Repeatability Repeatability is perhaps the most important performance criterion of a process-control valve. This is especially true in applications in which precise flow or pressure control is needed for optimum performance of the process system. New process-control valves generally provide the repeatability required. How- ever, proper maintenance and periodic calibration of the valves and their actu- ators are required to ensure long-term performance. This is especially true for valves that use mechanical linkages as part of the actuator assembly. Installation Process-control valves cannot tolerate solids, especially abrasives, in the gas or liquid stream. In applications in which high concentrations of particulates are present, valves tend to experience chronic leakage or seal problems because the Figure 13.8 High-torque electric motors can be used as actuators. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 274 274 Maintenance Fundamentals particulate matter prevents the ball, disk, or gate from completely closing against the stationary surface. Simply installing a valve with the same inlet and discharge size as the piping used in the process is not acceptable. In most cases, the valve must be larger than the piping to compensate for flow restrictions within the valve. Operating Methods Operating methods for control valves, which are designed to control or direct gas and liquid flow through process systems or fluid-power circuits, range from manual to remote, automatic operation. The key parameters that govern the operation of valves are the speed of the control movement and the impact of speed on the system. This is especially important in process systems. Hydraulic hammer, or the shock wave generated by the rapid change in the flow rate of liquids within a pipe or vessel, has a serious and negative impact on all components of the process system. For example, instantaneously closing a large flow-control valve may generate in excess of 3 million foot-pounds of force on the entire system upstream of the valve. This shock wave can cause catastrophic failure of upstream valves, pumps, welds, and other system components. Changes in flow rate, pressure, direction, and other controllable variables must be gradual enough to permit a smooth transition. Abrupt changes in valve position should be avoided. Neither the valve installation nor the control mech- anism should permit complete shut off, referred to as deadheading, of any circuit in a process system. Restricted flow forces system components, such as pumps, to operate outside of their performance envelope. This reduces equipment reliability and sets the stage for catastrophic failure or abnormal system performance. In applications in which radical changes in flow are required for normal system operation, control valves should be configured to provide an adequate bypass for surplus flow to protect the system. For example, systems that must have close control of flow should use two propor- tioning valves that act in tandem to maintain a balanced hydraulic or aerodynamic system. The primary or master valve should control flow to the downstream process. The second valve, slaved to the master, should divert excess flow to a bypass loop. This master-slave approach ensures that the pumps and other up- stream system components are permitted to operate well within their operating envelopes. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 275 Control Valves 275 FLUID POWER Fluid power control valves are used on pneumatic and hydraulic systems or circuits. Configuration The configuration of fluid power control valves varies with their intended appli- cation. The more common configurations include one-way, two-way, three-way, and four-way. One-Way One-way valves are typically used for flow and pressure control in fluid-power circuits (Figure 13.9). Flow-control valves regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid or gases in these systems. Pressure-control valves, in the form of regulators or relief valves, control the amount of pressure transmitted downstream from the valve. In most cases, the types of valves used for flow control are smaller versions of the types of valves used in process control. These include ball, gate, globe, and butterfly valves. Pressure-control valves have a third port to vent excess pressure and prevent it from affecting the downstream piping. The bypass or exhaust port has an internal flow-control device, such as a diaphragm or piston, that opens at predetermined setpoints to permit the excess pressure to bypass the valve’s primary discharge. In pneumatic circuits, the bypass port vents to the Figure 13.9 One-way fluid-power valve. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 276 276 Maintenance Fundamentals atmosphere. In hydraulic circuits, it must be connected to a piping system that returns to the hydraulic reservoir. Two-Way A two-way valve has two functional flow-control ports. A two-way, sliding-spool directional control valve is shown in Figure 13.10. As the spool moves back and forth, it either allows fluid to flow through the valve or prevents it from flowing. In the open position, the fluid enters the inlet port, flows around the shaft of the spool, and flows through the outlet port. Because the forces in the cylinder are equal when the valve is open, the spool cannot move back and forth. In the closed position, one of the spool’s pistons simply blocks the inlet port, which prevents flow through the valve. A number of features common to most sliding-spool valves are shown in Figure 13.10. The small ports at either end of the valve housing provide a path for fluid that leaks past the spool to flow to the reservoir. This prevents pressure from building up against the ends of the pistons, which would hinder the movement of the spool. When these valves become worn, they may lose balance because of greater leakage on one side of the spool than on the other. This can cause the spool to stick as it attempts to move back and forth. Therefore, small grooves are machined around the sliding surface of the piston. In hydraulic valves, leaking liquid encircles the piston, keeping the contacting surfaces lubricated and centered. Three-way Three-way valves contain a pressure port, cylinder port, and return or exhaust port (Figure 13.11). The three-way directional control valve is designed to operate an actuating unit in one direction. It is returned to its original position either by a spring or the load on the actuating unit. Four-way Most actuating devices require system pressure to operate in two directions. The four-way directional control valve, which contains four ports, is used to control IN OPEN OUT OUT CLOSED IN Figure 13.10 Two-way, fluid-power valve. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 277 Control Valves 277 the operation of such devices (Figure 13.12). The four-way valve also is used in some systems to control the operation of other valves. It is one of the most widely used directional-control valves in fluid-power systems. The typical four-way directional control valve has four ports: pressure port, return port, and two cylinder or work (output) ports. The pressure port is connected to the main system-pressure line, and the return port is connected to the reservoir return line. The two outputs are connected to the actuating unit. Performance The criteria that determine performance of fluid-power valves are similar to those for process-control valves. As with process-control valves, fluid-power valves also must be selected based on their intended application and function. Installation When installing fluid power control valves, piping connections are made either directly to the valve body or to a manifold attached to the valve’s base. Care Figure 13.11 Three-way, fluid-power valve. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 278 278 Maintenance Fundamentals should be taken to ensure that piping is connected to the proper valve port. The schematic diagram that is affixed to the valve body will indicate the proper piping arrangement as well as the designed operation of the valve. In addition, the ports on most fluid-power valves are generally clearly marked to indicate their intended function. In hydraulic circuits, the return or common ports should be connected to a return line that directly connects the valve to the reservoir tank. This return line should not need a pressure-control device but should have a check valve to prevent reverse flow of the hydraulic fluid. Pneumatic circuits may be vented directly to atmosphere. A return line can be used to reduce noise or any adverse effect that locally vented compressed air might have on the area. Operating Methods The function and proper operation of a fluid-power valve are relatively simple. Most of these valves have a schematic diagram affixed to the body that clearly explains how to operate the valve. Figure 13.12 Four-way, fluid-power valves. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 279 Control Valves 279 Valves Figure 13.13 is a schematic of a two-position, cam-operated valve. The primary actuator, or cam, is positioned on the left of the schematic and any secondary actuators are on the right. In this example, the secondary actuator consists of a spring return and a spring-compensated limit switch. The schematic indicates that when the valve is in the neutral position (right box), flow is directed from the inlet (P) to work port A. When the cam is depressed, the flow momentarily shifts to work port B. The secondary actuator, or spring, automatically returns the valve to its neutral position when the cam returns to its extended position. In these schematics, T indicates the return connection to the reservoir. Figure 13.14 illustrates a typical schematic of a two-position and three-position directional control valve. The boxes contain flow direction arrows that indicate Figure 13.13 Schematic for a cam-operated, two-position valve. