Valves are a critical part of your chlorine system, providing the control and the safety measures you need to run the system properly. But how do you choose chlorine valves? With so much choice out there on the market, this can be a tricky question. Read on to learn more in our guide.
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How you choose a chlorine valve for your system really depends on the type of chlorine being used specifically, whether it is dry or wet. This refers to the water content of the gas or liquid chlorine. Dry chlorine will include less than 150 ppm (parts per million) of water, while wet chlorine will feature more than 150 ppm. Whether the chlorine is dry or wet is important, because the presence of water can alter its behavior, making it more or less corrosive to certain materials. Chlorine itself is not corrosive, but it can become corrosive when it reacts with water.
Of course, the valve you choose needs to resist this corrosion. For dry chlorine, this typically means using valve fittings constructed from stainless steel, Monel alloys, or copper. As long as the temperature remains below 250 Fahrenheit, the dry chorine should not corrode the valve material.
For wet chlorine, however, the situation is different. Wet chlorine can corrode all of the materials listed above, even at lower temperatures. Titanium may be used in wet chlorine fittings but is unsuitable for dry chlorine systems. Fluoropolymer lining can also be used to act as a barrier between the chlorine and the metal itself, reducing the risk of corrosion.
All of this can be confusing, and choosing the wrong valve for your system can result in significant risks to human life and to the local environment. Be sure to check that the valve is rated for the type of chlorine you will be using before it is installed.
There are a number of different valve types available for your chlorine system. When you select the right type of chlorine valve, you are looking for three key characteristics:
A reliable shutoff, so that no chlorine gas can leak through the valve when it is closed
Precise closing, giving operators more control as they close or open the valve in small increments
Obvious visibility, providing a quick reference that confirms whether the valve is open or closed
Bear these characteristics in mind as you make your selection.
A globe valve is named because of the wider, globe-like section where the gas flows through. The globe is divided into two chambers, and the wheel or handle opens and closes the partition between these chambers, operating the valve. Globe valves are a popular choice for chlorine gas applications, as they meet all of the three criteria listed above.
A ball valve utilizes a sphere-like component that sits within the pipe. An opening runs through the middle of this component, which may be the same diameter as the rest of the pipework in the system. Because of this, there is no constriction or reduction of flow when the valve is fully open, unlike with the globe valve, where the chamber may restrict the flow even if the valve is in an open position.
Check the bore of the ball valve. This will tell you whether the opening is the same diameter as the rest of the system or if it is a little smaller. A smaller bore will restrict the flow even if the valve is opened.
For chlorine applications, ball valves will usually need a pressure release component. This is because chlorine may become trapped within the bore of the ball when it turns and may expand and cause a hazard within the system.
A butterfly valve incorporates a central disk that sits within the pipework. When the disk is turned 90 degrees relative to the direction of flow, a seal is created around the disk and the valve is closed. The valve can be opened in small, controlled amounts and is fully open when the disk is at 180 degrees to the direction of flow.
These valves can meet all of the criteria listed above as long as there is a sufficient seal created around the edge of the disk when it is closed. In larger-diameter sections of pipework, a soft seating seal may be required. Unlike with the ball valve, there is nowhere for chlorine to become trapped during valve opening and closing.
There are a few other aspects to remember as you choose the right chlorine valve for your purposes.
The nature of the chlorine can change at different temperatures. Valves that are rated for dry chlorine, for example, may become unsuitable if the temperature of the chlorine gets too high. Temperature levels may also fluctuate both inside and outside the system. Make sure you know what sort of temperatures you will be dealing with, and choose a valve accordingly.
In some cases, additional compounds like ferric chloride or sodium sulfate may be found within the system. These compounds can build up over time, leading to blockages and potential malfunctions. To prevent this, the valve will need to be inspected regularly, and the mechanism should be simple for trained personnel to check and assess.
As the chlorine travels through the system, it can cause erosion if there are significant pressure changes. If the pressure is sufficiently increased at a point of constriction, for example the effects of erosion can be more pronounced. This makes the diameter of the valve an important consideration when you choose your component. Where possible, there should be no constrictions and changes in pressure, except for when the flow of the chlorine is regulated or stopped by operating the valve.
