Valves

Continuing Education from Plumbing Systems & Design

Kenneth G.Wentink, PE, CPD, and Robert D. Jackson

PSD 130
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005

PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
 Continuing Education

Valves
Valves serve the purpose of controlling the fluids in building ser- a partially open gate valve cre- Figure 1  Gate Valve
vice piping. They come in many shapes, sizes, design types, and ates vibration and chattering
materials to accommodate different fluids, piping, pressure ranges, and subjects the disc and seat
and types of service. Proper selection is important to ensure the most to inordinate wear.
efficient, cost-effective, and long-lasting systems. No single valve is There is a wide variety of
best for all services. This chapter is limited to manually operated seats and discs to suit the con-
valves that start, stop, and regulate flow, and prevent its reversal. ditions under which the valve
is to operate. For relatively low
Functions
pressures and temperatures
Valves are designed to perform four principal functions:
and for ordinary fluids, seating
1. Starting and stopping flow
materials are not a particularly
2. Regulating (throttling) flow difficult problem. Bronze and
3. Preventing the reversal of flow iron valves usually have bronze
4. Regulating or relieving the flow pressure. or bronze-faced seating sur-
faces; iron valves may be all
Service Considerations iron. Nonmetallic “composition”
1. Pressure discs are available for tight seat-
2. Temperature ing or hard-to-hold fluids, such
3. Type of fluid as air and gasoline.
A. Liquid Gate discs can be classified
B. Gas, i.e., steam or air as solid-wedge discs, double
C. Dirty or abrasive (erosive) discs or split-wedge discs. In
D. Corrosive the solid-wedge design, a single
4. Flow tapered disc, thin at the bottom
and thicker at the top, is forced
A. On-off
into a similarly shaped seat.
B. Throttling
In the double and split-wedge
C. Need to prevent flow reversal
disc designs, two discs are employed back to back, with a spreading
D. Concern for pressure drop
device between them. As the valve wheel is turned, the gate drops
E. Velocity
into its seat (as with any other gate valve), but on the final turns
5. Operating conditions
of the wheel, the spreader
A. Frequency of operation forces the discs outward Figure 2  Globe Valve
B. Accessibility against the seats, effecting
C. Overall space/size available tighter closure.
D. Manual or automated control Bypass valves should be
E. Need for bubble-tight shut-off provided where the differen-
F. Concerns about body joint leaks tial pressure exceeds 200 psi
G. Fire safe design (1378 kPa) on valves sized 4
H. Speed of closure. to 6 in. (101.6 to 152.4 mm),
Approvals and 100 psi (689 kPa) on
1. Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) valves 8 in. (203.2 mm) or
larger. Bypass valves should
2. Fire protection: UL and Factory Mutual (FM)
be ½ in. (12.7 mm) for 4-in.
3. State and local codes (101.6-mm) valves, and ¾ in.
4. American Petroleum Industries (API). (19.1 mm) for 5-in. (127-mm)
valves or larger.
Types of Valve
Globe Valve
Gate Valve The globe valve (which is
With starting and stopping flow its prime function, the gate valve
named for the shape of its
is intended to operate either fully open or fully closed. When fully
body) is much more resistant
open, it has the least resistance to flow of all the valve types.
to flow than the gate valve,
From an examination of Figure 1, it becomes readily apparent
as can be seen by examining
how the gate valve got its name. A gate-like disc, actuated by a stem
the path of flow through it
screw and hand wheel, moves up and down at right angles to the
(Figure 2). Its main advan-
path of flow and seats against two faces to shut off flow. As the disc
tages over the gate valve are
of the gate valve presents a flat surface to the oncoming flow, this
valve is not suited for regulating or throttling flow. Flow through

Reprinted from American Society of Plumbing Engineers Data Book Volume 4: Plumbing Components and Equipment, Chapter 3: Valves.
© 2003, American Society of Plumbing Engineers.

50 Plumbing Systems & Design • Nov/Dec 2005

its use as a throttling valve to regulate flow
and its ease of repair.
Because all contact between seat and
disc ends when flow begins, the effects of
wire drawing (seat erosion) are minimized.
The valve can operate just barely open or
fully open with little change in wear. Also,
because the disc of the globe valve travels a
relatively short distance between fully open
and fully closed, with fewer turns of the
wheel required, an operator can gauge the
rate of flow by the number of turns of the
wheel.
As with the gate valve, there are a number
of disc and seat arrangements. These are
classified as conventional disc, plug type,
and composition disc.
The conventional disc is relatively flat,
with beveled edges. On closure it
is pushed down into a beveled, cir- Figure 4  Ball Valve
cular seat.
Plug type discs differ only
in that they are far more tapered,
thereby increasing the contact sur-
face between disc and seat. This
characteristic has the effect of
increasing their resistance to the
cutting effects of dirt, scale, and
other foreign matter.
The composition disc differs
from the others in that it does not
fit into the seat opening but over
it, much as a bottle cap fits over the bottle
opening. This seat adapts the valve to many
services, including use with hard-to-hold
substances such as compressed air, and
makes it easy to repair.
Figure 3  Angle Valve
Angle Valve
Very much akin to the globe valve, the angle
valve (Figure 3) can cut down on piping
installation time, labor, and materials by
serving as both valve and 90° elbow. It is
less resistant to flow than the globe valve, as
flow must change direction twice instead of
three times. It is also available with conven-
tional, plug type, or composition discs.
Ball Valve
The ball valve derives its name from the
drilled ball that swivels on its vertical axis
and is operated by a handle, as shown in
Figure 4. Its advantages are its straight-
through flow, minimum turbulence, low
torque, tight closure, and compactness. Also,
a quarter turn of the handle makes it a quick-
closing or -opening valve. Reliability, ease of
maintenance, and durability have made the
ball valve popular in industrial, chemical,
and gas transmission applications.
