Stainless Steel Steam Isolation Ball Valve

Steam Rated Carbon Filled R-PTFE Seats

providing a cost-effective solution for 'shut-off' and isolation of low temperature steam duty and medium flows.

steam valves

Valves designed for steam and hot water are used in several applications across industries like powering turbines, chemical processing, and food. This article discusses the main types of steam valves, the materials used for housing and seal, applications, and the selection criteria while purchasing a valve for steam applications

Use of a steam valve

Steam is the gaseous state of water. Steam is an excellent working medium in thermodynamic systems and can convey heat across thermal applications after fulfilling its duty as a conducting agent. Read our article on steam hoses to know more about the formation and various types of steam.

Industrial processes typically use steam at lower temperatures and pressures. Hence in a power plant, the steam pipeline requires some form of control to reduce the temperature and pressure of the inlet stream for process application. Steam valves control the pressure level and flow rate of steam and heated water.

Industrial processes use steam at low pressures frequently. Steam has a higher latent heat at lower pressure, increasing energy efficiency. Since the temperature and pressure of steam are mutually related, the temperature is also controlled by controlling steam pressure.

Materials used in a steam valve

The materials used in the housing and seal of a valve should be compatible with the media flowing through the valve; else, the valve material degrades over time. Metallic materials like cast iron, alloy steel, bronze, copper, steel, stainless steel, and brass are used for the steam valve body and the internal components like the ball and disc. Rubber-based materials like EPDM, NBR, and FKM and plastic-based materials like PTFE and PA are used for the gasket, packing, and seal of the steam valve.

Types of valves used for steam and hot water

The operating temperature and pressure play a significant role in selecting valve parts from the application. Steam valves are actuated manually or automated and depend on one of the following mechanisms:

Manual devices are operated through a hand-operated crank or wheel.

Electric devices operate under electric actuators like solenoids.

A pneumatic valve is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder that opens and closes the valve.

The various valve types can have either linear or rotary spindle movement. Rotary type valves are also called quarter-turn valves, and these valves require a rotary motion to open and close. Linear-type valves have a sliding-stem design that pushes an element to open or closed positions. Also, a steam valve can either be a two-port or three-port valve. Two-port valves restrict steam flow through them, whereas three-port valves can add or redirect the steam passing through them.

Steam ball valves

A ball valve is a quarter-turn operated valve designed to be 100% opened or 100% closed and used to isolate steam in a pipe completely. Steam ball valves are typically controlled with an electric actuator. These valves can be damaged if they are partially opened to control the flow rate; hence, they are better for ON/OFF control and cannot be used to create a pressure drop in steam.

Electric ball valves are slow. This can be a disadvantage, but the slow opening and closing speed reduce the risk of water hammer. A water hammer occurs when a fluid or gas has a quick stop or change in direction. This can damage the valve and other components in the circuit.

Ball valves can handle dusty dry fluids and slurries but cannot be used with abrasive fibrous materials that pose a risk of damage to the surface of these valves.

Leading global manufacturer of steam products, from steam traps and control valves

ball valves for applications where ball valves will be used for isolation of steam. These two high quality brands come with a wide range of seat materials and accessories making them the perfect choice for steam based applications. 

High temperatures seats and seals, extended stem arrangements and V Notch in 30, 60 or 90 degree make them our number 1 for steam requirements. 

Available in stainless steel or carbon steel as flanged or screwed valves, these global brands of process ball valves are used wherever possible. 

710061 S/S 3 Piece Ball Valve for Steam with S/W Ends

Overview: Stainless Steel 3 piece full bore ball valve for use on Steam service. With Socket Weld end connections.

Valpres Stainless Steel 3 piece ISO full bore Steam ball valve. With a Stainless Steel ball and stem, Carbon Graphite reinforced P.T.F.E. seats and Carbon Graphite reinforced P.T.F.E. / FKM seals. Figure number 710061 with Socket Weld end connections.

Igenix® Clean Steam Ball Valves

CS Cast Series 9/Forged Series 8, 1/4” – 6”

IMI PBM’s 2-Way Clean Steam Ball valves are designed for temperature swing and clean steam applications. Our unique Adjust-O-Seal® feature allows in-line valve adjustment to compensate for normal wear on valve seats.

