Exploring the Protection Capabilities of Control Valve Enclosures

As the name implies, control valves regulate the flow of liquids or gasses. Control valves can be powered by electricity, air or water. They are crucial as a final mechanism to ensure proper function in any flow-based system.

Control valve equipment is sensitive and often mission-critical and, historically, they've been installed in underground vaults, which are prone to flooding and, as enclosed spaces, pose a risk to personnel. It's time to shift to a new mindset, installing control valves above grade and securing them in an enclosure so only authorized personnel have access.

 

About Control Valve Enclosures:

When considering an enclosure, consider the following factors: 

Environment: Is the control valve indoors or outdoors? For any control valve system, the valve should be kept in a secured, insulated enclosure able to withstand the elements – indoors or out – and retain the ability to have liquids escape if needed. Enclosure materials must be able to withstand the demands of the environment around them.

Size: The enclosure should be large enough to adequately protect control valve equipment, while also providing for ample space for inspection, servicing or repair. A modular or panel-based enclosure can work as a solution for many control valves.

Manipulation: The control valve enclosure should also provide for easy penetrability, to allow for piping to pass through as needed.

 

Benefits of Enclosures for Control Valves:

enclosure with snowBenefit #1: Protecting Control Valves from External Elements

Enclosures provide protection from external elements, whether outdoor exposure to summer heat and storms or winter ice and cold, or indoors, exposure to excessive heat, moisture or unauthorized access.

Benefit #2: Preventing Contamination, Damage and Downtime

A secured enclosure helps uphold a culture of maintenance and safety, protecting equipment from potential damage from corrosion or contamination resulting in failure. Always perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance on your control valves. Having them secured only helps keep your operations running and can prolong valve lifespan.

Benefit #3: Compliance With Industry Standards and Regulations

Control valves may need to be kept secured and enclosed to adhere to industry or governmental compliance standards. Check with your local authorities to confirm regulations in your area, and if not needed, go above what’s expected and uphold a standard of safety beyond the letter of the law.

Benefit #4: Cost-Effectiveness and Maintenance Advantages

Safe-T-Cover enclosures are cost-effective and long-lasting solution for any control valve need. In many cases, they can last for 30 years or longer and, if damaged, only the broken panels need to be replaced, as opposed to an entire enclosure assembly.

Modular enclosures also, as mentioned above, provide for maximum ability to service and repair valve equipment.

 

enclosure picture 3Types of Control Valve Enclosures:

Weatherproof Enclosures

Our ASSE 1060-certified enclosures are built with marine grade aluminum, braced with durable and sustainable California redwood and insulated with R-9 polyisocyanurate installed directly into the paneling for maximum protection against deterioration or cracking.

Corrosion-Resistant Enclosures

Marine grade aluminum will resist corrosion and rust on its own for decades, protecting the critical components within.

 

Considerations for Enclosure Selection:

Environmental Factors Impacting Enclosure Choices

When choosing your enclosure, consider the control valve’s location and use case, as well as any regulations governing its function or installation.

Customization Options and Enclosure Designs

Will your valve system be outdoors and require slab-mounted heat? Does the system require adequate ventilation, such as fans or louvers? Alarms? Will it need pipe penetrations? Safe-T-Cover provides options for accessories to meet your specific needs, and has an entire experienced design team for custom scenarios.

Long-Term Maintenance of Control Valve Enclosures

Your control valves and systems will need routine review and maintenance. Your enclosure shouldn’t have to. A Safe-T-Cover enclosure provides years of worry-free, low- to no-maintenance protection and service.

 

Conclusion

Control valves are critical for many applications in the home and in business. If your valves are exposed to the elements or to conditions that may compromise proper function, you need to protect them with Safe-T-Cover.

FAQ

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What is a control valve used for?

 A control valve regulates the flow of gasses or liquids in an enclosed system.

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Should a control valve be covered?

We recommend all valve equipment be enclosed and secured.

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How do I cover a control valve?

A modular aluminum enclosure like Safe-T-Cover’s numerous options provides protection and peace of mind while also providing for maximum ability to service and repair equipment as needed.

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How do you keep control valves from freezing? 

They should be enclosed, insulated and if outdoors, outfitted with a slab-mounted heater to guarantee proper operation.

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Should control valves be insulated?

 Yes, whether to dampen noise indoors or to protect from extreme outdoor conditions, control valves should be enclosed and insulated.

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