Butterfly Valve
Figure 5 illustrates a butterfly valve, the valve
most commonly used in place of a gate valve
in cases where absolute, bubble-free shut-off is
Figure 5  Butterfly Valve
Nov/Dec 2005 • Plumbing Systems & Design 51
required. It is manufactured in nominal diam-
eters from 1 to 72 in. (25.4 to 1828.8 mm).
In addition to its tight closing, one of the
valve’s advantages is that it can be placed
into a very small space between pipe flanges.
It is available with several types of operator,
motorized and manual, and a variety of com-
ponent material combinations.
Screwed-lug type valves should be pro-
vided so that equipment may be removed
without draining down the system.
Check Valve
Swing checks and lift checks are the most
common forms of check valve. Both are
designed to prevent reversal of flow in a
pipe. The swing check, Figure 6, permits
straight-through flow when open and is,
therefore, less resistant to flow than
the lift check.
Note:  A word of caution regard-
ing the swing check: There have
been instances when a swing check
stayed open a few seconds after the
reversal of flow began, allowing the
velocity of backflow to rise to such
a point that, when closure finally
did occur, it was instantaneous and
the resulting shock to the valve
and system caused serious damage.
Good insurance against such a pos-
sibility is a lever and weight or a
spring to ensure immediate closure upon
reversal of flow.
Figure 6  Swing Check
The lift check, Figure 7, is primarily for
use with gases or compressed air or in fluid
systems where pressure drop is not critical.
Valve Materials
A single valve may be constructed of sev-
eral materials. It may have a bronze body, a
monel seat, and an aluminum wheel. Mate-
rial specifications depend on the operating
conditions.
 Continuing Education: Valves
Figure 7  Lift Check
Brass and Bronze
Brass usually consists of 85% copper, 5%
lead, 5% tin, and 5% zinc. Bronze has a
higher copper content, ranging from 86 to
90%, with the remaining percentage divided
among lead, tin, and zinc.
Of particular importance is the zinc
content. Industry maximum is set at 15%, but
certain military and government specifications
allow no more than 6%.
Under certain circumstances, a phe-
nomenon known as “dezincification” will
occur in valves or pipes containing zinc. The
action is a result of electrolysis; in effect,
the zinc is actually drawn out and removed
from the brass or bronze, leaving a porous,
brittle, and weakened material. The higher
the zinc content, the greater the susceptibil-
ity to dezincification. To slow or prevent the
process, tin, phosphorus antimony, and other
inhibitors are added. Brass valves should not
be used for operating temperatures above
450°F (232.2°C). The maximum for bronze
in 550°F (287.8°C).
Iron
Iron used in valves usually conforms to ASTM
Standard A26. Although iron-bodied valves
are manufactured in sizes as small as ¼-in.
(6.4-mm) nominal diameter, they are most
commonly stocked in sizes of 2 in. (50.8 mm)
and above. In these larger sizes, they are con-
siderably less expensive than bronze.
The higher weight of iron valves, as com-
pared to bronze valves, should be considered
when figuring hanger spacing and loads.
A typical 2-in. (50.8-mm) screwed, bronze,
globe valve rated at 125 psi (861.3 kPa)
weighs about 13 lb (5.9 kg). The same valve
in iron weighs 15 lb (6.8 kg) and, if specified
with a yoke bonnet, about 22 lb (10 kg).
Malleable Iron
Malleable iron valves are stronger, stiffer,
and tougher than iron-bodied valves and
hold tighter pressures. Toughness is most
52 Plumbing Systems & Design • Nov/Dec 2005
valuable for piping subjected to stresses and
shocks.
Stainless Steel
For highly corrosive fluids, stainless steel
valves provide the maximum corrosion
resistance, high strength, and good wearing
properties. Seating surfaces, stems, and discs
of stainless steel are suitable where foreign
materials in the fluids handled could have
adverse effects.
Valve Ratings
Most valve manufacturers rate their prod-
ucts in terms of saturated steam pressure;
or pressure of nonshock cold water, oil,
or gas (WOG); or both. These ratings usu-
ally appear on the body of the valve. For
instance, a valve with the markings “125”
with “200 WOG” will operate safely at 125
psi (861.3 kPa) of saturated steam or 200 psi
(1378 kPa) cold water, oil, or gas.
The engineer should be familiar with the
markings on the valves specified and should
keep them in mind during construction
inspection. A ruptured valve can do much
damage.
Valve Components
Stems
Stem designs fall into four basic categories:
rising stem with outside screw, rising stem
with inside screw, nonrising stem with inside
screw, and sliding stem.
Rising stem with outside screw  This
design is ideal where the valve is infre-
quently used and the possibility of stick-
ing would constitute a hazard, such as in a
fire-protection system. In this arrangement,
the screws are not subject to corrosion or
elements in the line fluid that might cause
damage because they are outside the valve
body. Also, being outside, they can easily be
lubricated.
As with any other rising stem valve, suf-
ficient clearance must be allowed to enable
a full opening.
Rising stem with inside screw  This
design is the simplest and most common
stem design for gate, globe, and angle valves.
The position of the hand wheel indicates the
position of the disc, opened or closed.
Nonrising stem  These are ideal where
headroom is limited. They are generally
limited to use with gate valves. In this type,
the screw does not raise the stem but rather
raises and lowers the disc. As the stem only
rotates and does not rise, wear on packings
is slightly lessened.
Sliding stem  These are applied where
quick opening and closing are required. A
lever replaces the hand wheel, and stem
threads are eliminated.
Bonnets
In choosing valves, the service characteris-
tics of the bonnet joint should not be over-
looked. Bonnets and bonnet joints must
provide a leakproof closure for the body.
There are many modifications, but the three
most common types are screwed-in bonnet,
screwed union-ring bonnet, and bolted
bonnet.
Screwed-in bonnet  This is the simplest
and least expensive construction, frequently
used on bronze gate, globe, and angle
valves and recommended where frequent
dismantling is not needed. When properly
designed with running threads and carefully
assembled, the screwed-in bonnet makes a
durable, pressure-tight seal that is suited for
many services.