Selecting Valves For Use With Chlorine
Valves in Chlorine Applications
Chlorine is used in processes from the production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to water treatment. In our modern culture chlorine plays a huge role in refrigeration; it enables us to cool our homes, our vehicles, and our food.
As a disinfectant, it makes drinking water and swimming pools safe by killing dangerous bacteria. It works as a sanitizer in eliminating bacteria from non-porous surfaces.
Chlorine is used to make paper, textiles, medicines, insecticides, and solvents. PVC is used everywhere from water pipes and insulation for electrical wires to blood bags.
When combined with water, it forms hydrochloric acid (HCl), a widely used and commercially important strong acid.
Under normal conditions, chlorine is a gas. Liquid chlorine has been pressurized and the temperature lowered.
Materials Suitable for Chlorine Piping and Valves
Wet chlorine, thats either gaseous or liquid chlorine having more than 150 parts per million of water by weight, is highly corrosive and will aggressively attack iron, steel, some stainless steel, Monel®, nickel, copper, brass, bronze, and lead. Dry chlorine can be handled by these metals at temperatures below 250°F without corrosion. And while titanium will react with dry chlorine causing corrosion or even combustion, it is a good option for wet chlorine.
Risks Associated with Chlorine
Chlorine service comes with its share of risks. Some of the potential dangers and considerations are discussed here.
Expansion
In its liquid form, chlorine has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning that the volume increases as temperature goes up. Care must be taken to ensure that any chlorine that gets caught between valves can be released into an expansion chamber. Otherwise, the pipes or fittings could burst or rupture due to the pressure generated by expansion of the chlorine.
Fire and Explosion
Chlorine is not flammable and does not, under normal conditions, support combustion. Because it is an oxidizer, however, care must be taken to avoid the potential of fire.
Oxygen cleaning of valves prior to installation and use is critical in chlorine applications. There can be no oil or grease residue or any other contaminant that could result in a fire in the valves or anywhere in the piping system.
A co-product of chlorine thats manufactured by electrolysis of sodium chloride solutions is hydrogen (H2). The hydrogen and chlorine gas mixture poses a risk of fire or explosion. Static electricity and impact, as well as ultraviolet light (from sunlight or elsewhere), can set off this reaction. These gases should not be allowed to mix.
Another potential by-product of chlorine manufacturing is nitrogen trichloride (NCl3), also known as trichloramine. This compound, which results from the reaction of chlorine and ammonium salts, irritates mucous membranes when inhaled. Its also highly explosive.
Toxic
Liquid chlorine will burn the skin. When the liquid mixes with certain other chemicals, especially ammonia or acids, it releases toxic gases.
Gaseous chlorine is a strong irritant of mucous membranes. Its also toxic at a level as low as parts per million.
Corrosive
Chlorine itself is non-corrosive. In its liquid form, however, it is hygroscopic, attracting water from its surroundings. With the addition of water, both the liquid and the gaseous chlorine states form hydrochloric (HCl) and hypochlorous (HClO) acids, making it highly corrosive. It can also form ferric chlorides (Cl3Fe), which is damaging to Teflon surfaces.
A moisture-free environment preventing water from entering the system will reduce or eliminate this risk. All equipment should be kept dry and care taken to ensure no water remains after cleaning.
Types of Valves for Chlorine Service
Some valve types are better than others when it comes to chlorine processes and operations.
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Globe valves
Several factors make globe valves one of the best choices for chlorine use.
Ability to provide a tight shutoff
Ability to confirm whether it is open or closed
The multi-turn operation that provides for slow and careful opening and closing
Bi-directional seating its ability to shut off in both directions without trapping liquid inside
Any leakage will allow moisture from the air to enter the system causing corrosion so flexible graphite or PTFE should be used for packing.
In accordance with The Chlorine Institutes Pamphlet 6, Piping Systems for Dry Chlorine, Edition 16, globe valves for chlorine service should have a bolted bonnet with at least four bolts, a blow-out proof stem, either Stellite hard-facing metal seating or PTFE soft-seating, and an outside screw and yoke gland for external packing gland adjustment.
Ball valves
Providing tight shutoff, the ball valve has a reliable stem seal design. They can be full-bore or reduced-bore. A full-bore (or full-port) valve has an opening the same diameter as the piping, so theres no restriction in flow through the valve.
