FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions.
GENERAL QUESTIONS.
Go through our FAQ list, you may find the answer there.
GENERAL
What do the abbreviations on the website stand for?
BS: British Standard BSP: British standard pipe BSPT: British Standard Pipe Taper DI: Ductile iron DN: Nominal diameter DRV: Double Regulating Valve NRS: Non-rising stem OMI: Operation, Maintenance, and Installation Manual OS&Y: Outside screw & yoke PN: Nominal pressure RS: Rising stem SS: Stainless steel
Where can I download your brochures and technical data?
Please go to Products > Downloads Or For datasheets; Go to the valve page > Download PDF
Are your valves tested?
Yes. FIVC products are inspected and tested with strict observance. With two distinct quality departments, FlowCon IVC ensures the high quality of its products and manufacturing processes, resulting in worldwide Acceptance. The departments fulfill several processes- and product validation phases by following the FlowCon Quality Management System policies. Different test types are applied in different production phases, ensuring complete control in each process. Other questions? LET'S TALK
Purchasing and Support Questions
How can I place an order for your valves or accessories?
Orders can be placed directly through our website by contacting our network of authorized distributors. Please review the "DISTRIBUTORS" section in the menu and select your local distributor according to your location. Alternatively, you can reach our sales team via email by clicking the "LET'S TALK" button.
Do you offer technical support for your products?
Yes, FlowCon IVC provides comprehensive technical support for all our products. Our team of experts is available to assist with installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance inquiries.
What is your warranty policy?
We offer a standard warranty on all our products. Specific warranty terms may vary based on the product type. Please get in touch with our customer service team for detailed information.
technical information and Product-Specific Questions
What are static valves and where are they used?
Static valves control the flow of fluid through manual operation. They are commonly used in applications requiring isolation, regulation, or throttling, such as water treatment plants, HVAC systems, and industrial processes.
How to select the right valve for your system?
Please consider: ▪ Function ▪ Model, shape, type ▪ Application ▪ Material ▪ MWT and MWP ▪ Flow rate and size, etc.
Why is it necessary to balance a system?
Unbalanced systems result in improper water distribution. Water will take the easiest path in the system where the resistance is lowest, resulting in excess water flow for the heating/cooling units closest to the pump. Units far away from the pump will receive insufficient flow due to the unbalanced system. The flow rate is inconsistent, resulting in energy wastage and unbalanced temperature of the different units in the circuit❌ 📈 The balancing valve is designed to balance the system, providing flow measurement and regulation👈
What is the difference between variable and fixed orifices?
FIXED ORIFICE VALVE | - Single integrated fixed orifice with one Kvs value - More accurate measurement at any setting, even with debris - Smaller tolerance on metering area, higher accuracy - Higher pressure drop due to fixed integrated restriction VARIABLE ORIFICE VALVE | - Variable orifice with different Kv values for each setting - Pressure drop specified by gap between seat and disc - Changeable flow coefficient (Kv) and variable pressure drop - Measuring accuracy ±5% when fully open, decreases as the valve closes - Lower cost and pressure drop - Can be combined with a metering station for commissioning
What to consider when selecting a strainer for my system?
Media, usage, and quality requirements will require different screen micron ratings. Screens can be perforated or mesh. Perforated screens are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. Mesh screens are suitable for obtaining a certain level of filtration. Now, select a filter with a micron rating that covers the quality needs of our media. Micron rating is the smallest particle size in microns that the strainer can filter. Define the filtration level, which is related to the filter's opening area and the mesh hole size required for the application. If the hole sizes are too large, the filter will not be able to capture solid particles smaller than the hole sizes. In contrast, too-fine filtration can rapidly increase pressure drop, damaging the plant components.
What to consider when selecting a butterfly valve for my system?
The disc and seat will be in direct contact with the flowing media. | DISC ASSEMBLY Discs without pins: - Good corrosion resistance Discs with integrated pin: - Enhanced strength, withstands higher pressures | SEAT ASSEMBLY Vulcanized seat: - Not replaceable - Suitable for end-of-line services - Most robust and most extended lifespan Replaceable seats (thinner): a. Backing ring: - Easy to machine on the body - Difficult to replace on-site - Less expensive and less durable b. Soft seat: - Thicker construction - Longer lifespan - Easier to replace on-site
What is the difference between a gate valve and a globe valve?