Screwed union-ring bonnet  This con-
struction is convenient where valves need
frequent inspection or cleaning—also for
quick renewal or changeover of the disc in
composition disc valves. A separate union
ring applies a direct load on the bonnet to
hold the pressure-tight joint with the body.
The turning motion used to tighten the ring
is split between the shoulders of the ring
and bonnet. Hence, the point of seal con-
tact between the bonnet and the body is less
subject to wear from frequent opening of the
joint.
Contact faces are less likely to be damaged
in handling. The union ring gives the body
added strength and rigidity against internal
pressure and distortion.
While ideal on smaller valves, the screwed,
union-ring bonnet is impractical on large
sizes.
Bolted bonnet joint  A practical and
commonly used joint for larger size valves or
for higher-pressure applications, the bolted
bonnet joint has multiple boltings with
smaller diameter bolts that permit equal-
ized sealing pressure without the excessive
torque needed to make large threaded joints.
Only small wrenches are needed.
End Connections
Valves are available with screwed, welded,
brazed, soldered, flared, flanged, and hub
ends.
Screwed End
This is by far the most widely used type of
end connection. It is found in brass, iron,
steel, and alloy piping materials. It is suited
for all pressures but is usually confined
to smaller pipe sizes. The larger the pipe
size, the more difficult it is to make up the
screwed joint.
Welded End
This type of end is available only in steel
valves and fittings and is mainly for higher-
pressure and -temperature services. It is rec-
ommended for lines not requiring frequent
dismantling. There are two types of welded
end materials: butt end socket welding. Butt-
welding valves and fittings come in all sizes;
socket-welding ends are usually limited to
smaller sizes.
Brazed End
This is available on brass materials. The ends
of such materials are specially designed for
the use of brazing alloys to make the joint.
When the equipment and brazing material
are heated with a welding torch to the tem-
perature required by the alloy, a tight seal
is formed between the pipe and valve or
fitting. While made in a manner similar to
a solder joint, a brazed joint can withstand
higher temperatures due to the brazing
materials used.
Soldered Joint
This is used with copper tubing for plumb-
ing and heating lines and for many low-pres-
sure industrial services. The joint is soldered
by applying heat. Because of close clearance
between the tubing and the socket of the fit-
ting or valve, the solder flows into the joint
by capillary action. The use of soldered joints
under high temperatures is limited because
of the low melting point of the solder. Silver
solder or silfos are used for higher pressures
and temperatures.
Flared End
This is commonly used on valves and fit-
tings for metal and plastic tubing up to 2 in.
(50.8 mm) diameter. The end of the tubing
is skirted or flared and a ring nut is used to
make a union type joint.
Flanged End
This is generally used when screwed ends
become impractical because of cost, size,
strength of joint, etc. Flanged ends are gen-
erally used for larger-diameter lines due to
ease of assembly and dismantling. Flanged
facings are available in various designs
depending on service requirements. One
important rule is to match facings. When
bolting iron valves to forged steel flanges,
the facing should be of the flat face design
on both surfaces.
Hub End
This is generally limited to valves for water-
supply and sewage piping. The joint is
assembled on the socket principle, with the
pipe inserted in the hub end of the valve or
fitting then caulked with oakum and sealed
with molten lead.
Abbreviations
AGA  American Gas Association
AISI  American Iron and Steel Institute
ANSI  American National Standards Institute
API  American Petroleum Institute
ASME  American Society of Mechanical
Engineers
ASTM  American Standard for Testing and
Material
AWWA  American Water Works Association
BUNA-N  Butadiene and acryloni-
trile  (nitrile rubber)
CSA  Canadian Standards Association (also
CSA International) (approval agency for
AGA)
CWP  Cold working pressure
EPDM  Ethylene-propylene diene monomer
IBBM  Iron body, bronze mounted (trim)
IS  Inside screw
MSS  Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the Valve and Fittings Industry
NBR  Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber
NFPA  National Fire Protection Association
NRS  Nonrising stem
OS&Y  Outside screw and yoke
PSI  Pounds per square inch
PTFE  Polytetrafluoroethylene plastic
RS  Rising stem
SWP  Steam working pressure
TFE  Tetrafluoroethylene plastic
WCB  Wrought carbon, grade B
WOG  Water, oil, gas (cold working pres-
sure)
WWP  Water working pressure
Glossary
Ball  A valve consisting of a single drilled
ball that is operated by a handle attached
to the vertical axis of the ball, which per-
mits fluid flow in a straight-through direc-
tion. The ball within the valve body may be
rotated fully opened or fully closed by one
quarter turn of the handle.
Body  That part of the valve that attaches
to the pipeline or equipment—with screwed
ends, flanged ends, or soldered/welded joint
ends—and encloses the working parts of the
valve.
Bonnet  The part of the valve housing
through which the stem extends. It provides
support and protection to the stem and
houses the stem packing. It may be screwed
or bolted to the body.
Butterfly  A type of valve consisting of
a single disc that is operated by a handle
attached to the disc, which permits fluid flow
in a straight-through direction. The valve is
bidirectional. The disc within the valve body
may be rotated fully open or fully closed by
one quarter turn of the handle.
Cap  The top part of the housing of a
check valve (equivalent to the bonnet of a
gate or globe valve), which may be either
screwed or bolted onto the main body.
Check valve  An automatic, self-closing
valve that permits flow in only one direc-
tion. It automatically closes by gravity when
liquid ceases to flow in that direction. 
Nov/Dec 2005 • Plumbing Systems & Design 53
Clapper  A common term that is used
to describe the disc of a swing type, check
valve.
Disc  The disc-shaped device that is
attached to the bottom of the stem and that
is brought into contact with or lifted off the
seating surfaces to close or open a globe
valve or butterfly valve.
Flanged bonnet  A type of bonnet so
constructed that it attaches to the body
by means of a flanged, bolted connection.
The whole bonnet assembly, including the
hand wheel, stem, and disc, may be quickly
removed by unscrewing the nuts from the
bonnet stud bolts.
