Industrial Valve Selection Checklist: 15 Questions Engineers Should Ask
Selecting an industrial valve should start with the application, not the valve catalogue.
A valve that works perfectly in one pipeline may be unsuitable for another.
The best approach is to collect the important operating information first.
This industrial valve selection checklist provides 15 questions engineers and procurement teams can use when specifying an industrial valve.
1. What Is the Media?
Start with the material flowing through the valve.
Is it:
- Water?
- Slurry?
- Wastewater?
- Chemicals?
- Sludge?
- Air?
- Gas?
- Mineral concentrate?
The media affects material selection and valve design.
2. Are Solids Present?
If solids are present, identify:
- Concentration
- Particle size
- Particle hardness
- Shape
This information is especially important for mining slurry applications.
3. What Is the Operating Pressure?
Provide the normal operating pressure.
Also provide the maximum and design pressure where available.
4. What Is the Temperature?
Temperature affects materials, seals and other components.
Provide:
- Normal temperature
- Maximum temperature
- Minimum temperature where relevant
5. What Is the Pipeline Size?
Provide DN or NPS.
Also provide relevant connection information.
6. What Is the Flow Condition?
Consider:
- Flow rate
- Flow velocity
- Flow direction
- Normal operating position
This information can influence valve selection.
7. Is the Media Abrasive?
Mining slurry can be highly abrasive.
If possible, provide information about the solids and their characteristics.
8. Is the Media Corrosive?
Chemical compatibility matters.
Provide the chemical composition where available.
9. How Often Will the Valve Operate?
A valve that remains open most of the time has different requirements from one that cycles repeatedly.
State the expected operating frequency.
10. What Type of Actuation Is Required?
Options may include:
- Manual
- Pneumatic
- Electric
- Hydraulic
The choice depends on plant requirements and automation.
11. Where Will the Valve Be Installed?
Consider:
- Indoor
- Outdoor
- Underground
- Elevated
- Remote
- Confined
The environment affects access and equipment selection.
12. What Connection Is Required?
Provide the required flange or connection specification.
Do not assume that nominal pipe size is enough.
13. What Maintenance Access Is Available?
Consider how technicians will:
- Inspect the valve
- Operate it
- Remove components
- Replace parts
- Access the actuator
14. What Spare Parts Are Required?
Critical valves may require dedicated spare components.
Consider this before procurement.
15. What Happens If the Valve Fails?
This final question is often overlooked.
What would happen if the valve could not operate?
Would it:
- Stop production?
- Create a safety issue?
- Cause environmental problems?
- Affect another process?
- Require emergency shutdown?
The answer helps determine valve criticality.
Valve Selection Information Sheet
Before requesting a quotation, collect:
| Parameter | Required information |
|---|---|
| Valve size | DN/NPS |
| Media | Type |
| Solids | Concentration/characteristics |
| Pressure | Operating/design |
| Temperature | Operating/max |
| Flow | Rate/direction |
| Actuation | Manual/automatic |
| Connection | Standard |
| Environment | Indoor/outdoor |
| Application | Process duty |
Why Complete Information Matters
A valve supplier can make a much better recommendation when the application information is complete.
Instead of saying:
“I need a DN300 knife gate valve.”
Provide:
“I need a DN300 valve for abrasive slurry, operating at X bar and X°C, with pneumatic actuation and the specified flange connection.”
The second request provides significantly more useful engineering information.
Final Thoughts
The correct industrial valve is selected by matching the valve to the application.
This industrial valve selection checklist can help engineering and procurement teams collect the information needed before requesting a quotation.
Need Help Selecting a Valve?
Send CMO Africa your application details.
The technical team can help determine the appropriate valve solution for mining, water, wastewater and industrial applications.
FAQ
What information is needed to select an industrial valve?
Important information includes media, valve size, pressure, temperature, solids, flow conditions, connection requirements, actuation, installation environment and maintenance requirements.
How do I select a knife gate valve?
Start by defining the media, solids, pressure, temperature, size, flow conditions and operating requirements. Then match those requirements with a suitable valve design.