Valve Knowledge
Valve Design, Materials, and Approvals
Valve Design Choices
1. Multi-Turn
a) Gate
b) Globe/Angle-Globe
2. Quarter-Turn
a) Ball
b) Butterfly-resilient seated
3. Check (backflow prevention)
a) Swing
b) Lift
c) Spring-actuated
4. End connections
Materials
1. Bronze (up to 550F at 150 psi/up to 600 psi at 150F) 1/4"-3"
2. Cast Iron (up to 450F at 250 psi/up to 500 psi at 100F) 2"-24"
3. Ductile Iron (up to 650F at 125 psi/up to 600 psi at 100F) 2"-12"
4. Stainless Steel (up to 650F at 125 psi/up to 2000 psi at 100F) 1/4"-12"
Approvals
1. Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS)
2. Fire protection (UL® and FM)
3. State and local codes.
Function and service considerations
Selection
Valves serve the purpose of controlling the fluids in building services piping. Valves are
produced in a variety of design types and materials.
Proper selection is important to ensure the most efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting
systems.
Function
Valves are designed to perform four principal functions:
1. Starting and stopping the flow
2. Regulating (throttling) the flow
3. Preventing reversal of the flow
4. Regulating or relieving the pressure of the flow
Service Considerations
1. Pressure
2. Temperature
3. Type of fluid
a) Liquid
b) Gas; i.e., steam or air
c) Dirty or abrasive (erosive)
d) Corrosive
4. Flow
a) On-off throttling
b) Need to prevent flow reversal
c) Concern for pressure drop
d) Velocity
5. Operating conditions
a) Condensation
b) Frequency of operation
c) Accessibility
d) Overall size/space available
e) Manual or automated control
f) Need for bubble-tight shut-off
End Connection
a) Threaded-end multi-turn valves, check valves and ball valves with ANSI female taper
threads are most commonly used with pipe up to 2 1/2 or 3.
b) Solder-end valves permit directly connecting bronze multi-turn valves, check valves and
ball valves up to 3 to copper tubing. Care must be taken not to overheat and damage valves
during the soldering process.
c) Flanged-end connections are the most common used design for installation of iron multi-
turn valves 2 and larger.
d) Wafer and lug body styles are used with butterfly valves and lift/double-door check valves
for quick, easy installation between two flanges.
e) Grooved end ball, butterfly and check valves permit the quickest installation sizes 2
and larger.
HOT AND COLD DOMESTIC WATER SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2 AND SMALLER
BALL VALVES:
Valves shall be rated 150 psi SWP and 600 psi nonshock CWP and will have 2-pc. cast bronze
bodies, TFE seats, standard port, separate pack nut with adjustable stem packing, anti-blowout
stems and chrome-plated brass/bronze ball. Where pressure drop is a concern, full-port ball
valves of like construction are to be used. Valve ends shall have full depth ANSI threads or
extended solder connections and be manufactured to comply with MSS-SP110.
NOTE: Where piping is insulated, ball valves shall be equipped with 2 extended handles of
non-thermal conductive material. Also provide a protective sleeve that allows operation of the
valve without breaking the vapor seal or disturbing the insulation. Memory stops, which are full
adjustable after insulation is applied, shall be included.
GATE VALVES:
Rising Stem: Valves shall be Class 125 and 200 psi CWP, rising stem, union bonnet, solid
wedge and manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP 80. Body, bonnet and wedge are to be of bronze
ASTM B 62. Stems shall be of dezincification-resistant silicon bronze ASTM B 371 or low-zinc
alloy B 99, non-asbestos packing and malleable or ductile iron handwheel. Where higher operating
pressures approach 150 psi, Class 150 union bonnet valves of like construction will be used.
Valve ends may be threaded or solder-type.
Non-Rising Stem: Valves shall be Class 125 and 200 psi CWP, nonrising stem, screw-in bonnet,
solid wedge and manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP 80. Body, bonnet, external stuffing box
and wedge are to be of bronze ASTM B 62. Stems shall be of dezincification-resistant silicon
bronze ASTM B 371 or low-zinc alloy B 99, nonasbestos packing and malleable or ductile iron
handwheel. Where higher operating pressures approach 150 psi, Class 150 union bonnet valves of
like construction will be used. Valve ends may be threaded or solder-type
GLOBE/ANGLE VALVES:
Valves shall be Class 125 and manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP 80; body and bonnet are
to be of bronze ASTM B 62. Stems shall be of dezincification-resistant silicon bronze ASTM B 371
or low-zinc alloy B 99, non-asbestos packing,
TFE seat disc and malleable or ductile iron handwheel. Where higher operating pressures approach
150 psi, Class 150 union bonnet valves of like construction will be used. Valve ends may be
threaded or solder type.