Gate valve  A valve that is used to open
or close off the flow of fluid through a pipe.
It is so named because of the wedge (gate)
that is either raised out of or lowered into a
double-seated sluice to permit full flow or
completely shut off flow. The passageway
through a gate valve is straight through,
uninterrupted, and is the full size of the
pipeline into which the valve is installed.
Gland bushing  A metal bushing installed
between the packing nut and the packing to
transmit the force exerted by the packing nut
against the packing.
Globe valve  A valve that is used for throt-
tling or regulating the flow through a pipe.
It is so named because of the globular shape
of the body. The disc is raised off a horizon-
tal seating surface to permit flow or lowered
against the horizontal seating surface to shut
off flow. The disc may be lifted completely
to permit full flow or lifted only slightly to
throttle or regulate flow. The flow through a
globe valve has to make two 90° turns.
Hand wheel  The wheel-shaped turning
device by which the stem is rotated, thus lift-
ing or lowering the disc or wedge.
Hinge pin  The valve part that the disc or
clapper of a check valve swings.
Outside screw and yoke  A type of
bonnet so constructed that the operating
threads of the stem are outside the valve
housing, where they may be easily lubri-
cated and do not come into contact with the
fluid flowing through the valve.
Packing  A general term describing any
yielding material used to affect a tight joint.
Valve packing is generally “jam packing”; it is
pushed into a stuffing box and adjusted from
time to time by tightening down a packing
gland or packing nut.
Packing gland  A device that holds and
compresses the packing and provides for
additional compression by manual adjust-
ment of the gland as wear of the packing
occurs. A packing gland may be screwed or
bolted in place. 
Packing nut  A nut that is screwed into
place and presses down upon a gland bush-
ing, which transmits the force exerted by
 Continuing Education: Valves
the packing nut to the packing. It serves the
same purpose as the packing gland.
Rising stem  A threaded component that
is unscrewed or screwed through the bonnet
to open or close the valve. The hand wheel
may rise with the stem, or the stem may rise
through the hand wheel.
Screwed bonnet  A type of bonnet so
constructed that it attaches to the body by
means of a screwed joint. A bonnet may be
attached to the body by screwing over the
body or inside the body, or by means of a
union type, screwed connection.
Solid wedge  A wedge consisting of one
solid piece into which the valve stem is
attached, so it seals against the valve seat-
ing surfaces to ensure a tight seal when the
valve is closed.
Split wedge  A wedge consisting of two
pieces into which the valve stem is screwed,
so it expands the two pieces against the
valve seating surfaces to ensure a tight seal
when the valve is closed.
Standard port  The area through the
valve is less than the area of standard pipe.
Stem  The usually threaded shaft to which
is attached the hand wheel at the top and
the disc or wedge at the lower end. The stem
may also be called the “spindle.”
Stop plug  An adjusting screw that extends
through the body of a check valve. It adjusts
and controls the extent of movement of the
disc or clapper.
Swing check valve  A check valve that
uses a hinged disc or clapper to limit the
direction of flow. The pressure exerted by
the fluid flowing through the valve forces
the disc away from the seating surface.
When the flow ceases, the clapper falls to
its original position, preventing flow in the
opposite direction.
Union  A coupling fitting consisting of
three parts (a shoulder piece, a thread piece,
and a ring) that is used for coupling the ends
of pipe sections. Adjoining faces of shoul-
der and thread pieces are lapped together
to form a tight joint. Unions permit easy
disconnection for repair and replacement of
piping and fittings.
Union bonnet  A type of bonnet that is
so constructed that the whole bonnet assem-
bly, including the hand wheel, stem, and
disc assembly, may be quickly removed by
unscrewing the bonnet union ring from the
valve body.
Union ring  A large nut-like component
that secures the union thread and the union
shoulder together. It slips over and against
the shoulder piece and screws onto the
union thread piece.
Union shoulder piece  A part of the
union fastened to the pipe that retains the
union ring.
54 Plumbing Systems & Design • Nov/Dec 2005
Union threaded piece  That part of the
union that is fastened to the pipe and has
external threads over which the union ring
is screwed to effect a coupling.
Wedge  (See also disc.) The wedge-shaped
device that fits into the seating surfaces of a
gate valve and that is drawn out of contact
with the seating surfaces to permit flow or is
pushed down into contact with the seating
surfaces to close off flow with the valve.
100% area (full port)  The area through
the valve is equal to or greater than the area
of standard pipe.
MSS Standard Practices
Number
SP-25 Standard Marking System for Valves,
Fittings, Flanges and Unions
SP-42 150 lb. Corrosion Resistant Cast
Flanged Valves
SP-67 Butterfly Valves
SP-70 Cast Iron Gate Valves, Flanged and
Threaded Ends
SP-71 Cast Iron Swing Check Valves, Flanged
and Threaded Ends
SP-72 Ball Valves with Flanged or Butt-Weld-
ing Ends for General Service
SP-78 Cast Iron Plug Valves
SP-80 Bronze Gate, Globe, Angle and Check
Valves
SP-81 Stainless Steel, Bonnetless, Flanged,
Wafer, Knife Gate Valves
SP-82 Valve Pressure Testing Methods
SP-85 Cast Iron Valves
SP-110 Ball Valves
Notes: 1. Use of the last approved revi-
sion of all standards shall be used. 2. A
large number of former MSS Standard Prac-
tices have been approved by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) as ANSI
Standards. To maintain a single source of
authoritative information, MSS withdraws its
Standard Practices when they are approved
as ANSI Standards.
Valve Design Choices
1. Multiturn type
A. Gate
B. Globe/angle-globe
C. End connection
2. Check type (backflow prevention)
A. Swing
B. Lift
C. Silent or nonslam
D. End connection
3. Quarter-turn type
A. Ball
B. Butterfly-resilient seated
C. Plug
D. End connection.
Design Detail:  Gate Valves
Advantages and Recommendations
1. Good choice for on-off service
2. Full flow, low pressure drop
3. Bidirectional
4. Bypass valves should be provided
where the differential pressure exceeds
200 psi on valves 4½ to 6 in. and 100
psi on valves 8 in. and larger. Bypass
valves should be ½ in. for 4-in. valves
and ¾ in. for 5-in. valves or larger.