Unique Adjust-O-Seal® feature allows in-line valve adjustment to compensate for normal wear on valve seats.

CS SERIES CLEAN STEAM VALVES HAVE O-RINGS.

Valves are a three-piece “swing-out” body design.

Upstream and downstream bubble-tight sealing capability allows valve body cleaning, purging, and draining.

Stem assembly accommodates IMI PBM Direct Mount Actuation for accurate alignment and increased cycling life.

Forged and cast valves are low-controlled ferrite.

True-Bore® (valve bore same as connecting tubing) – no puddling (Except 1/4” & 3/8”).

ASME BPE compliant.

USP Class VI elastomers and FDA compliant materials.

Valves are rated to full vacuum.

NAVAL Steam Ball Valves

Naval steam ball valves are designed for on-off service. The valves are specially suitable for steam, condensate, hot oil, gas and other non-corrosive media.

Construction

The valve has an all-welded body and is fitted with special polymer seats which are long-lasting against frequent operation, impurities and chemicals. A ground and polished stainless steel ball gives easy turning and reliable operation over many years. A floating ball construction is used. Bevel spring washers keep the seats pressed against the ball to ensure that the valve remains tight regardless of pressure fluctuations. The blow-out proof stem is equipped with graphite box sealing.

Naval ball valves are manufactured in accordance with European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EY.

Characteristics

The valve needs no servicing - no adjustment or lubrication - and is easy to install, giving a long life time with low running costs. It is easy to insulate because of the long, circular stem housing. The operating lever is detachable and can be repositioned at 180º. Heavy and unreliable cast components are not used in the construction of the valve body. It is easy to retrofit actuating equipment. Leak tightness is acc. to ISO 5208, rate A.

Kugelhahn Dampf Dampfkugelhahn Druck- und Temperaturdiagramm - NAVAL

Steam Ball Valve versions

Welding end/ Welding End

Inner thread / Inner thread

Flange / Flange

Welding end / Flange

THREADED END STEAM BALL VALVE [SERIES 120]

Steam rated threaded ball valve in stainless steel body available in sizes 1/4" - 2". ISO mounting pad, 250PSI WSP; 2000PSI working pressure and a temperature range up to 500°F. 316 stainless steel stem and ball as a standard.

Valtorc's series 120 ball valve is available in threaded end connections and is ideal for any steam service environment.  With 250PSI WSP and up to 2000PSI working pressure, this valve is ideal for any intensive steam applications or media.  High grade stainless steel material and API testing standards.  ISO mounting pad for direct mount actuation.   Available in sizes:  1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 2".

STEAM RATED INDUSTRY BALL VALVE

1/4" - 2" (inches)  sizes available

Steam rating:250 PSI WSP

Blow-out-proof stem design

ISO 5211 Mounting Pad

Body: ASTM A351 Gr.CF8M

Ball: SS316

Stem: SS316

Seals: CGT (CARBON and GRAPHITE Reinforced PTFE Seats, seals and Packings)

End Connections: Threaded End Ball Valves

Working Pressure: 1/4"-1" 2000 PSI

Temperature Range: -50° to 500°F

Padlocking device

TEST STANDARD:API598

Vacuum Service to 29" Hg

Threaded Type: ANSI B 1.20.1 (NPT), DIN 259/DIN 2999, ISO 228, BSP,PT

Steam Valves & Pneumatics

A steam valve is a mechanical device used to control the flow of steam in a piping system.  It is typically installed in a steam line to regulate the amount of steam flowing through it.  Steam valves can be used for a variety of purposes, including starting or stopping the steam flow, adjusting the flow rate, and controlling the pressure and temperature of the steam.

There are many types of steam valves, including globe, gate, ball, and butterfly valves.  Each type of valve has its own unique design and operating characteristics and is suited for different applications and steam flow requirements.

Steam valves are an important component of many industrial processes that use steam as a heating or power source.  They are used in a variety of industries, including power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas production, and food and beverage processing, among others.  Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of steam valves is critical to ensure safe and efficient operation of the steam system.

Steam valves can be controlled using a variety of methods, depending on the specific application and system requirements.  Here are some common ways to control steam valves:

Manual control: In this method, the valve is operated by a person who turns a handwheel or lever to open or close the valve. This is typically used in smaller systems where the flow rate and pressure are relatively low and there is not a high demand for precise control.