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2 AND LARGER
BUTTERFLY VALVES:
Valves shall be lug or I.P.S. grooved body style manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP67; 2"
- 12" rated at least 200 psi non-shock cold water working pressure, 14" and larger rated at 150
psi. Body to have 2" extended neck for insulating and to be cast iron or ductile iron. Valve to
have aluminum bronze alloy disc with EPDM rubber seat and seals; or EPDM rubber encapsulated disc
with polymer-coated body. Stem shall be 400 series stainless steel and shall not have exposed
stem to disc fasteners. Sizes 2 1/2"-6" shall be lever operated with 10-position throttling
plate; sizes 8" and larger shall have gear operators. Lug-style and grooved style shall be
capable for use as isolation valves and recommended by manufacturer or dead-end service at full
pressure without the need for downstream flanges.
GATE, GLOBE/ANGLE VALVES:
Valves to be Class 125 manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP70 (gate) or MSS-SP85
(globe/angle), flanged, bolted bonnet, OS&Y, iron body, bronze trimmed, with body and bonnet
conforming to ASTM A 126 class B cast iron. Packing and gaskets to be non-asbestos.
CHECK VALVES:
2 1/2and smaller shall be Y-pattern swing-type manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP80,
Class 125, bronze ASTM B 62 body with TFE seat disc. Where higher operating pressures approach
150 psi, Class 150 valves of like construction shall be used. Valve ends may be threaded or
solder-type.
2 1/2" and larger shall be swing-type manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP71, Class 125,
flanged ASTM A 126 Class B cast iron body with bronze trim, non-asbestos gasket. Or wafer-style
with stainless steel spring, bronze disc plates, rubber seat, body of cast iron ASTM A 126 Class
B or A 48 for use with Class 125/150 flanges. Spring-actuated valve to be used on pump discharge.
Swing check with outside lever and spring to be used on sump, sewage and storm drain lines.
CIRCUIT BALANCING VALVES:
Circuit Balancing Valves 1/2" to 2" for domestic hot water service shall be NIBCO Globe
Style, Series 1710. Valve shall have integral metering/test ports for flow balancing and flow
measurement. Test ports shall have internal check valve and be equipped with caps. Valves shall
be manufactured from dezincification resistant brass or bronze rated 240 psi at 250F. All
balancing valves shall have position indication readout and built in memory stop for repeatable
regulation and control.
HOT WATER HEATING SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2" AND SMALLER
BALL VALVES:
Valves shall be rated 150 psi SWP and 600 psi non-shock CWP and will have 2-pc. cast bronze
bodies, TFE seats, standard port, separate packnut with adjustable stem packing, anti-blowout
stems and chrome-plated brass/bronze ball. Where pressure drop is a concern, full-port ball
valves of like construction are to be used. Valve ends shall have full depth ANSI threads or
extended solder connections and be manufactured to comply with MSS-SP110
NOTE: Where piping is insulated, ball valves shall be equipped with 2" extended handles of
non-thermal conductive material. Also, provide a protective sleeve that allows operation of the
valve without breaking the vapor seal or disturbing the insulation. Memory stops, which are fully
adjustable after insulation is applied, shall be included.
GATE VALVES:
Valves shall be Class 125 rising stem, union bonnet, solid wedge and manufactured in
accordance with MSS-SP80. Body, bonnet and wedge are to be of bronze ASTM B 62. Stems shall be of
dezincification-resistant silicon bronze ASTM B 371 or low-zinc alloy B 99, non-asbestos packing
and malleable or ductile iron handwheel. Valve ends may be threaded or solder type.
GLOBE/ANGLE VALVES:
Valves shall be Class 125 and manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP80, body and bonnet are
to be of bronze ASTM B 62. Stems shall be of dezincificationresistant silicon bronze ASTM B 371
or low-zinc alloy B 99, non-asbestos packing, TFE seat disc and malleable or ductile iron
handwheel
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2 AND LARGER
BUTTERFLY VALVES:
Valves shall be lug or I.P.S. grooved body style manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP67;
2"-12" rated at least 200 psi non-shock cold water working pressure, 14" and larger rated at 150
psi. Body to have 2" extended neck for insulating and to be cast iron or ductile iron. Valve to
have aluminum bronze alloy disc with EPDM rubber seat and seals; or EPDM rubber encapsulated disc
with polymer-coated body. Stem shall be 400 series stainless steel and shall not have exposed
stem to disc fasteners. Sizes 2 1/2"-6" shall be lever operated with 10-position throttling
plate; sizes 8" and larger shall have gear operators. Lug-style and grooved style shall be
capable for use as isolation valves and recommended by manufacturer or dead-end service at full
pressure without the need for downstream flanges.
GATE, GLOBE/ANGLE VALVES:
Valves to be Class 125 manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP70 (gate) or MSS-SP85
(globe/angle), flanged, bolted bonnet, OS&Y, iron body, bronze trimmed, with body and bonnet
conforming to ASTM A 126 Class B cast iron. Packing and gaskets to be non-asbestos.
