Valves are used to handle a wide variety of functions in controlling the flow of liquids and gases. With so many options available, it’s important to look at all of the factors to ensure you are selecting the correct valve for your application.

1. Media Type

The characteristics of the liquid or gas type being controlled will determine the valve material that should be used. When monitoring harsh or corrosive materials, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) are great choices, as they are able to withstand these conditions. When monitoring pressurized gases, it’s important to use metal valves for the highest level of safety.

2. Application Conditions

The selection of the correct valve sizing is the most important step in selecting the right valve for your application. An improperly sized valve can cause operation issues within the valve or elsewhere in the system. In addition to this, determine the temperature, pressure, and flow rate that your valve will be operating under. In most cases, metal valves can withstand higher temperatures and pressures than plastic ones.

3. Valve Function

Determine the need that your valve needs to fill. 2-way valves perform well for on/off control in a system, while 3-way valves can be used for on/off control, as well as for diverting or mixing media. Also, take note of whether your valve will be open or closed the most often. In order to extend the life expectancy, order a valve that is normally in that orientation and changes to the other direction when energized.

4. Actuation Method

Another consideration to be made is how the valve is to be operated. Identify if the valve will be manually hand-operated or if the valve will need to be actuated to turn off and on automatically. If the latter is chosen, decide whether the unit is going to be used with an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator.

5. Maintenance Requirements

If maintenance needs to be done regularly, ball valves are a great option as they resist clogging and are one of the simplest valve types to service. Ball valves are also available in 3-piece configurations, which consist of two end caps and a body. This allows the main body section to be easily removed for cleaning without disconnecting the end caps from the pipe, preventing the line from being shut down during maintenance.

The W.E. Anderson™ division of Dwyer Instruments, Inc. produces a broad line of competitively priced valves and valve control products, including: globe, butterfly, ball, manifold, actuators, and solenoid valves. Each valve type has a variety of options to meet specific application needs. Valve position indicators, valve positioners, and electric or manual pneumatic actuators are also available for a complete valve package. To learn more about Dwyer’s valve product line, please visit our website.

5 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Petrol Pressure Washer

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Pressure washers have become indispensable power tools for both professional and home users. Used for everything from graffiti removal to boat cleaning, these power tools infuse water with high pressure and turn them into a potent cleaning force. The water jet produced by a pressure washer varies on the type of nozzle used. Some water jets are ideal for removing dirt and grime while others are powerful enough to strip paint off a surface. Pressure washers are powerful machines, which is why it’s important to choose one that is adequate for your needs and skill level.

Before choosing a pressure washer, you have to consider your requirements. What will you do with your pressure washer once you have it? Will you be washing vehicles and boats? Or would you be cleaning your home’s façade and driveway? You have to be absolutely sure about the pressure washer’s purpose since you need to get one that has the correct nozzles and attachments. You also don’t want to get a washer that’s too weak or too powerful for the job. Once you have determined what works and what doesn’t, you can then choose a pressure washer.

There are three major considerations when it comes to petrol pressure washers. There are also three minor features that people tend to gloss over but matters a lot if you are going to use a pressure washer for professional work.

HORSEPOWER

For petrol pressure washers, your main considerations should be the horsepower (HP) rating of the engine. The engine is responsible for the volume and pressure capacity of the machine. Some cheap pressure washers advertise higher pressure without increasing the HP rating. The pressure rating should be commensurate with the HP.

Check pressure washers for their HP, PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). Domestic pressure washers should go for a 5HP for typical washing work, but if it’s for washing vehicles then a lesser powered pressure washer would do fine.

Professional users should go for a pressure washer with at least 6.5HP, depending on the type of work required. Some people, however, prefer commercial-grade 13HP pressure washers but its use is limited to workshops and manufacturing plants.

VOLUME

The volume produced by a pressure washer can be measured in GPM or gallons per minute. This unit determines how much water the machine can discharge per minute. Along with the PSI rating, the GPM is the most effective barometers of the petrol pressure washer’s effectivity.

PRESSURE

Pressure is measured in PSI or pounds per square inch. Many people assume that PSI is the most important factor when choosing a pressure washer, but in fact, it’s the least important of the three units. However, PSI is still an important measurement of the pressure washer’s performance.

One of the best ways to measure the petrol pressure washer’s cleaning power is to multiply the PSI with the GPM. Those two measurements together is a reflection of the pressure washer’s effectivity. Couple it with the HP and you can get an idea of how much power a machine possesses.

Pump

Most cheap, low-quality pressure washers source their pumps from local factories or Chinese imports. When choosing a pressure washer, ask if the pump is built by the manufacturer or outsourced to a third-party supplier. Your best bet, however, is to choose a pressure washer from a good brand.

You might think you’re saving by getting a cheap pressure washer but you’ll be assured of a better performance, longer service life and easy access to spare parts with a more expensive model. Don’t forget to check the pump’s components as well. Some of the telltale signs that it’s a high-quality pump are brass heads, ceramic plungers and thermal relief valves.

Vertical or Horizontal Shaft

The direction of the engine shaft is a little-known but nonetheless important consideration. Vertical shafts tend to be more affordable and have a shorter service life. Meanwhile, horizontal shafts are pricier but are more reliable. If you want the pressure washer to last you for a long time then choose one with a horizontal shaft.