Details of the features and benefits of the Val-Matic ‘Cam-Centric’ Plug Valves are as follows:

Shaft Seal System

Val-Matic have improved the traditional design of shaft sealing systems, offering protection from over tightening of the follower, improved sealing, increased longevity and ease of maintenance:

• The unique ‘Grit Guard shaft seals’ in both upper and lower journals prevent the ingress of particles or grit from the media reaching into the shaft assembly. This is in most cases considered the main cause of wear and the Grit Guards have been proven to extend bearing and packing life.
• ‘Grit Guards’ and ‘Vee-Type Packing’ are available in Buna-N and EPDM to suit different media and higher temperatures ensuring compatibility and increased life.
• ‘POP’ (Packing Overload Protection) Shims prevent over compression of the Vee-Type Packing by field personnel and offer easy adjustment of the pressure sensitive packing material.
• Minimal maintenance of shaft seal can be achieved, if necessary, without removal of the actuator including removal/replacement of the ‘Vee-Type Packing’ and ‘POP’ Shims.

Bearing Package

The bearing package of the Val-Matic ‘Cam-Centric’ Plug Valve is of the highest quality and is protected for increased longevity:

• Both upper and lower journals have heavy duty, permanently self-lubricated, T316 Stainless Steel Radial Bearings.
• Exclusive Thrust Bearings of Stainless Steel in the lower journal and Teflon in the upper journal offer an extended life and long-term consistent performance.
• The ‘Grit Guard shaft seals’ detailed above also protect the bearing package from the ingress of grit and related wear.

Specialised Seating System

The meeting surfaces of the resilient plug and valve body have been meticulously designed to ensure consistent tight sealing over the expected life of the valve.

• The resilient faced plug has been formulated by Val-Matic in conjunction with leading industry rubber experts to assure a consistently tight seal.
• The resilient plug is fully encapsulated across the entire range removing possible weak points of the bonding to the Cast Iron plug.
• Plug materials are available in Buna-N and EPDM to suit different media and higher temperatures up to 120°C ensuring application compatibility and increased life.
• The valve body mating surface is a robotically welded overlay of 99% pure nickel applied directly to the machined surface of the valve body. The repeatable high quality weld and smooth finish from a secondary machining process assures a consistently tight seal with the resilient plug.

Surface Finishing and Fastenings

Appropriate surface protection and material selection will ensure the main valve construction is sufficiently durable to meet the expected working life of the valve.

• Corrosion resistant fastenings are as standard in the UK 316 Stainless Steel ensuring the valves remain serviceable even after an extended period in the field.
• The valve body, cover and plug are constructed of ASTM A126 Class B Cast Iron for working pressures up to 175psig (12 Bar).
• The valve body and cover are as standard in the UK coated internally and externally with a high quality, abrasion and corrosion resistant, durable, non-stick, WRAS & NSF/ANSI 61 approved Fusion Bonded Epoxy at a minimum of 250-300μm thick minimising the build-up of material within the valve for an extended life.
• Optional paint specifications include NSF/ANSI 61 approved 2 part epoxy coating internally and externally or a universal alkyd primer for non-standard specified paint specifications appropriate for particular environments or colour coding.

Manufacture and Service

Other features, services and support available that offer benefits to the selection of the Val-Matic ‘Cam-Centric’ Plug Valve help to improve the working life of the Plug Valve and facilitate the selection.

• The words “SEAT END” are cast into the exterior of the valve body ensuring correct valve orientation for optimum system performance and minimum maintenance.
• Plug Valves supplied as standard in the UK are Flanged PN16 BS4504 and from 4” to 20” are dimensionally identical face to face with manufacturers of comparable valves.
• The standard design has been independently performance leak tested to 10,000 cycles with the “SEAT END” orientated upwards using an electric actuator at 175 psi. Following testing the valves were hydrostatically tested in both Direct and Reverse directions at 175 psig and was found to remain drop tight. Visual and measured analysis revealed no discernible wear to the packing, shaft or bearings and no adjustments were necessary.

MGA Controls Ltd offer a service of accurately sizing valves and actuator packages to help in system design, performance optimisation and minimising capital and whole life costs.

To understand more about the specific features and benefits of Val-Matic Plug Valves or to read Val-Matic Plug Valves  datasheets, please click on the relevant links. To speak to our technical team about specifying Val-Matic Plug Valves into your application or to enquire about prices and stock availability, please click here.

