for the creation of the valve assembly. Below are the details of the parts of steam control valves, which will help you determine their function.

Bonnet:

The bonnet is a removable part of the steam control valve that acts as a cover and supports the moving parts of the valve. The bonnet also protects the connection between the stem and the plug. It provides an efficient sealing mechanism for the valve and stems. It adds strength to the actuator, enabling feasible operation. The material construction of the plug and stem is made of stiff, heat-treated metals. Therefore, they require packaging that surrounds them to protect them from leaks. Bonnet relieves these concerns and makes steam valves less prone to leakage.

Ball:

The fluid control part of the steam control valve is mostly a spherical ball. Either of the operational methods can actuate a ball. It can be electrically powered or manual. The ball provides a fluid passage to escape from the valve body. Manual ball actuation requires a human operator, while electricity powers the electronic one. Electronic ball control methods require a good understanding of the system, as failure can lead to water hammers. The automatic ball control method is more reliable as it is accessible for complex and remote systems.

Seat:

The seat in a steam control valve retains a central position. The seat design varies according to application demand and can serve multiple purposes. It provides a resting place for a gate, ball, or diaphragm. The seat is capable of withstanding high-pressure conditions. If high pressure remains unchecked, it can cause trouble for the actuator by producing a turbulent force. Seats can have metal-forged or split construction. Due to their efficient seating, single-port steam control valves are excellent for shutoff applications.

Positioner:

A valve positioner in the steam control valves regulates the valve position in relation to a desired set point. It keeps a check on the stem position against the control signal. Positioners require maintenance more than any other part of the steam control valve. The response time of the positioner prevents several causes of valve failure. One should perform regular inspection tests for positioners. It includes checking minimum and maximum openings, hysteresis, and calibration. You may also test its performance in the circuit by isolating it from the valve.

Valve Body:

The valve body is the most visible part that secures all other elements within its structure. It provides shelter and protection to other components, maintaining their assembly. Valve bodies also have different actuation controls. It can be manual, electronic, or automatic. You can select the most suitable valve body based on the application’s specific requirements. An automatic valve body is reliable where manual control is rigid or system requirements are strict.

Industrial Applications of Steam Control Valves:

Here are some examples of industrial applications for steam control valves.

• Power Plants:

Steam control valves regulate steam flow in the turbine. They are highly essential products in power generation plants. Turbines are one of the best applications of steam control valves. Steam control by these valves leads to safe and optimized power generation.

• Heating Systems:

Steam control valves are applicable in heating systems to regulate the steam flow. In buildings, steam is often used to heat water or air. The valves check the amount of steam flowing through radiators or heat exchangers. This ensures the right amount of heat is delivered to maintain comfortable temperatures.

• Industrial Processes:

Steam has another crucial role in initiating reactions, heating, or sterilization. These valves play a vital role in maintaining steam flow during industrial processes. It not only distributes steam but also carries out smooth reactions.

• Refineries and Petrochemical Plants:

Refineries and petrochemical plants also stand among the best applications of steam control valves. Steam cracking is the central process where these valves apply. The breaking down of hydrocarbons takes place here. Precise control of steam ensures process efficiency and safety.

• Food and Beverage Industry:

The food and beverage industries also employ steam control valves. They work in cooking, pasteurization, sterilization, and other critical processes. These valves maintain safety while cooking and food processing.

• HVAC Systems:

Steam control valves are integral to HVAC systems. They regulate the steam heating of large buildings, such as hospitals or offices. By controlling the steam flow, these valves maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Specifications:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steam Control Valves:

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of steam control valves.

Best Materials for Industrial Steam Control Valve:

Industrial steam valves are often made of stainless steel, brass, cast iron, and bronze materials. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and has excellent properties. Its robust properties make it suitable for a diverse range of industries. Brass is renowned for its high thermal conductivity and exceptional corrosion resistance. In comparison, cast iron is adaptable to high-pressure conditions without compromising quality. Bronze is dynamic, able to withstand extreme conditions with ease. The best material for industrial steam control valves depends on the applications.

Steam Control Valve Selection Guide:

Here is a brief guide to steam control valve selection.

• Valve Size:

The sizing of the system where the valve operates should match the steam control valve size. Thus, it can handle the steam volume coming out of the source.

• Valve Material:

The material of the valve is crucial in handling the steam temperature. The material of the valve should be able to manage the media flowing across it durably.

• Flow Control Capabilities:

When selecting a steam control valve, one cannot neglect the precise flow control capabilities. This allows for accurate passage of the steam flow.

• Reliability and Maintenance:

Consider the maintenance needs of the steam valve. A reliable valve will have consistent performance.

• Safety Features:

Look for pressure relief mechanisms when selecting a steam control valve. These features help protect equipment in the event of a malfunction.

Inspection Tests on Steam Control Valves:

Inspection tests on steam control valves help ensure reliable performance and facilitate early detection of faults. You can perform the following tests on parts of the steam control valve.

Inspecting the Valve Body: The inner wall of the body is affected by corrosion or abrasive media. It can also happen due to high potential differences across the valve parts. Inspect the inner wall’s condition and the effects of corrosive media on the diaphragm or other factors.
Inspecting the Spool: Some steam control valves feature a movable part, known as a spool. It can be prone to erosion due to the nature of the media. Care should be taken during the inspection of the spool because of its structure. High pressure difference can cause it to wear, or cavitation can cause wear on its body. Inspect the surface and sealing capacity of the spool, looking for any damage.
Inspecting the Rubber Film: The Rubber film lies within the actuator and ensures its smooth operation. Inspect cracks and wear on the surface of the rubber film.
Inspecting the Valve Seat: The valve seat is the part that faces plenty of media infiltration. Check the inner surface of the seat, as it may lead to corrosion and degradation of the surface.

Conclusion:

Steam control valves are a must for industrial processes. Almost every industry relies on steam and requires control over it. The most crucial factor is that your valve should sync with the system. It leads to the best performance and most desirable results. Plumberstar is a wholesale valve supplier specializing in customized valve solutions. They are expert manufacturers of control valves in China. Contact their expert team for assistance with any issues during valve selection. Consider consulting the guide above for the best valves to handle steam. It will bring ease to the processes.