Chlorine can be seriously hazardous to health, but it’s also very useful in many different industrial applications. This is why – if you’re using this material at your facility – it’s so vital to deploy the right safety precautions against chlorine gas. Chlorine valves are a big part of this.
Here at Chemtech, we provide our customers with high-quality Sherwood valves – including the company’s own chlorine valve. These pieces of equipment are critical as you set up a reliable system at your premises that meets all of the CDC’s various guidelines for safely handling this type of gas.
But what exactly are these valves all about? How do they work, and what components are found within the body of the valve itself? These products are both simple and sophisticated, utilizing heavy-duty machined components and parts to achieve the right results without over-complicating the design and manufacture of the valve. Read on to discover more.
Packing Nut – A on the Diagram
Packing is required to enable the stem to move within the valve without allowing chlorine gas to escape. Essentially, this packing creates a strong sealant to keep gas within the system and to maintain high levels of safety within the facility. The packing nut keeps this part of the assembly securely fastened and is the outermost packing layer. It screws directly onto the body of the valve and is constructed from C36000 brass – a strong and machinable alloy of zinc and copper that meets industry standards.
Packing Gland – B on the Diagram
The packing gland sits within the packing nut above the body of the Sherwood chlorine valve. It is manufactured using the same high-quality C36000 brass as the packing nut it sits within.
Packing Components 2x – C on the Diagram
It is the packing components themselves that create the seal within the Sherwood chlorine valve while also providing lubricant so that the stem can move. Either Garlock 6130 or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used during the Sherwood valve construction and assembly process. Two packing components are required to complete the seal on the valve.
Packing Washer or Packing Collar – D on the Diagram
The packing washer or packing collar enables the packing nut to screw tightly onto the valve’s body with only a small amount of torque force applied, even when the gas in the valve is at high pressure. This part is made from naval brass, or C45000 brass, providing additional ductility and creep resistance.
Stem – E on the Diagram
The stem screws into the body of the valve via a thread and serves as the regulator for gas flowing through the unit. The lubricated packing enables the stem to move when torque is applied while maintaining a seal to prevent the escape of chlorine. Within this type of valve, the stem is made from a nickel alloy, and Sherwood uses Monel-branded nickel and copper alloy components with traces of iron and manganese within the compound. Shut-off and operation are made easy thanks to the industry-leading Monel stem and the expert design of the valve unit.
Outlet Cap Assembly – F on the Diagram
The outlet cap enables the body’s outlet to be closed when required. This cap is another component of the chlorine valve made from high-strength, industry-standard C36000 brass. A PTFE gasket is also required – this sits within the cap and provides a lubricating surface to enable easy turning even at low torque levels and to create a reliable seal.
Fusible Plug – G on the Diagram
The fusible plug serves as an early warning and release system if the valve’s temperature reaches dangerous levels. This plug fits into the body of the valve via a thread and features a drilled hole that runs right along its length. Within this hole is a metal with a lower melting point than the brass of the valve’s body. When the temperature approaches a dangerous level, this thin thread of metal will melt before the valve body does. The component is used across a variety of applications, from aviation through to industry and, of course, as a safety precaution within chlorine gas systems. On the Sherwood valve, this metal will melt at 73 degrees Celsius, and the fusible plug component is made from the same C45000 naval brass that is used for the packing washer or collar.
Body
The body makes up the bulk of the size and weight dimensions of the valve. This is the housing that the other components fit into, and the chlorine gas will flow through this unit within the broader gas system. Sherwood uses an ultra-strong aluminum silicon bronze, designated as C64210, for the body component. Corrosion resistance and extremely high levels of stability and usability are the benefits of this material.
The Difference Between Robust and Basic Sherwood Chlorine Gas Valves
Within our range of Sherwood chlorine gas valves, you’ll find two main types. These are the robust and the basic valve. In many senses, these two valves are almost identical, as both feature similar components and levels of construction quality, but there are differences.
As you might expect, the robust valve is designed for heavy-duty applications, frequent usage, and gases at higher pressures. To achieve this, the valve’s body and packing nut are manufactured to withstand this kind of usage. The remaining components are largely the same.
The basic valve also features reliable and well-constructed packing nut and body components, but these are not rated to the same usage level as on the robust model – the superior valve in the range. The best valve for you depends on your circumstances and the conditions of your operation.
Find the Sherwood Valve You Need in Our Range
The Sherwood valve range is extensive, and we’ve only scratched the surface in this article – looking specifically at chlorine gas valves. You’ll also find oxygen valves, compressed gas valves, and specialty valves designed for a range of industrial purposes. Browse the products we stock here at Chemtech and find the right component for your system, or reach out to our team to discover more about what we can provide.