MGA now hold an extensive range of Plug Valves in stock, ranging from 2″ to 24″ in various materials. Please click here to learn more about are Plug Valves in stock.

The Valmatic Swing-Flex & Surgebuster Check Valves are supplied in the UK as a standard with PN16 BS4504 flanges, BS5153 Short Pattern Face-to-Face up to 12”, Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating Internally and Externally, (in the case of the Surgebuster) a 302 Stainless Steel Disc Accelerator (other disc materials, paint specifications and rubber lining are available on request).

Disc Design

• The Steel and Nylon reinforced, fully encapsulated, one piece precision molded Memory-Flex™ disc, supplied in Buna-N as standard, creates a tough and durable disc suitable for wastewater, sludge and slurry applications.
• The Memory-Flex™ disc with integral O-ring provides positive, drop tight shut off at both high and low working pressures providing consistent leak-tight performance.
• The Memory-FlexTM Disc has been independently tested to 1,000,000 cycles with no discernible wear and the seat remained drop-tight when tested at low and high hydrostatic pressures. This provides the end user with the reassurance of an almost maintenance free continued performance over the expected life of the valve.
• The flexible portion of the disc is the only moving part in the ‘Swing-Flex’ and is covered by an unprecedented 25 year warranty providing peace of mind and extended maintenance free life.
• Optional disc materials are available including EPDM to suit different media and higher temperatures ensuring application compatibility and increased life.
• The contouring of the body is designed to ease flow towards the disc when in the fully open position providing disc stabilisation and extended disc life.

Anti-Clog

• Originally designed over 25 years ago to be specifically clog free in a vertical application with an unobstructed, smooth streamlined and contoured body and cover providing virtually maintenance free performance.
• The unrestricted 100% flow area and simplistic design without mechanical devices has minimal head-loss and is ideal for slurries and sludge applications allowing the passage of large solids and minimising the potential for clogging.
• The ‘Swing-Flex’ Check Valve with only 1 moving part and the ‘Surgebuster’ Check Valve with only 2 moving parts have no snagging points so there is no need for back-flushing or regular maintenance.

Non-Slam Performance

• The valve seat is angled at 45° minimising disc travel to 35° and in conjunction with the unique Memory-Flex™ action of the disc offers exceptional speed of valve closure. The rapid closure reduces the build-up of reverse velocities providing silent closure and reduced surge pressures.
• The Memory-Flex™ action in conjunction with the Disc Accelerator™ ensures the ‘Surgebuster’ Check Valve closes even faster than the ‘Swing-Flex’ and offers much reduced reverse velocities for even high head and high velocity applications.

Surface Finishing and Fastenings

• The valve body and cover are as standard in the UK coated internally and externally with a high quality, abrasion and corrosion resistant, durable, non-stick, WRAS & NSF/ANSI 61 approved Fusion Bonded Epoxy at a minimum of 250-300μm thick minimising the build-up of material within the valve for an extended life.

Energy Efficiency

• As a result of the contoured, streamlined body, 100% flow area and resulting low head loss the ‘Swing-Flex’ and ‘Surgebuster’ Check Valves present a much reduced flow coefficient in comparison to conventional swing check valves. This contrast is emphasised when compared with a conventional swing check with weight and lever.
• Simplicity of 1 moving part in the Swing-Flex and 2 moving parts in the Surgebuster versus the conventional swing check or recoil check with O-rings, mechanical hinges, shafts, pivot pins and bearings all of which are susceptible to wear and snagging.
• Oscillation of the conventional swing check valve disc in the flow accelerates the wear of the hinge resulting in leakages. Swing-Flex and Surgebuster Check Valve Disc stabilisation and hinge reliability by design ensures maintenance free performance with repeatable drop-tight seating.
• The Swing-Flex and Surgebuster have no weight and levers required to achieve valve closure and no guard is required to meet Health & Safety and WIMES standards.
• Retro-fittable Back Flush Actuator option. A specific unit designed to lift the valve seat to allow the controlled back flushing of the pump when necessary. Not required for back flushing the valve to clear snagged material as it is not a symptom of the Swing-Flex or Surgebuster Check Valves.

How do Val-Matic Swing-Flex and Surgebuster Check Valves save you money?

