FAQs of Balanced Valve

1. What are the main types of balance valves produced?

Our factory makes three main types of balance valves: manual balance valves, automatic balance valves, and visual flowmeter balance valves. Manual balance valves are used in small and medium heating or water systems. Automatic balance valves can handle changes in water pressure and are good for big buildings like supermarkets or offices. Visual flowmeter balance valves can show the water flow and are often used in factories like medicine or electronics plants.

2. What is the difference between balance valves and ordinary control valves?

The difference is that the function focus is different- an ordinary control valve is more focused on “flow regulation”, while the balance valve focuses on “system hydraulic balance” as the core, with a dual role of flow regulation and pressure stability, and distribution of the branch flow, to avoid local overcurrent/underflow. Industrial systems prefer balancing valves.

3. Do you provide export-related documents of Balanced Valves for customers?

Our factory can provide all export documents and help with third-party inspections. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin (CO), certification reports like UL or CE, and other documents customers need. Regular documents are free. Special certificates, like FORM A, cost extra based on the actual processing fee. We can also help customers work with customs agents to make sure the shipment clears customs smoothly.

4. What standards does the pressure rating and sealing performance of the balance valve meet?

The pressure rating and sealing of a balance valve must follow several national and international standards. The pressure rating usually follows GB/T 12224 (China), EN 1092 (Europe), and ASME B16.34 (USA). The valve can work safely under different pipeline pressures. The sealing must meet GB/T 13927, passing tests like shell pressure tests and seal checks. For international use, it also follows API 598 and ISO 5208 to make sure there is no leakage under rated pressure. Some balance valves for drinking water also need sealing parts that meet NSF/ANSI 61 and other drinking water safety standards to fit different uses.

5. Is there a balancing valve solution for high temperature steam systems?

There’s a solution. For high temperature steam systems up to 350℃, equipped with high temperature sealing parts (graphite packing +Inconel alloy shaft) and optimized body heat dissipation structure to ensure stable operation at high pressure of 16 bar. It has been applied to steam thermodynamic systems in food processing and printing and dyeing plants.

6. What does the warranty coverage of the balancing valve include?

The warranty scope includes: ① unqualified materials (such as cracking of valve body, material inconsistent with inspection report);② manufacturing defects (such as seal leakage, adjustment failure);③ accessory failure (such as pressure gauge damage, automatic valve sensor failure). Man-made damage is not covered by the warranty. For example, violent operation during installation leads to deformation of the valve body or use beyond the operating range (such as cryogenic valves for high temperature systems), etc.

7. What risks are there if the rated value of the balancing valve exceeds the maximum pressure difference?

There is a risk that the accuracy of valve adjustment will decrease, resulting in unstable flow control, rapid wear of the seat and seal, and a shortened service life. In extreme cases, the valve may jam or fail. When we also have certain solutions, such as the selection of a high-pressure balance valve (such as the PN25 model) to replace the original model, or installing a pressure relief valve in front of the balance valve, the pressure difference will be controlled in a safe range.

8. How about wear resistance of valve shaft, valve seat and other vulnerable parts?

Hardened shaft (surface hardness HRC 50 or above), seat made of wear-resistant alloy material, which can withstand more than 100,000 times of adjustment operation under normal conditions without obvious wear. We provide spare parts such as valve shaft, valve seat, and seal ring from stock. The spare parts price is 5% to 15% of the finished product price.

9. What is the return process for the balancing valve?

If the product does not match the system due to a factory selection error, it can be returned unconditionally, and we shall bear the freight. However, if the issue is caused by incorrect parameters provided by the customer, it must be reported within 7 days after receiving the goods. The product can be returned without installation and damage, and the customer shall bear the return freight and a 10% restocking fee. Return process: submit application → our review → send back products → inspection confirmation → refund/replacement.

10. How long is the service life of the balance valve?

Under normal conditions, the service life of a brass balance valve is 8-10 years, and that of a stainless steel balance valve is 12-15 years. The more corrosive the fluid medium, the shorter the life. The long-term approach to the highest temperature will accelerate the aging of seals, and the frequent adjustment of manual valves will increase the wear of the valve shaft.