A poorly defined valve specification can create problems long before a valve reaches the plant.
For engineering companies, EPC contractors and procurement teams, a clear technical specification helps ensure suppliers quote equipment that actually meets the application’s requirements.
What Should a Knife Gate Valve Specification Include?
At minimum, a specification should identify:
Valve type
For example, wafer, lug, bidirectional slurry valve or another configuration.
Nominal diameter
Specify the required DN or NPS.
Pressure rating
State the design and operating pressure.
Media
Describe exactly what will pass through the valve.
Temperature
Include normal and maximum operating temperature.
Solids concentration
This is particularly important for mining and wastewater applications.
Material requirements
Specify body, gate, seat, sleeve and packing requirements where necessary.
Actuation
Identify whether the valve should be manual, pneumatic, electric or another configuration.
Fail position
For automated valves, specify whether the valve must fail open, fail closed or remain in position.
Don’t Forget the Environment
For African installations, the surrounding environment can be just as important as the process media.
Consider:
- Outdoor installation
- UV exposure
- Ambient temperature
- Dust
- Corrosive atmosphere
- Site altitude
- Availability of compressed air
- Electrical supply
Ask Suppliers for More Than a Price
A technical quotation should ideally include:
- Valve model
- Materials
- Pressure rating
- Actuator specification
- Datasheet
- Relevant certifications
- Dimensions
- Delivery information
- Recommended spares
Better Specifications Produce Better Procurement
The more clearly the application is defined, the easier it becomes to compare suppliers on a technical “like-for-like” basis.
CMO Africa supports engineering and procurement teams with valve sizing and selection for African industrial applications.