• Replacement costs of a conventional check valve c/w weight, lever & guard can be placed at the conservative estimated labour cost of around £2,000 per replacement plus the cost of the valve.
• Energy Saving Calculations can be supplied based on an independently assessed k-factor coefficient of 1.6 for a conventional swing check valve c/w weight and lever, a cost of £0.085/kWhr (01.02.12), 80% pump system efficiencies, 80% usage and an Sg of typically 1. Higher savings are achieved with the higher flow rates and larger valves.
• Energy calculations do not take into consideration any plant down time, additional maintenance clearing conventional check valves, repairing hinges and the administrative costs of processing orders and scheduling resources.

Val-Matic originally designed the Swing-Flex Check Valve over 25 years ago and it was independently tested over 20 years ago. The valve has been used successfully around the globe for many years and Val-Matic are not known to have supplied a replacement disc under the 25 year warranty.

To understand more the specific features and benefits or to view the datasheets of Val-Matic Check Valves including the Swing-Flex Check Valve and the Surgebuster Check Valve, please click on the relevant links. To speak to our technical team about specifying Val-Matic Check Valves into your application or to enquire about stock or pricing, please click here.

MGA Controls Ltd now holds a large amount of stock of Check Valves in sizes ranging from 3″ to 24″. For information, please click on the below links.

Check Valves now in stock
Swing-Flex Check Valves now in stock
Surgebuster Check Valves now in stock

Features of the S-Line Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches:

• Hygienic design, process connections approved by EHEDG
• High accuracy
• Fast response time
• Compact small design
• Parameterization via PC software
• Protection type IP 67
• Output signal IP67
• Wetted parts of stainless steel

Labom ranges of S-Line Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches:

• Clamp on GS – for Surface Temperature measurement
• MiniTherm GS – for General application
• MiniTherm GS – with separate Thermowell
• MiniTherm GS – with Clamp-connection

Please click here for more information on the general features of the S-Line range of Pressure and Temperature instruments. Please click here if you would like to find out about the S-Line range of Pressure Transmitters and Pressure Switches.
If you would like to talk to our technical team about the suitability of the S-Line range to your application, or to request datasheets or prices, please call us on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

Features of the S-Line Pressure Transmitters and Pressure Switches:

• Spans range from 100mbar to 400bar relative and 1bar to 6bar absolute
• Accuracy ≤ 0.2%
• Degree of protection EN60529 IP65, IP67
• Process temperature to 400 DegC
• Piezoresistive measuring element
• Parameterization via PC software
• All standardised and OEM connections available

Labom ranges of S-Line Pressure Transmitters and Pressure Switches:

• Pascal CS – for Food, Pharma, Biotechnology
• Pascal CS – with variable hygienic adapter
• Pascal CS – for Chemistry and Petrochem
• Pascal CS – for General application

Please click here for more information on the general features of the S-Line range of Pressure and Temperature instruments. Please click here if you would like to find out about the S-Line range of Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches.

If you would like to talk to our technical team about the suitability of the S-Line range to your application, or to request datasheets or prices, please call us on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

The S-Line Pressure devices are particularly suited for hygienic applications. The instruments are constructed with high grade steel and with no notches or indentations in the casing are intended for use in areas where great care and safety is required, such as Food, Pharma and Biotech applications.

Click here for more information on the S-Line range Pressure Transmitters and Pressure Switches.
Click here for more information on the S-Line range Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches.
Below are the features of the S-Line range of Pressure Transmitters, Pressure Switches, Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches:

Display:

• 4-digit, luminescent indication module that can be turned through approximately 300 degrees
• Can be mirror imaged by 180 degrees when installed upside down
• Very easy to use with symmetrical symbols and variable key functions
• Measured value and unit can be displayed alternatively

Case:

• High protection against moisture
• Hygienic, curved casing with no notches or indentations
• Capacitive keys with no gaps
• Electrical connection rotatable by 300 degrees

Software:

• Visualisation and parameter assignment via PC
• Upper and lower range values
• Display time
• Mirror-imaging
• Switching functions

Contacts:

• Take unit into account
• 2 floating, electrical contacts
• Up to 1A switching current
• Wide range of switching functions

Technology:

• Highly accurate digital transmitter
• Output signal 4…20mA (2-wire)
• Galvanic isolation between transmitter
• Rapid sampling rate

Please click here for more information on the S-Line range of Pressure Transmitters and Pressure Switches. Please click here for more information on the S-Line range of Temperature Transmitters and Temperature Switches. If you would like to talk to our technical team about the suitability of the S-Line range to your application, or to request datasheets or prices, please call us on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

Labom’s extensive range of innovative Diaphragm seals are a differentiating factor which sets them apart from other Pressure Measurement and Management companies. If your application contains high temperature, high viscous or aggressive media and there is potential for pressure peaks and pipe hammer, using Labom’s pressure instrumentation and seals could save you a great deal of time and money.