Disadvantages
1. Not for throttling: Use fully open or fully
closed. Flow through a partially open
gate valve causes vibration and chat-
tering and subjects the disc and seat to
inordinate wear.
2. Metal-to-metal seating means not best
choice for frequent operation. Bubble-
tight seating should not be expected
with metal-to-metal design.
3. Difficult to automate.
Disc and Seat Designs
1. Bronze or bronze-faced seating surfaces
are used with bronze and iron valves.
Iron valves may use all-iron seating
surfaces. These are preferred for low
pressures and temperatures and for
ordinary fluids. Stainless steel is used for
high-pressure steam and erosive media.
2. Nonmetallic, “composition” discs are
available for tight seating or hard-to-
hold fluids, such as air and gasoline. 
3. Solid-wedge disc design is thinner at the
bottom, thicker at the top, and forced
into the seat of a similar shape.
4. Double-disc or split-wedge disc design
are two discs employed back to back
with a spreading device between them.
As the valve wheel is turned, the gate
drops into its seat (as with any other
gate valve), but on the final turns of the
wheel, the spreader forces the discs out-
ward against the seats, effecting tighter
closure.
5. Resilient wedge is a rubber encapsu-
lated metal wedge that seals against an
epoxy-coated body. Resilient wedge is
limited to cold-water applications.
Design Detail:  Globe/Angle-Globe
Valve
Advantages and Recommendations
1. Recommended for throttling applica-
tions.
2. Positive bubble-tight shut-off when
equipped with resilient seating.
3. Good for frequent operation.
4. Easy to repair.
Disadvantages
1. Flow path causes a significant pressure
drop.
2. Globe valves are more costly than alter-
native valves.  seats
Disc and Seat Designs
1. Resilient (soft) seat discs are preferred
over metal-to-metal except where tem-
peratures, very close throttling or abra-
sive flow make all-metal seating a better
choice. Stainless steel trim is available
for medium- to high-pressure steam and
abrasive applications. Tetrafluoroethyl-
ene (TFE) is the best resilient disc mate-
rial for most services, although rubber’s
softness gives good performance in cold
water. TFE is good up to 400°F. Butadi-
ene and acrylonitrile (Buna-N) is good
up to 200°F.
2. Automatic, steam, stop-check, angle-
globe valves are best on medium-pres-
sure steam service.
3. Where the sliding action of the semiplug
disc assembly permits the valve to serve
as a shut-off valve, throttling valve, and
or a check valve.
Design Detail:  Check Valves (Backflow
Prevention)
1. Swing type check valves offer the least
pressure drop and offer simple auto-
matic closure; when fluid flow stops,
gravity and flow reversal close the valve.
Many bronze valves offer a Y-pattern
body with an angle seat for improved
performance. Resilient Teflon seating is
preferred for tighter shut-off.
2. Lift checks come in an in-line or globe-
style body pattern. Both cause greater
pressure drop than the swing type, with
the horizontal pattern similar in restric-
tion to globe valves.
3. Some styles are spring actuated and
center guided for immediate closure
when flow stops. The in-line, spring-
actuated lift check is also referred to as
the “silent check” because the spring
closes the valve before gravity and fluid
reversal can slam the valve closed. Resil-
ient seating is recommended.
4. Double-disc check valves have twin
discs on a spring-loaded center shaft.
These valves have better flow charac-
teristics than lift checks and most often
use a wafer body for low cost and easy
installation. Resilient seating is recom-
mended.
Design Detail:  Quarter-Turn Ball
Valves
Advantages and Recommendations
1. Bubble-tight shut-off from resilient (TFE)
2. Quick, 90° open/close, not torque
dependent for seating
3. Straight-through, unobstructed flow,
bidirectional
4. Easier to automate than multiturn valves
5. More compact than multiturn valves
6. Offer long cycle life.
Disadvantages
1. Temperature and pressure range limited
by seat material.
2. Cavity around ball traps media and does
not drain entrapped media. Susceptible
to freezing, expansion, and increased
pressure due to increased temperature.
Body Styles
1. One-piece valves have no potential
body leak path but have a double
reduced port, thus, significant pressure
drop occurs. Not repairable, they are
used primarily by chemical and refining
plants.
2. Two-piece end entries are used most
commonly in building services. They are
the best value valves and are available
in full- or standard-port balls. They are
recommended for on-off or throttling
service and not recommended to be
repaired.
3. Three-piece type valves are more costly
but are easier to disassemble and offer
the possibility of in-line repair. They are
available in full- or standard-port balls.
Port Size
1. Full-port ball valves provide a pressure
drop equal to the equivalent length of
the pipe, slightly better than gate valves.
2. Standard- (conventional-) port balls are
up to one pipe size smaller than the
nominal pipe size but still have signifi-
cantly better flow characteristics than
globe valves.
3. Reduced-port ball valves have greater
than one pipe size flow restriction
and are not recommended in building
services piping but rather are used for
process piping for hazardous material
transfer.
End Connections
1. Threaded ball valves with ANSI female
taper threads are most commonly used
with pipe up to 2 in.  2. Quick, 90° open/close, not dependent
2. Soldered-end valves permit the direct
connection of bronze ball valves to 2-
Nov/Dec 2005 • Plumbing Systems & Design 55
in. copper tubing. Care must be taken
not to overheat and damage the valves
during the soldering process.
Handle Extensions
1. Insulated handle extensions or extended
handles should be used to keep insu-
lated piping systems intact.
