With the rapid development of technology and innovation, valuable information that should be passed on to industry professionals is often masked today. Although shortcuts or quick methods can be a good reflection of short-term budgets, they show a lack of experience and an overall understanding of what makes the system viable in the long run. Based on these experiences, the following list (with no special importance) lists 10 common misunderstandings for installation errors:
1 bolt is too long
Bolts on the valve have only one or two threads over the nut. Can reduce the risk of damage or corrosion. Why buy a bolt longer than you need? Usually, the bolt is too long because someone has no time to calculate the correct length, or the individual does not care what the end result is. This is a lazy project.
2. The control valve is not isolated separately
Although the isolation valve takes up valuable space, it is important to allow personnel to work on the valve when maintenance is required. If space is limited, if the gate valve is considered to be too long, at least the butterfly valve is installed, it takes up almost no space. Always keep in mind that it is easier to work and perform maintenance tasks more efficiently when you must stand on top of maintenance and operations.
3. No pressure gauge or device installed
Some utilities like to calibrate testers. These facilities usually provide a good connection test equipment for their on-site personnel, but some devices even install accessories on the interface. Although not specified, it is designed so that the actual pressure of the valve can be seen. Even with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry capabilities, someone at a certain point will be standing next to the valve and need to see what the pressure is, and that is so convenient.
4. The installation space is too small
If it is troublesome to install a valve station, it may involve the work of excavating concrete, etc. Do not try to save that cost by making it possible to reduce the installation space as much as possible. It will be very difficult to carry out basic maintenance later. Also keep in mind that tools can be long, so space must be set so that bolts can be loosened. You also need some space, which allows you to add devices later.
5. Does not consider the later demolition
Most of the time, the installer knows that you can't connect everything in a concrete room without the need for some sort of connection to remove parts at some point in the future. If all parts are tightened tightly and there is no gap, it is almost impossible to separate them. Whether grooved couplings, flanged joints or pipe joints are all necessary. In the future, it may sometimes be necessary to remove the components, and while this is generally not a concern of the installation contractor, it should be of concern to the owner and the engineer.
6. Concentric reducer horizontal installation
This may be nitpicking, but it is also worthy of attention. Eccentric reducers can be installed horizontally. Concentric reducers are installed in the vertical line. In some applications it is necessary to install on a horizontal line and use an eccentric reducer, but this problem usually involves costs: Concentric reducers are cheaper.
7. Does not allow drainage of valve wells
All rooms are wet. Even when air is discharged from the valve cover during valve activation, the water will fall on the floor at a certain point. Any one has seen a flooded valve at any time in the industry, but there is really no excuse (unless, of course, the entire area is submerged, in which case you have bigger problems). If you cannot install a drain, use a simple drain pump, assuming power. In the absence of power, a float valve with an injector will effectively keep the chamber dry.
8. Do not rule out air
When the pressure drops, air is drained from the suspension and is transferred into the pipeline, which will cause problems downstream of the valve. A simple air release valve will get rid of any air that may be present and will prevent downstream problems. The bleed valve upstream of the control valve is also effective because the air in the pilot line may cause instability. Why does it not remove air before it reaches the valve?
9. Spare taps
This may be a minor problem, but it is always helpful to have spare taps in the chamber upstream and downstream of the control valve. This setup facilitates future maintenance, whether connecting hoses, adding remote sensing to control valves, or adding pressure transmitters to SCADA. For the small cost of adding accessories at the design stage, it significantly increases the availability in the future. Makes maintenance tasks more difficult because everything is covered by paint and it is not possible to read nameplates or make adjustments.
10. Remember that doing things the right way always proves helpful, but shortcuts often lead to more headaches.