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REPORTSFlange valves: one modularsystem for all applicationsJasmin MüllerThe extremely wide application spectrum for flange valves ranges from MEMS and fluid technologyto multiple aspects of processing technology and power engineering. This article describes amodular system, which was developed by GSR – a leading manufacturer of flange valves – in orderto enable an optimal adjustment of the valves to the individual application.SAs the valves are increasingly used indemanding and sometimes even criticalfields of application, they offer a highdegree of safety. The force pilot operatedsolenoid valves as from nominal sizeDN 32 for instance are as a standardequipped with an adjustable closedampening, in order to avoid waterhammer effects when the valve is clostandardproduct or individual design?Mechanical engineers are oftenconfronted with this question, whenthey need components for demandingmachinery and plants. When theychoose a standard product, they knowfor sure that the cost outline will befavourable, but on the other hand, theyhave to accept that the componentdoes not accurately meet the requirements.If they prefer using an individuallydesigned product, they will have toaccept that the engineering costs willbe high – as will be the costs – and nostatements or claims can be made asavailability and process safety are regarded,since they cannot revert to previousexperiences with this component.tions as well as saltwater-resistant versionsare included as well.Arbitrary control typeThe basics of the modular system arevalve series with piston, diaphragmand poppet seals which are availablefor different pressure ranges. Hereby,nominal sizes from DN 15 to DN 300and maximum pressures from 16 to160 bar are achieved. These designscan be combined with different controltypes; the modular programme includesdirect acting valves, pilot operatedvalves and force pilot operated valveswith manual, electrical and pneumaticoperation. The casings are made ofbrass, stainless steel or GG-25 or GS-C25 and of course, different sealingmaterials such as NBR, EPDM, FKMand PTFE are offered as well.High safety levelThe best of both worldsBoth methods have their advantagesand disadvantages. GSR Ventiltechnikhas developed a product concept(Figure 1), which offers the user the“best of both worlds”: a modular systemfor flange valves enabling the configurationof valves for demanding applications.As the system has grown through theyears, this modular design from GSRmeanwhile also covers rather “exotic”applications. The spectrum originallywas limited to rather small nominalwidths and applications for the conventionalfluid technology, but nowadaysversions for special fields, e.g. hightemperatureand high-pressure applica-Fig. 1: Overview of flange valves, different control types18Industrial Valves 2008