Design Detail:  Quarter-Turn Butterfly
Valves
Advantages and Recommendations
1. Bubble-tight shut-off from resilient seats
2. Quick, 90° open/close; easier to auto-
mate than multiturn valves
3. Very cost-effective compared to alterna-
tive valve choices
4. Broad selection of trim materials to
match different fluid conditions
5. More compact than multiturn valves
6. Offer long cycle life
7. Dead-end service.
Disadvantages
1. Not to be used with steam.
2. Gear operators are needed for 8 in. and
larger valves to aid in operation and
protect against operating too quickly
and causing destructive line shock.
Body Styles
1. Wafer style valves are held in place
between two pipe flanges.  They are
easy to install but cannot be used as
isolation valves.
2. Lug-style valves have wafer bodies but
tapped lugs matching up to bolt circles
of class 125/150-lb flanges. They are
easily installed with cap screws from
either side. Lug style designs from some
manufacturers permit dropping the pipe
from one side while the valve holds full
pressure if needed.
3. Groove butterfly valves directly connect
to pipe using iron-pipe-size, grooved
couplings. While more costly than wafer
valves, grooved valves are the easiest to
install.
Design Detail:  Quarter-Turn Valves,
Lubricated Plug Cocks
Advantages and Recommendations
1. Bubble-tight shut-off from stem seal of
reinforced Teflon. Leakproof, spring-
loaded ball and lubricated, sealed check
valve and combination lubricant screw
and button head fitting prevent foreign
matter from being forced into the lubri-
cation system.
on torque for seating.
 Continuing Education: Valves
3. Straight-through, unobstructed flow,
bidirectional flow, three-way flow, or
four-way flow.
4. Offers long cycle life.
5. Adjustable stop for balancing or throt-
tling service.
6. Can be supplied with round, diamond,
or rectangular (standard) plug.
7. Mechanism for power operation or
remote control of any size and type to
operate with air, oil, or water.
Disadvantages
1. Temperature and pressure range limited
by type of lubricant sealant and ANSI
Standard rating, i.e. 150 psi steam work-
ing pressure (SWP) and 200 psi non-
shock, cold working pressure (CWP),
and water, oil, gas (WOG).
General Valve Specification by Service
Hot and Cold Domestic Water Service
Gate valve
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and smaller
shall be class 125, rated 125 psi SWP, 200
psi nonshock CWP, rising stem. Body, union
bonnet, and solid wedge shall be of ASTM
B-62 cast bronze with threaded ends. Stems
shall be of dezincification-resistant silicon
bronze, ASTM B-371, or low-zinc alloy, ASTM
B-99. Packing glands shall be of bronze,
ASTM B-62, with aramid fiber, nonasbes-
tos packing, complete with malleable hand
wheel. Valves shall comply with MSS SP-80.
2½ in. and larger  Valves 2½ in. and
larger shall be class 125, rated 100 psi SWP,
150 psi nonshock CWP; and have an iron
body, bronze-mounted outside screw and
yoke (OS&Y), with body and bolted bonnet
conforming to ASTM A-126 class B cast-iron,
flanged ends, with aramid fiber, nonasbestos
packing and two-piece packing gland assem-
bly. Valves shall comply with MSS SP-70.
All domestic water valves 4 in. and larger
that are buried in the ground shall be iron
body, bronze-fitted, with O-ring stem seal;
and have epoxy coating inside and outside
and a resilient-seated gate valve with non-
rising stem and mechanical joint or flanged
ends as required. All valves furnished shall
open left. All internal parts shall be acces-
sible without removing the valve body from
the line. Valves shall conform to AWWA
C509-89, Standard for Resilient-Seated
Gate Valves. Epoxy coating shall conform
to AWWA C550-90, Standard for Protective
Epoxy Interior Coating for Valves.
Ball valves
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and smaller
shall be rated 150 psi SWP, 600 psi nonshock
CWP; and have two-piece, cast brass bodies,
replaceable reinforced Teflon seats, full-port
56 Plumbing Systems & Design • Nov/Dec 2005
¼–1 in., conventional-port 1¼–2 in., blow-
out-proof stems, chrome-plated brass ball,
and threaded or soldered ends. Valves shall
comply with MSS SP-110
Globe valves
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and smaller
shall be of class 125, rated 125 psi SWP, 200
psi nonshock CWP; body and bonnet shall
be of ASTM B-62 cast-bronze composition
with threaded or soldered ends. Stems shall
be of dezincification-resistant silicon bronze,
ASTM B-371, or low-zinc alloy, ASTM B-99.
Packing glands shall be of bronze, ASTM B-
62, with aramid fiber, nonasbestos packing,
complete with malleable hand wheel. Valves
shall comply with MSS SP-80.
2½ in. and larger  Valves 2½ in. and
larger shall be class 125, rated 125 psi SWP,
200 psi nonshock CWP; and have an iron
body, bronze-mounted OS&Y, with body
and bolted bonnet conforming to ASTM
A-126 class B cast-iron, flanged ends, with
aramid fiber, nonasbestos packing, and two-
piece packing gland assembly. Valves shall
comply with MSS SP-85.
Butterfly valves
2½ in. and larger  Valves 2 ½ in. and
larger shall be rated 200 psi nonshock CWP;
and have a lug or IPS grooved type body
with 2-in. extended neck for insulating. They
shall be ductile iron, ASTM A 536; with stain-
less steel disc; 416 stainless steel stem; eth-
ylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) O-
ring stem seals; and resilient, EPDM rubber
molded to seat. Sizes 2½ to 6 in. shall be
lever operated with a ten-position throt-
tling plate; sizes 8 to 12 in. shall have gear
operators; sizes 14 in. and larger shall have
worm gear operators only. They are suitable
for use as bidirectional isolation valves and,
as recommended by the manufacturer, on
dead-end service at full pressure without the
need for downstream flanges.
Valves shall comply with MSS SP-67.
Note:  Butterfly valves in dead-end ser-
vice require both upstream and downstream
flanges for proper shut-off and retention
or must be certified by the manufacturer
for dead-end service without downstream
flanges.