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 280 280 Maintenance Fundamentals the flow path in each of the positions. The schematics do not include the actuators used to activate or shift the valves between positions. In a two-position valve, the flow path is always directed to one of the work ports (A or B). In a three-position valve, a third or neutral position is added. In this figure, a type 2 center position is used. In the neutral position, all ports are blocked and no flow through the valve is possible. Figure 13.15 is the schematic for the center or neutral position of three-position directional control valves. Special attention should be given to the type of center position that is used in a hydraulic control valve. When type 2, 3, and 6 (see Figure 13.15) are used, the upstream side of the valve must have a relief or bypass valve installed. Since the pressure port is blocked, the valve cannot relieve pressure on the upstream side of the valve. The type 4 center position, called a motor spool, permits the full pressure and volume on the upstream side of the valve to flow directly to the return line and storage reservoir. This is the recommended center position for most hydraulic circuits. The schematic affixed to the valve includes the primary and secondary actuators used to control the valve. Figure 13.16 provides the schematics for three actuator-controlled valves, as follows: (1) double-solenoid, spring-centered, three-position valve; solenoid-operated, spring-return, two-position valve; double-solenoid, detented, two-position valve. The top schematic represents a double-solenoid, spring-centered, three-position valve. When neither of the two solenoids is energized, the double springs ensure A P 2−Position Valve PTT ABB A P 3−Position Valve PPTTT AABBB Figure 13.14 Schematic of two-position and three-position valves. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 281 Control Valves 281 A P Type 0 Type 3 Type 4 Type 6 Type 1 Type 2 T PT PT PT PT P T B AB AB AB AB A B Figure 13.15 Schematic for center or neutral configurations of three-position valves. A (1) (2) (3) PT PT PTPT PT PPTT BA B ABAB ABAB AB Figure 13.16 Actuator-controlled valve schematics. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 282 282 Maintenance Fundamentals that the valve is in its center or neutral position. In this example, a type 0 (see Figure 13.15) configuration is used. This neutral-position configuration equalizes the pressure through the valve. Since the pressure port is open to both work ports and the return line, pressure is equalized throughout the system. When the left or primary solenoid is energized, the valve shifts to the left-hand position and directs pressure to work port B. In this position, fluid in the A-side of the circuit returns to the reservoir. As soon as the solenoid is de-energized, the valve shifts back to the neutral or center position. When the secondary (i.e., right) solenoid is energized, the valve redirects flow to port A, and port B returns fluid to the reservoir. The middle schematic represents a solenoid-operated, spring-return, two- position valve. Unless the solenoid is energized, the pressure port (P) is connected to work port A. While the solenoid is energized, flow is redirected to work port B. The spring return ensures that the valve is in its neutral (i.e., right) position when the solenoid is de-energized. The bottom schematic represents a double-solenoid, detented, two-position valve. The solenoids are used to shift the valve between its two positions. A secondary device, called a detent, is used to hold the valve in its last position until the alternate solenoid is energized. Detent configuration varies with the valve type and manufacturer. However, all configurations prevent the valve’s control device from moving until a strong force, such as that provided by the solenoid, overcomes its locking force. Actuators As with process-control valves, actuators used to control fluid-power valves have a fundamental influence on performance. The actuators must provide positive, real-time response to control inputs. The primary types of actuators used to control fluid-power valves are mechanical, pilot, and solenoid. Mechanical The use of manually controlled mechanical valves is limited in both pneumatic and hydraulic circuits. Generally, this type of actuator is used only on isolation valves that are activated when the circuit or fluid-power system is shut down for repair or when direct operator input is required to operate one of the system components. Manual control devices (e.g., levers, cams, or palm buttons) can be used as the primary actuator on most fluid-power control valves. Normally, these actuators are used in conjunction with a secondary actuator, such a spring return or detent, to ensure proper operation of the control valve and its circuit. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15.6.2004 5:56pm page 283 Control Valves 283 [...]... (Short Tons/Hour) Lump Size Single Strand (Inches) Lump Size Dual Strand (Inches) 12X6 15X6 18X6 24 X8 30X10 36X 12 0.40 0.49 0 .56 1.16 1.60 2. 40 60 73 84 174 24 0 360 31 .5 41 .5 5.0 4.0 5. 0 6.0 10.0 14.0 16.0 Conveyors 29 1 Table 14 .2 Capacity Correction Factors for Inclined Chain Conveyors Inclination, degrees 20 25 30 35 Factor 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 Ductwork The inside surfaces of the ductwork must be free... standard-pitch helix will handle material on inclines up to 35 degrees Capacity is reduced in inclined applications, and Table 14.3 provides the approximate reduction in capacity for various inclines Conveyors 29 3 Table 14.3 Screw Conveyor Capacity Reductions for Inclined Applications Inclination, degrees 10 15 20 25 30 35 Reduction in capacity, % 10 26 45 58 70 78 Configuration Screw conveyors have a variety... required to meet the specific application With the exception of the primary driver, there are no moving parts that can fail or cause injury However, when they are used to transport explosive materials, there is still some potential for static charge buildup that could cause an explosion 28 7 28 8 Maintenance Fundamentals Configuration A typical pneumatic conveyor system consists of Schedule-40 pipe or ductwork,.. .28 4 Maintenance Fundamentals Spring returns are used in applications in which the valve is designed to stay open or shut only when the operator holds the manual actuator in a particular position When the operator releases the manual control, the spring returns the valve to the neutral position... type of conveyor is prone to chronic failures The predominant failures are frequent breakage of the shear device and trips of the motor’s circuit breaker caused by excessive startup amp loads 29 2 Maintenance Fundamentals Operating Methods Most mechanical conveyors are designed for continuous operation and may exhibit problems in intermittent-service applications The primary problem is the startup torque... operated until all material within the conveyor’s piping is transported to its final destination Material that is allowed to settle will compact and partially block the piping Over time, this will cause a total blockage of the conveyor system 29 0 Maintenance Fundamentals MECHANICAL A variety of mechanical conveyor systems are used in chemical plants These systems generally are composed of chain- or screw-type... lines should be configured to match as closely as possible the primary flow direction and avoid 90-degree angles to the main line The area of the main conveyor line at any point along its run should be 20 25 % greater than the sum of all its branch lines When vertical runs are short in proportion to the horizontal runs, the size of the riser can be restricted to provide the additional velocity if needed... envelope, partial or complete blockage of the conveyor system will occur Constant velocity can be maintained only when the system is operated within its performance envelope and when regular clean-out is part of the normal operating practice In addition, the primary driver must be in good operating condition Any deviation in the primary driver’s efficiency reduces the velocity and can result in partial... result of excessive amp load; or (2) the shear pin installed to protect the conveyor will fail Either of these failures adversely affects production Screw The screw, or spiral, conveyor is widely used for pulverized or granular, noncorrosive, non-abrasive materials in systems requiring moderate capacities, distances not more than about 20 0 feet, and moderate inclines (# 35 degrees) It usually costs substantially... Actuated Manually Actuated The Causes in in Opens/Closes Too Slow Opens/Closes Too Fast Excessive Pressure Drop Leakage Around Stem Leakage Through Valve Valve Fails to Close Valve Fails to Open 28 6 Maintenance Fundamentals Table 13.1 Common Failure Modes of Control Valves The Problem 14 CONVEYORS Conveyors are used to transport materials from one location to another within a plant or facility The variety . Strand (Inches) 12X6 0.40 60 31 .5 4.0 15X6 0.49 73 41 .5 5.0 18X6 0 .56 84 5. 0 6.0 24 X8 1.16 174 10.0 30X10 1.60 24 0 14.0 36X 12 2.40 360 16.0 Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15. 6 .20 04 5: 58pm. Applications Inclination, degrees 10 15 20 25 30 35 Reduction in capacity, % 10 26 45 58 70 78 Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15. 6 .20 04 5: 58pm page 29 3 Conveyors 29 3 . valves. A (1) (2) (3) PT PT PTPT PT PPTT BA B ABAB ABAB AB Figure 13.16 Actuator-controlled valve schematics. Keith Mobley /Maintenance Fundamentals Final Proof 15. 6 .20 04 5: 56pm page 28 2 28 2 Maintenance Fundamentals that