Lesson 12 - Control of Fluid Flow 3
This lesson will consider valve technology, which is used to control fluid flow. It will cover the control functions of on-off, and modulating flow control, together with a description of the various valve types which can achieve these functions. The lesson will conclude with thoughts on the issue of managing valve leakage to avoid cross-stream contamination.
Valve Leakage
A significant issue common to all valve types described so far is the issue of leakage (also known as ‘passing’). We are all familiar with leaking valves, e.g. dripping taps or air leakage from valves on our car tyres. As inconvenient as these can be in our daily lives, in a brewing context, they can lead to a loss of product. More importantly, such leaks can lead to product contamination and in extreme cases, the need to destroy product with the associated financial losses.
Unfortunately, it is a fact that valves will leak. As much as we might try to avoid this, through good installation practices and proper maintenance practices, as sure as night follows day, valves will eventually leak. More accurately, we must anticipate that they will leak; so, rather than relying solely on avoiding leaks, which is not foolproof, we typically pursue an alternative approach. This should be one of ensuring that any leak which does occur is managed and does not adversely affect production or product quality. Let us spend a few minutes thinking about how we would manage a leak.
A valve is to be fitted in a pipeline, and it is important to ensure that the impact of any leak through the valve in either direction is minimised. How should we go about ensuring this? (You can be as creative as you wish).
Give yourself 5-10 mins to think about this and then click ‘Next’ to continue with this lesson.