Pneumatic control: Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to open and close the valve. A control signal from a control system, such as a PLC, sends a signal to a valve positioner which then adjusts the air pressure to the actuator.  This method is commonly used in industrial applications requiring fast response times and precise control.

Electric control: Electric actuators use an electric motor to turn the valve stem and control the flow of steam. They can be controlled by a variety of signals, such as analog signals or digital signals from a control system.  Electric actuators are commonly used in process control systems where precise control is needed and where pneumatic systems are not feasible.

Hydraulic control: Hydraulic actuators use hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. A control signal from a control system adjusts the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to open or close the valve.  This method is commonly used in large valves or high-pressure applications.

Here is a brief description of Air Filter Regulators, I/P Transducers and Valve Positioners and how they work in a steam valve application.

Air Filter Regulators play an important role in ensuring that actuators operate correctly. Air filter regulators regulate the air pressure that is used to operate pneumatic actuators. These units also offer protection from contamination by use of an integrated filter.

Air filter regulators work by reducing the pressure of compressed air from a higher supply pressure to a lower regulated pressure that is required for the pneumatic actuator to operate. The regulator typically consists of a diaphragm, a spring, and a valve that is controlled by the diaphragm. The regulator senses the pressure upstream of the valve and adjusts the valve position to maintain a consistent downstream pressure.

In steam valve applications, air filter regulators are used to ensure that the pneumatic actuators that control the steam valves operate at a consistent pressure, regardless of changes in the upstream air pressure. This allows for precise control of the steam flow rate or pressure, and ensures that the valve operates reliably and safely.

I/P (current-to-pressure) Transducers used in steam valve applications convert an electrical control signal from a controller into a pneumatic signal that can be used to control a pneumatic actuator.

Our Type 500-AC is one of the most common I/P transducers for the pneumatic control of your steam valve.  The I/P transducer receives an electrical signal from the controller, which is typically a 4-20 mA current signal and modulates the pressure between 3 to 15 psi . The transducer converts this signal into a proportional pneumatic pressure signal, which is used to control the pneumatic actuator. As always, we recommend you protect these transducers with an air filter regulator.

In steam valve applications, the I/P transducer controls the position of a pneumatic actuator, which in turn controls the position of the steam valve. The position of the steam valve regulates the flow of steam through the system, allowing for precise control of steam flow rate or pressure.

I/P transducers are commonly used in steam valve applications because they offer a number of benefits, including fast and accurate response times, precise control of pressure or flow, and compatibility with a wide range of electrical control signals. They are also reliable and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice in industrial processes such as power generation, chemical processing, and manufacturing.

Valve Positioners like Type 2000 are devices used in steam valve control systems to precisely control the position of a valve’s stem, which in turn controls the flow of steam through the valve. Valve positioners are used to ensure that the valve opens and closes at the desired times, and to maintain a precise flow rate through the valve.

The basic operation of a valve positioner involves comparing the actual position of the valve with the desired position, and then adjusting the valve’s position as necessary to achieve the desired position. The valve positioner typically receives input from a controller that provides a setpoint for the valve position, based on the desired steam flow rate. The valve positioner then measures the actual position of the valve, usually using a feedback sensor such as a potentiometer, and compares it to the setpoint.

If the actual position of the valve is not the same as the setpoint, the valve positioner will send a signal to the actuator that controls the valve’s position, telling it to adjust the valve’s position accordingly. This feedback loop continues until the actual position of the valve matches the setpoint.

Overall, the method used to control a steam valve will depend on the system’s specific requirements, including the valve’s size, the pressure and temperature of the steam, and the need for precise control.

If you have any questions regarding your next application, don’t hesitate to contact our technical support team.

TLV makes steam work for you

TLV delivers products and services to keep your steam system in optimum condition, overcoming challenges together with customers for safe and reliable operation, energy saving and productivity improvements

TLV goes beyond simple steam trap inspection to diagnose the steam system and deliver advice that generates value for our customers.

Ball valves suitable for steam lines.

All stainless steel for excellent resistance to rust, and the carbon-Teflon valve seat provides superior durability and resistance to pressure.