Check valves
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and smaller
shall be class 125, rated 125 psi SWP, 200 psi
nonshock CWP; and have threaded or sol-
dered ends, with body and cap conforming
to ASTM B-62 cast bronze composition, y-
pattern swing type disc. Valves shall comply
with MSS SP-80
Note:  Class 150 valves meeting the above
specifications may be used where system
pressure requires. For class 125 seat disc,
specify Buna-N for WOG service and TFE for
steam service. For class 150 seat disc, specify
TFE for steam service.
2½ in. and larger  Valves 2½ in. and
larger shall be class 125, rated 125 psi SWP,
200 psi nonshock CWP; iron body, bronze
mounted, with body and bolted bonnet con-
forming to ASTM A-126 class B cast-iron,
flanged ends, swing type disc, and nonas-
bestos gasket. Valves shall comply with MSS
SP-71.
Alternative check valves (2½ in. and
larger) shall be class 125/250 iron body,
bronze mounted, wafer check valve, with
ends designed for flanged type connection,
aluminum bronze disc, EPDM seats, 316
stainless steel torsion spring, and hinge pin.
A spring-actuated check valve is to be
used on pump discharge. Swing check with
outside lever and spring (not center guided)
is to be used on sewage ejectors or storm-
water sump pumps.
Fire-Protection System
Gate valves
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and
smaller shall be of class 175 psi water work-
ing pressure (WWP) or greater, with body
and bonnet conforming to ASTM-B-62, cast-
bronze composition, threaded ends, OS&Y,
solid disc and listed by UL, FM approved,
and in compliance with MSS SP-80.
2½ in. and larger  Valves 2½ in. and
larger shall be rated 175 psi WWP or greater,
and have an iron body, bronze mounted or
with resilient rubber encapsulated wedge,
with body and bonnet conforming to ASTM
A-126, class B cast-iron, OS&Y, class 125
flanged or grooved ends. If of resilient
wedge design, interior of valve is to be epoxy
coated. Valves shall meet or exceed AWWA
C509-89, Standard for Protective Epoxy Inte-
rior Coating for Valves. Valves are to be UL
listed, FM approved, and in compliance with
MSS SP-70.
Valves 4 in. and larger for under-
ground bury shall be rated 200 psi WWP
or greater, with body and bonnet con-
forming to ASTM A-126, class B cast iron,
bronze mounted, resilient-seated gate valve
with nonrising stem, with O-ring stem seal,
epoxy coating inside and outside, flanged or
mechanical joint ends as required. All valves
furnished shall open left. All internal parts
shall be accessible without removing the
valve body from the line. Valves shall con-
form to AWWA C509-89, Standard for Resil-
ient-Seated Gate Valves. Epoxy coating shall
conform to AWWA C550-90, Standard for
Protective Epoxy Interior Coating for Valves.
Valves shall come complete with mounting
plate for indicator post and be UL listed, FM
approved, and in compliance with MSS SP-
70.
 When required, a vertical indicator post
may be used on underground valves.  Posts
must provide a means of knowing if the
valve is open or shut. Indicator posts must
be UL listed and FM approved.
High-Rise Service
Gate valves
2½- to 12-in.  Gate valves 2½ to 10 in.
shall be rated 300 psi WWP or greater, 12
in. shall be rated 250 psi WWP, and have an
iron body, bronze mounted, with body and
bonnet conforming to ASTM A-126, class B,
cast iron, OS & Y, with flanged ends for use
with class 250/300 flanges. They shall be UL
listed, FM approved, and in compliance with
MSS SP-70.
Check valves
2½- to 12-in.  Check valves 2½ to 10 in.
shall be rated 300 psi WWP or greater, 12 in.
shall be rated 250 psi WWP, and have an iron
body, bronze mounted, with a horizontal
swing check design, with body and bonnet
conforming to ASTM A 126 Class B, cast
iron, with flanged ends for use with class
250/300 flanges. They shall be UL listed, FM
approved, and in compliance with MSS SP-
71.
Note:  In New York City, valves are to be
approved by the New York City Materials
and Equipment Acceptance Division (MEA),
in addition to the above specifications.
Ball valves
2 in. and smaller  Valves 2 in. and smaller
shall be constructed of commercial bronze,
ASTM B 584, rated 175 psi WWP or higher,
with reinforced TFE seats. Valves shall have
a gear operator with a raised position indi-
cator and two internal supervisory switches.
Valves shall have threaded or IPS grooved
ends and shall have blowout-proof stems
and chrome-plated balls. They shall be UL
listed, FM approved, and in compliance with
MSS SP-110 for fire-protection service.
Butterfly valves
4 to 12 in.  Butterfly valves may be sub-
stituted for gate valves, where appropri-
ate. Valves shall be rated for 250 psi WWP,
Nov/Dec 2005 • Plumbing Systems & Design 57
175 psig working pressure, UL listed, FM
approved and in compliance with MSS SP-
67. 
Valves furnished shall have ductile-iron
ASTM A-536 body, and may have ductile-iron
ASTM A-395 (nickel-plated) discs or alumi-
num bronze discs, depending upon the local
water conditions. In addition, wafer style for
installation between class 125/150 flanges or
lug style or grooved body may be specified,
depending upon the system needs.
Valves shall be equipped with weather-
proof gear operator rated for indoor/out-
door use, with hand wheel and raised posi-
tion indicator with two internal supervisory
switches.
Check valves  Valves 2½ in. and larger
shall be 500 psi WWP, bolted bonnet, with
body and bonnet conforming to ASTM A-
126, class B cast iron, flanged end with com-
position y-pattern, horizontal, swing type
disc. They shall be UL listed, FM approved,
and in compliance with MSS SP-71 type 1 for
fire-protection service. n
 Continuing Education: Valves
Continuing Education from Plumbing Systems & Design
Kenneth G.Wentink, PE, CPD, and Robert D. Jackson, Chicago Chapter President
Do you find it difficult to obtain continuing education units
(CEUs)? Is it hard for you to attend technical seminars? Through
Plumbing Systems & Design (PS&D), ASPE can help you accumulate
the CEUs required for maintaining your Certified in Plumbing Design
(CPD) status.
