Flange Globe Valve Application and Trouble Shooting

Flange globe valves are globe valves designed with flanges. The flanges connect the valve to the pipe using bolts and nuts. These valves are robust and mainly used for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. The valve operates by using a manual actuator, or they are operated using an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator. As such, they can be semi-automated or fully automated. The valve operation depends on the rotation of the handwheel or actuator, which then rotates the valve stem. Turning the valve stem makes the valve disc move up or down to open or close fluid flow. These valves are suitable for use in throttling applications. For throttling flow, the operator turns the handwheel slightly, forcing the disc upwards, and thus some amount of fluid flows.

Flange globe valve manufacturers have made various types of this valve, including standard valves, Y-pattern valves, angle pattern valves, electrically operated valves, and pneumatically operated valves. The valve can be used in various applications such as HVAC systems, oil, gas, steam power plants, chemical processing, boiler systems, and water supply. The advantages of having a flange globe valve are suitable for throttling, versatile in size and application, easy to clean and repair, fast operation and reliable closure.

Applications of flange globe valve

These valves are used in various applications in different industries, among them:

• Water cooling systems and water supply.
• Chemical processing.
• Oil refinery.
• Boiler drains and vents.
• Steam power plants.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
• Food and beverages industries.

Advantages of flange globe valves 

• These valves are suitable for both shutoff and throttling applications.
• They are of high strength and suitable for high-pressure and hot fluids.
• These valves are highly versatile and ideal for various industries and applications.
• Flange globe valves are versatile in size as they are made to accommodate varieties of flow rates.
• They are of simple design, making them easy to repair and maintain.
• They are easy to clean and install.
• Flange globe valves operate faster compared to gate valves.
• They have excellent shutoff features rendering them leakage free.
• They can be manual or automated.

Disadvantages of flange globe valves 

• These valves have high-pressure drops that may cause flow inconveniences.
• A lot of torque is needed to close/open the valve disc.
• They produce high noise levels compared to other valves.
• They are prone to pulsation and shocks that may damage pipes under high pressure.

Troubleshooting flange globe valves 

Valve disc damaged by corrosion 

• Valve disc material incompatible with the fluid. Select a valve whose disc material will be resistant to corrosion.
• Valve disc exposed to corrosive testing fluids. Consult the valve experts or flange globe manufacturer on which globe valve is compatible with the liquid you want to transport.

Fluid leakage via the valve body-pipe joint

• Worn out the gasket on the flange. Replace the gasket.
• Loose bolts. Tighten the bolts and nuts.
• High fluid pressure. Reduce fluid pressure or use a higher-rated flange globe valve.

Leakage through the valve packing 

• Improperly installed packing. Check the packing glands and adjust them to fit correctly.
• Worn out gland packing. Replace packing.
• Rough stem surface. Replace or repair the stem.

Broken or bent stem head 

• The valve has been operated improperly. Operate the valve properly as recommended by the flange globe valve manufacturer.
• Valve has been used for an extended period. Replace the valve stem.
• Materials clogged between the stem threads. Open the valve bonnet and remove any foreign materials.

The valve is hard to operate 

• Solid particles are stuck in the valve. Open the valve and remove solid materials causing blockage.
• Misaligned gland flange. Align gland flange properly.

The valve does not close/open fully 

• Foreign materials in the valve. Check the valve seat and clear any foreign materials.
• Worn out valve seat. Replace the valve seat.
• Worn out disc. Replace valve disc.

Leakage through the valve seat and disc 

• Debris and dirt on the seating surface. Disassemble the valve and clean off dirt and debris.
• Worn out disc. Replace the valve disc.
• Worn out seats. Replace the seats.