How Wafer Plates Keep Your Equipment From Melting Down

 

You have heavy equipment that handles potentially dangerous fluids at impressive volumes. The devices work long hours and endure fatigue that can lead to expensive, sometimes disastrous failure. While you should have a qualified expert making regular inspections, it can help to know how the devices work. In many cases, the flow of water is regulated by a wafer plate or water check valve, and managing them can control a large number of potential problems.

What Does It Do?

A wafer valve typically consists of two spring loaded discs that rapidly rotate around a shaft. The speed of their rotation controls the amount of fluid that can flow through the valve in any given interval. This enables any compressor to manage pressure and volume through its RPMs. Offsetting the valves adapts the flow rates to optimize the compressor’s functionality. If your equipment seems to undergo too much stress or has flow related problems, this is a good starting place.

What Makes a Good Valve?

There are two primary manufacturing components that determine a valve’s value: material and precision. Material needs to be matched to the fluids that will contact the valve. Corrosive substances mandate the use of stainless steel or another resistant equivalent. Operational temperatures are also a key factor for choosing the right material. Since valves often need to be manufactured to custom specifics, a talk with the providers can help you make a smart selection.

As far as precision, the best in the industry typically work with laser cutting. Some materials do not sit well with this process, but almost every metal can be better shaped via lasers. Improved shaping leads to lower operation costs, better outputs and reduced maintenance, so always look for valves that are designed as specifically as possible.

You can learn even more by consulting your experts or by talking directly to manufacturers. In every case, understanding the details of your equipment can help you make better decisions about its use, storage and upkeep.