Diaphragm Seals are partitions for pressure measuring instruments and they preform 3 key functions:

• They separate the sensitive sensor element from the process, thus protecting it from:

1. Aggressive, highly viscous process liquids
2. High process liquid temperatures and temperature variations
3. Pressure peaks and pipe hammer

• Transmitting the process pressure to the sensor element
• Hygienic process adaptation of pressuring measuring instruments

Labom Diaphragm’s seals are adapted to suit the pressure measuring instrument in any given application through their design, the choice of materials and the manufacturing method used.

Some examples of Labom’s Diaphragm Seals are given below:

• Membrane-type Diaphragm seals: Diaphragm seals are fitted in the process to a weld-on nipple on the pipe or tank. The dead volume of the weld-on nipple can be minimised by using tube-type Diaphragm seals.
• Inline Diaphragm Seals: for achieving process adaptation with no dead zones or gaps. With Inline Diaphragm seals the seals are almost circular in shape and the membrane is raised there is no turbulence.
• Diaphragm Seal Liquids: Various food-grade system fills are available for different requirements.
• Temperature Decouplers and Capillaries: by introducing a temperature Decoupler between the diaphragm seal and pressure instrument media as high as 400DegC can be measured and monitored. By introducing capillaries, pressure measuring instruments are protected from vibrations.

Labom’s Diaphragm Seal technology has the following characteristics:

• Flush-mounted, robust membrane with suitable surface finish of Ra ≤ 0.4 µm
• Laser-welded membrane, roughness of weld Ra ≤ 0.8 µm
• CIP and SIP compatible
• Numerous process connections for practically every process adaptation
• Wetted parts made of 1.4435 (316L) as standard and with reduced delta ferrite as per Basle Standard BN 2
• Food-grade coatings
• Material inspection certificate to DIN EN 10204

For more information or to discuss how Labom Pressure instruments can benefit your Process application, please contact us to discuss your requirements on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

Article: Solenoid Valves Vs Ball Valves with Spring-return Pneumatic Actuators

Applications: Process control applications where media is controlled in isolation

Solution: Buschjost 2-way Solenoid Valves

Benefits:

• Easily adjustable switch position
• Fluid tight seal spatting detection system from Valve internals
• ATEX approvals available
• Quick operation – better than Spring-return Pneumatic Actuators
• Position feedback capability inbuilt
• Significantly lower lifetime running cost due to lower energy usage

A bit about the product…

The current Buschjost range of 2 way solenoid valves includes options for position indication switches for applications up to 25Bar working pressure (16Bar 200 deg C on steam) with threaded connections up to 2” or flanged up to 4” DN100. The Buschjost range of Solenoid Valves can be described as “second generation switch systems”. The original units were simple mechanical reed switches detecting the presence of a magnet within the solenoid core assembly, but it was found that the performance and reliability could be significantly enhanced by moving to the current design using magnetic inductive switches.
These Solenoid Valves are excellent when plant operators are trying to balance increased performance and lower energy demand in their systems.

Typical applications are those where feedback and reliability are key requirements, some examples are:

• Fire suppression manifolds
• Chilled water distribution systems
• Isolation valves in diesel supply lines
• Generating sets and steam distribution systems

For more information or to discuss your requirements further, please contact us to discuss your requirements on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

Whilst this article identifies the benefits of the more common approach of using Ball Valves with Spring-return Pneumatic Actuators, the article highlights a particular Buschjost product which performs better than Ball Valves whilst adding more value. For a summary of this article and to see the benefits of the Buschjost range of 2-way Solenoid Valves at a glance please follow this link: Solenoid Valves Vs Ball Valves in Process Control applications.