Because chlorine that gets trapped in the valve could expand, ball valves need to have a release for any resulting pressure. Either a relief hole bored into the ball or pressure self-relieving seats can be used.
Single-seated segmental ball valves, on the other hand, do not trap liquid when they are closed. Theyre commonly used as control valves.
Fully-lined ball valves are lined with a fluoropolymer resin, so there is no metal to chlorine contact. They can be used with wet or dry chlorine gas without concern for corrosion.
Butterfly valves
Both soft-seated high-performance butterfly valves and fully-lined butterfly valves are options. The soft-seated valves are useful in large pipes.
In fully-lined butterfly valves, like fully-lined ball valves, the fluoropolymer lining prevents the chlorine from touching any metal. They can be used with wet or dry chlorine.
Valve Selection Criteria
Stem seal
To prevent leakage through the stem seal in the presence of large or frequent temperature fluctuations, consider using bellows seals or live-loaded packing.
Temperature
Consider both ambient and processing temperatures when selecting valve materials. Keep in mind that throttling applications can create pressure differentials, resulting in lower temperatures.
Wet or dry chlorine
Wet chlorine is highly corrosive to a number of metals, whereas dry chlorine is not. If the chlorine being processed is dry but could become wet, select materials that are suitable for both.
Flashing and cavitation
The potential for flashing and cavitation should be considered and its avoidance considered when sizing the valve.
Contaminants
Where ferric chloride or sodium sulfate may be present, these compounds can build up in parts of valves where theres low velocity. They also may adhere to some parts. Periodical stroking of the valve should free the build-up. Material that has been stuck for too long can harden, causing the valve to be unable to properly seal and to potentially leak.
All valves for use with chlorine service must be prepared for service according to The Chlorine Institutes Pamphlet 6, Section 4.5 and labeled to show that it has met the requirements.
There are so many brands and models of chlorine valves on the market today, which can make your buying decision a challenging one.
How do you know which brand or model will provide the highest level of durability, safety, and reliability?
Here are some tips to help you select and buy top-performing chlorine valves, so you can get the most value out of your investment.
Chlorine is extremely dangerous it is toxic, highly reactive, and can cause severe harm to ones respiratory organs. As such, you will only want to purchase valves made from the highest quality materials to ensure top performance and safety for your personnel. Most industry experts recommend chlorine ball valves as they provide high-level safety and protection against the harmful effects of chlorine.
Chlorine also has a high expansion rate, so the quality of the outlets you select needs to be top-performing and extremely reliable to prevent any safety issues that may come up when working with chlorine.
As well, the body valve determines the quality of your chlorine valves. For best quality, you will want to select body valves made from WCB Grade castings or forgings and seals that are made of TFE.
The design you select will always affect the performance and efficiency of your chlorine valves. Good design is blow-out proof and can use the best packing rings, as well as allowing you to effectively control the backflow of chlorine. Also, choose a compact design that has good body cavity venting and encapsulated body seals. These features all enhance the functionality and value of your chlorine valves.
Chlorine valves made from the latest technology and top manufacturing facilities will ensure the highest quality product and value for you. You want to select chlorine valves made from automated manufacturing processes, as such operations will provide consistently higher-quality products.
As well, advanced process controls, such as helium leak checking and infrared thermal imaging, are extremely important because they help check for safety, quality, and reliability of your chlorine values.
Further, you will want to choose chlorine valves that are made in a strictly controlled, clean environment, with a detailed inspection and compliance testing of every part, to ensure top quality and performance for your valves.
For best quality valves, consider a supplier who also has a totally integrated valve manufacturing process. When a supplier manufactures their own rod and forgings, they can control all the components of chlorine valves more closely, resulting in more reliable and durable products.
The other features you will want to take into consideration are the temperature ratings, flow co-efficient, and pressure ratings of the chlorine valves. Always ask about the dimensions and materials used to ensure the chlorine valves made to meet your requirements.
Finally, if you are buying a large number of chlorine valves, check on any discounts offered or coupons available to help you cut down your total purchasing cost.
By following these buying tips, you will be able to find top quality valves that meet your unique needs and applications. Learn more about how to select the best supplier for your chlorine valves.
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