CHECK VALVES:
2 1/2"and smaller shall be Y-pattern swing-type manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP80,
Class 125, bronze ASTM B 62 body with TFE seat disc.
2 1/2" and larger shall be swing-type manufactured in accordance with MSS-SP71, Class 125,
flanged ASTM A 126 Class B cast iron body with bronze trim, non-asbestos gasket. Or wafer-style
with stainless steel spring, bronze disc plates, rubber seat, body of cast iron ASTM A 126 Class
B or A 48 for use with Class 125/150 flanges.
FIRE SPRINKLER AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2" AND SMALLER
GATE VALVES:
Shall have approval rating 175 psi WWP or greater with body and bonnet made from cast bronze
alloy ASTM B 62. Valve to be of OS&Y design with threaded ends. Valve to be Underwriters
Laboratories® listed, Factory Mutual Approved and in compliance with MSS-SP80.
BALL VALVES:
Shall have approval rating 175 psi WWP or greater with TFE seats. Valve to have weatherproof
gear operator rated for indoor/outdoor use with raised position indicator and two internal
supervisory switches. Valves shall have threaded or
I.P.S. grooved ends and will be Underwriters Laboratories listed, Factory Mutual Approved and in
compliance with MSS-SP110
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2" AND LARGER
GATE VALVES:
Shall have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater, iron body with bronze trim or with
resilient rubber encapsulated wedge. Body and bonnet to be of either cast iron alloy ASTM A 126
Class B or ductile iron ASTM A 536 with OS&Y type bonnet. If of resilient wedge design, interior
of valve to be epoxy-coated. Valve stem to be pre-grooved for use with supervisory switch, if
required. Ends to be flanged Class 125 or grooved. Valves to be Underwriters Laboratories listed,
Factory Mutual Approved and in compliance with MSS-SP70.
INDICATOR POSTS WITH GATE VALVES:
Sizes 4" and larger shall have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater with bronze trim or
with resilient rubber encapsulated wedge. Body and bonnet are to be of either cast iron alloy
ASTM A 126 Class B or ductile iron ASTM A 536 with bonnet, incorporating indicator post mounting
flange. If resilient wedge design, interior of valve to be epoxy-coated. Ends to be flanged Class
125 or mechanical joint. Upright indicator post to be adjustable for bury depth required. Valves
and posts to be Underwriters Laboratories listed and Factory Mutual Approved. Where applicable,
valves to be in compliance with MSS-SP70
CHECK VALVES:
Shall have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater with bronze trim and rubber to metal
seating. Body to be of cast iron alloy ASTM A 126 Class B. Ends to be flanged or wafer for use
with Class 125/150 flanges. Valves to be Underwriters Laboratories listed, Factory Mutual
Approved and, where applicable, in compliance with MSS-SP71.
LINE CONTROL VALVES 2 1/2 AND LARGER
BUTTERFLY VALVES:
Shall have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater. Valve to have weatherproof gear
operator rated for indoor/outdoor use with handwheel and raised position indicator and two
internal supervisory switches. Bodies to be from cast ductile iron ASTM A 395 or A 536 and stems
to be 400 series stainless steel. Valves shall be wafer style for installation between Class
125/150 flanges or I.P.S. grooved. Valves to be Underwriters Laboratories listed, Factory Mutual
Approved and in compliance with MSS-SP67.
HI-RISE SERVICE GATE VALVES:
Shall have approval rating of 300 psi WWP or greater. OS&Y bonnet and body to be of cast iron
alloy ASTM A 126 Class B. Valves to be flanged ends for use with Class 250/300 flanges. Valves to
be Underwriters Laboratories listed, Factory Mutual approved and in compliance with MSS-SP70.
HI-RISE SERVICE GATE VALVES:
Shall have approval rating of 300 psi WWP or greater. Valves to be of the horizontal swing
check design with bronze trim and body made from cast iron alloy ASTM A 126 Class B. Valves to be
flanged ends for use with Class 250/300 flanges. Valves to be approved by the New York City
Materials and Equipment Acceptance (M.E.A.) Division and in compliance with MSS-SP71.
TRIM AND DRAIN VALVES 2 1/2" AND LARGER
BALL VALVES:
To have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater. Valve to have TFE seats, threaded ends,
blowout-proof stem and lever handle. Valve to be Underwriters Laboratories listed and Factory
Mutual Approved for trim and drain service and in compliance with MSS-SP-110.
GLOBE/ANGLE VALVES:
To have approval rating of 175 psi WWP or greater. Valves to have rubber seat disc and
threaded ends. Valves to be Underwriters Laboratories listed for trim and drain service.
CHECK VALVES:
To be rated 175 psi or greater. Valves to have rubber seat discs and threaded ends. Valve to
be Y-pattern horizontal swing-type. Valve shall be in compliance with MSS-SP80. |