ASPE features a technical article in every issue of PS&D, excerpted
from its own publications. Each article is followed by a multiple-
choice test and a simple reporting form.
Reading the article and completing the form will allow you
to apply to ASPE for CEU credit. For most people, this process
will require approximately 1 hour. A nominal processing fee is
charged—$25 for ASPE members and $35 for nonmembers (until
further notice, the member fee is waived). If you earn a grade of
90% or higher on the test, you will be notified that you have logged
CE Questions—“Valves” (PSD 130)
1. Dezincification occurs in valves as a result of _________.
a. electrolysis
b. high velocity
c. high pressure
d. water hammer
2. All domestic water gate valves 4 inches and larger that
are buried in the ground shall be iron body, bronze
fitted with __________.
a. o-ring stem seal
b. epoxy coating inside and out
c. resilient seats
d. all of the above
3. MSS withdraws its standard practices when __________.
a. they have been revised
b. they are approved as ANSI standards
c. they are in conflict with local codes
d. none of the above
4. The valve type that is best suited for all services is a
__________ valve.
a. ball
b. gate
c. globe
d. none of the above
5. When a gate valve is fully open, it __________.
a. has the highest resistance to flow of all valve types
b. has the least resistance to flow of all valve types
c. causes water hammer in the piping system
d. creates velocity surges
6. Butterfly valves in dead-end service require __________.
a. flanges upstream and down stream for shut-off and
proper retention
b. lock nuts on the flange bolts
c. certification by the manufacture for dead-end service
without downstream flanges
d. a or c but not b
58 Plumbing Systems & Design • Nov/Dec 2005
0.1 CEU, which can be applied toward the CPD renewal requirement
or numerous regulatory-agency CE programs. (Please note that it is
your responsibility to determine the acceptance policy of a particular
agency.) CEU information will be kept on file at the ASPE office for 3
years.
No certificates will be issued in addition to the notification letter.
You can apply for CEU credit on any technical article that has
appeared in PS&D within the past 12 months. However, CEU credit
only can be obtained on a total of eight PS&D articles in a 12-month
period.
Note: In determining your answers to the CE questions, use only
the material presented in the continuing education article. Using
other information may result in a wrong answer.
7. Bypass valves should be provided where the differential
pressure exceeds __________ psi on valves sized 4-6
inches.
a. 100
b. 150
c. 200
d. 250
8. Two-inch and smaller ball valves rated 150 psi SWP,
600 psi non-shock CPW with two-piece, cast brass
bodies, replaceable reinforced Teflon seats, blowout-
proof stems, chrome plated brass ball and threaded or
soldered ends must comply with MSS __________.
a. SP-110
b. standard practices
c. SP-72
d. all of the above
9. The cap of a check valve is the equivalent to the ______.
a. bonnet of a gate or globe valve
b. operating pressure
c. packing gland of a ball valve
d. none of the above
10. By-pass valves __________.
a. are required when differential pressure exceeds 200
psi on gate valves 4-6 inches and 100 psi gate valves 8
inches and larger
b. must be 2 inches in diameter
c. should be provided where the differential pressure
exceeds 200 psi on gate valves 4½-6 inches and 100 psi
on gate valves 8 inches and larger
d. must be ½ inch or ¾ inch only
11. One advantage of the butterfly valve is that it can be
placed in very small spaces between __________.
a. other valves
b. equipment
c. piping
d. pipe flanges
12. When flow begins in a globe valve, __________.
a. wire drawing is minimized
b. contact between the seat and disk ends
c. a and b above
d. none of the above
 Plumbing Systems & Design
Continuing Education Application Form
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2. PRINT your name and address. Be sure to place your membership number in the appropriate space. This form is valid up to
1 year from date of publication. The PS&D continuing education unit program is approved by ASPE for up to 1 contact hour
(0.1 CEU) of credit per article studied.
3. Answer the multiple-choice continuing education (CE) questions (found after each CE article) and the appraisal questions
on this page.
4. Submit this form and the answer sheet below, with the payment of the appropriate fee by check or money order made pay-
able to ASPE, or submit the credit card information to ASPE Education Credit, 8614 W. Catalpa Avenue, Suite 1007, Chicago,
IL 60656–1116.
5. Participants who earn a passing score (90%) on the CE questions will receive a letter of certification within 30 days of PS&D’s
receipt of the application (no special certificates will be issued). (CEU information will be retained on the ASPE Database.)
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(currently waived) or $35 for a nonmember.
Please print or type; this information will be used to process your credits.
Name _ __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________ ASPE Membership No.____________________________________
Organization _ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Billing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Country____________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________
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I am applying for the following continuing education credits:
I certify that I have read the article indicated above.
Signature
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for this examination through November 30, 2006.
Applications received after that date will not be processed.
Each examination: $25 Each examination: $35
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PS&D Continuing Education Answer Sheet
Valves (PSD 130)
Questions appear on page 58. Circle the answer to each question.
Q 1. A B C D
Q 2. A B C D
Q 3. A B C D
Q 4. A B C D
Q 5. A B C D
Q 6. A B C D
Q 7. A B C D
Q 8. A B C D
Q 9. A B C D
Q 10. A B C D
Q 11. A B C D
Q 12. A B C D
Appraisal Questions
Valves (PSD 130)
1. Was the material new information for you? ❏ Yes ❏ No
2. Was the material presented clearly? ❏ Yes ❏ No
3. Was the material adequately covered? ❏ Yes ❏ No
4. Did the content help you achieve the stated objectives? ❏ Yes ❏ No
5. Did the CE questions help you identify specific ways to use ideas presented in
the article? ❏ Yes ❏ No
6. How much time did you need to complete the CE offering (i.e., to read the
article and answer the post-test questions)?___________________

Nov/Dec 2005 • Plumbing Systems & Design 59