The traditional use for solenoid valves up to 2” as isolation valves for process fluids where they have been seen as low-cost but quick-acting with fail closed or fail open operation, has to some extent gradually been replaced by ball valves with spring return pneumatic actuators. This is partly because of the demand by plant operators for feedback of the actual valve position, in this case by means of a switchbox mounted on the actuator. This is a widely used, readily available solution and as most plants have mains compressed air available, it is often seen as a preferred solution.

The increasing pressure on plant operators to cut running costs, reduce down time and monitor and reduce energy usage, is resulting in operators looking at ways of reducing losses in their steam and compressed air generation systems, both of which are very expensive to produce and maintain. There is also another increasing demand for isolated systems in remote plants where mains air is not available and electricity is the only motive power available. In this case electric actuators for ball valves do not offer failsafe operation without spending large amounts of money on battery back-ups or electro-hydraulic actuators and even then this solution cannot offer a comparable closing speed to a solenoid valve.

The current Buschjost range of 2 way solenoid valves includes options for position indication switches for applications up to 25Bar working pressure (16Bar 200 deg C on steam) with threaded connections up to 2” or flanged up to 4” DN100. The switch position is easily adjustable on the extended core tube which has a fluid tight seal separating the detection system from the valve internals. Atex approvals are also available on these units. These valves offer quick operation comparable or better than spring return pneumatic actuators with the position feedback capability inbuilt and a significantly lower lifetime running cost through lower energy usage.

The latest design from Norgren Buschjost uses what is effectively a second generation switch system. The original units were simple mechanical reed switches detecting the presence of a magnet within the solenoid core assembly but it was found that the performance and reliability could be significantly enhanced by moving to the current design using magnetic inductive switches. Using a 24vdc supply these offer PNP outputs and LED switch indication and there is an option for switches with II 1 GD Atex approvals.

We find that they are now a very attractive solution for design and project engineers looking to increase performance and lower energy demand in their systems. Typical installations where these valves are used successfully include fire suppression manifolds, chilled water distribution systems, isolation valves in diesel supply lines to generating sets and steam distribution systems where feedback and reliability are key requirements.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or send us an enquiry by clicking here.

We now stock Plug Valves in the following sizes: 3”, 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16”, 18”, 20” and 24”.

Our Plug Valves are available with EPDM Plugs for potable water and high temperature applications or Buna-N Plugs for standard applications. Special features of our Plug Valves include

• Fusion bonded Epoxy coated: Specialist baked-on interior coatings minimise the build-up of sewage on the inside of the valve – reduces maintenance, clogging and prevents corrosion & abrasion of the valve.
• Grit guards: Prevents wear of bearing and shaft seizing by minimising contact with grit (or other media).
• Stainless steel fastenings: Prevents rusting and allows for easy opening even after several years of use in applications.

For prices, availability and lead times, or to speak to our Technical Engineers, please call us on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or email us at sales@mgacontrols.co.uk.

For more information on the features and benefits of our range of Plug Valves, please see the following product pages:

Plug Valves – An Overview

Val-Matic Plug Valves

2" Air Vacuum Valve in stock - More sizes available!

We now stock the following sizes of Air Valves:
Available in nominal bore sizes: ½”, 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″
Flange sizes available: 50mm, 80mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm

• Why pick our Air Valves?
• Why pick us for your technical support?
• Why understanding the characteristics of an application is essential in sizing an Air Valve?

Read on to understand…

The sizing of air valves is critical for an application to ensure appropriate surge control and consistent optimum system performance. Often people ask, for example, for an 80mm or 100mm air valve without defining the characteristics of a system. As a result they can receive a variety of options from numerous manufacturers all looking to win the bid. In reality the valve they receive may well have an 80mm or 100mm flanged connection but in an attempt to reduce the competitive cost of the valve often has an orifice that is insufficient for the application. The result is a reduction of flow rates, destructive water hammer, increased maintenance costs and increased running costs.

At MGA Controls we stock a range of air valves that can be combined to offer a variety of functions to rationalise and optimise the system components over a wide range of flow characteristics. These valve combinations can be sized specifically for the application and fitted to existing pipework connections using an appropriate range of flange adapters. Our technical experts are on hand to carry out this service, please call us on +44 (0) 870 803 2001 or email us at sales@mgacontrols.co.uk.

For more information on the features and benefits of our Air Valves, please read he following pages:

Air Valves – An overview

Val-Matic Air Valves