Optimization through diversity

The question is as to whether measurement connection valves should be selected individually for the specific task, or such that they are universally deployable as far as possible.

Countless measurement connection valves and manifolds are used in chemical, refinery and power station plants. Very few DIN standards specify these valves and fittings, e.g. DIN 16270 - DIN 16272; DIN 19207 - DIN 19209 and EN 61518 (DIN 19213).

However, these standards are by no means sufficient for specifying the above-mentioned valves and fittings. Accordingly, customized and/or factory-specific solutions are the standard and the question arises:

 

By which criteria does the user select his valves and fittings?
Various criteria come into play here:

1. Technical criteria:

  • Operating conditions: medium - pressure - temperature
  • Material: Chemical and thermal resistance, strength
  • Nominal width: DN
  • Design: Stuffing box membrane or bellow-type design
  • Connections: Inlet and outlet, possibly test connections
  • Dimensions: Length, height
  • Shelf life

 

2. Economic criteria:

  • Price
  • Delivery time
  • Quality
  • Guarantee

In this regard, the importance of these points can be totally different depending on the particular situation.

With these selection criteria, unfortunately the aspects of the installation and procurement costs for total cost of ownership have been entirely left out:

  • Is the selection of the connections installation friendly?
  • How high are the costs of an ordering process?
  • How are possible leaks evaluated (diversity of the parts)?
  • Maintenance and repair costs

With its some 10,000 plus connection combinations, the company Bollin offers users a solution to the above-mentioned problem with its comprehensive range of products. This approach no longer involves the universal valve, but user-specific solutions. By way of example, the process connection at the inlet and the connection of test equipment at the outlet, which are by no means the same.
An example taken from practice illustrates the potential savings.

Instead of a shutoff valve with an internal thread ½" NPT (1/2-14 NPT) on both ends, the valve is selected, which has the optimum connections for this application.
For example:

  • Inlet: welded spigot 21.3 x 3.2 mm
  • Outlet: clamping ring union piece or 12 mm pipe.