How to find the right Valves AI guide

Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.

What the AI looks for in Valves

Valve function: Use quarter-turn ball, butterfly or plug valves for on/off isolation, and globe, needle or control valves for throttling. Never throttle with a gate valve. Using a valve for the wrong duty erodes its seat and causes leaks or chatter.
Pressure and temperature rating: The marked rating (WOG/CWP, Class or PN) must exceed the system's maximum pressure at its actual operating temperature. Ratings derate as temperature rises, especially with PTFE seats and plastic bodies.
Material compatibility: Check the body, seat and seal against the fluid: brass or bronze for water and air, 316 stainless for corrosives, PVC or CPVC for chemicals, and seal elastomers (EPDM, NBR, FKM) per media. Incompatible seals swell or crack, and the wrong metal corrodes or dezincifies.
End connection and thread standard: Match NPT vs BSP threads, flange class, solder/sweat, press, push-fit or socket ends, and pipe size, exactly. Mismatched threads look like they fit but will not seal.
Potable water certification: For drinking water, require lead-free marking with NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certification. Older brass alloys leach lead and fail plumbing code.

Apollo (Conbraco): Broad range of US-market brass and bronze ball, check and relief valves.
NIBCO: Plumbing and commercial bronze, iron and plastic valves.
Watts: Check valves, regulators, relief and backflow devices for water systems.
Swagelok: Instrumentation-grade needle, ball and check valves.
Parker: Hydraulic, pneumatic and instrumentation valves.
ASCO (Emerson): Reference brand for solenoid valves.
Hayward Flow Control: Thermoplastic valves for chemical and water treatment.
Spears: PVC and CPVC valves and fittings.

Water, Oil, Gas: the cold non-shock working pressure rating. It is not a steam rating, and it drops at higher temperatures.