Gate valves are designed to either fully open or completely shut off fluid flow, making them ideal for isolation. Globe valves, on the other hand, are commonly used for throttling or regulating flow, offering better control over fluid movement and pressure.
How do motorized butterfly valves operate?
Motorized butterfly valves use an electric actuator to control the opening and closing of the valve, providing automated flow control. They are suitable for applications requiring remote operation or automated system integration.
What applications are ideal for expansion joints?
Expansion joints are used to absorb thermal expansion and contraction, reduce vibration, and accommodate pipe movement in various applications such as heating and cooling systems, pipelines, and industrial processes.
Can you explain the function of a suction diffuser?
A suction diffuser is designed to provide a smooth flow transition into a pump, removing debris and reducing turbulence, thus increasing the pump's efficiency and lifespan.
Can butterfly valves be used for isolation?
Yes. Butterfly valves are quarter-turn valves similar in operation to ball valves. However, butterfly valves have several benefits, making them 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 among system designers✅ Butterfly valves are 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 valves that are small in size and light in weight. Due to their design structure, they require less space in the pipeline. Their driving torque is small, they operate easily and efficiently, and they provide 𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 shut-off.
Can a gate valve be used to throttle or regulate the flow?
No. Gate valves are designed for isolation purposes only. Gate valves should be in fully open or fully closed positions to prevent damage to the seats and wedges. For throttling, please use globe valves. Regulation valves include regulation valves and butterfly valves.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINE
Where should the valve be located?
It depends on which valve you are locating. Please download the Operation, Maintenance, and Installation manual (OMI manual) for the related valve and follow the installation directions. You will find it on the valve page - Downloads.
How to install butterfly valve?
This depends on the type of butterfly valve. Please download the Operation, Maintenance, and Installation manual (OMI) on the product page.
Do anchored systems require control rods for the expansion joint installation?
No. Anchored systems do not require control rods. On the other hand, control units provide an additional safety factor and minimize the possibility of damage due to system thrust. In unanchored systems, control rods are always necessary.
Do I need to install anchors and guides when installing expansion joints?
Yes. It is essential to correctly install anchors, guides, plain bearings, and support on the pipeline. The anchors must withstand reaction forces from the expansion joint and line thrust caused by internal pressure or wide temperature variations in the pipeline.
How many expansion joints can I install between two anchors?
Only one. Please do not install more than one expansion joint between two anchors.
Is there a recommended distance between the first and second guide in a pipeline?
Yes. It is important to keep a distance between the first and second guides of at least 14 times the pipeline's nominal diameter. The distance between the remaining guides must not exceed 21 x the nominal diameter of the pipeline. Stabilizing the pipeline may require reducing this distance.
Is it necessary to install a check valve on my irrigation pump?
Yes. A valve keeps pumps primed between uses; if one is not installed, it must be primed each time the pump is used.
How to ensure measurement accuracy when using a regulating valve?
The piping on the inlet and outlet sides of the regulating valve should be straight. Having a minimum length equivalent to the following: INLET | The valve’s inlet is connected to a pipe with a straight path at least five (5) times the valve's nominal diameter (DN). OUTLET | The valve’s outlet is connected to a pipe with a straight path at least three (3) times the valve's nominal diameter (DN). PUMP | Whenever the valve is located on the outlet of a pump or circulator, it is essential that the straight pipe length between the pump outlet and the inlet of the regulating valve be at least ten (10) nominal valve diameters.
OPERATING DISTURBANCES AND REMEDIES
I experience a poor flow through my strainer
Possible reasons could be a dirty filter or a clogged pipeline. REMEDY | Clean or replace the screen. Check the pipeline. For complete cleaning guidelines, please check the Operation, Maintenance, and Installation manual (OMI manual) of the strainer. Valve page > Download OMI manual
I experience unknown noise and vibration in my pipeline
Possible reasons could be heavy, turbulent flow, lack of flexible connectors, or lack of straight pipelines to stabilize the flow before and after the valve. REMEDY | Recheck the design, make necessary amendments, and apply flow throttling. Install suitable flexible connectors for vibration and noise reduction.
There is no flow going through my Butterfly valve
1 | Possible reason Joints are used between the liner and the flange. The joints push the elastomer inwards, increasing the operation torque, which prevents the valve from opening and closing. 1 | Remedy Remove the joints between the liner and the flange. 2 | Possible reason The internal diameter of the flange has exceeded the correct measurement; The liner is not held firmly in place. The constant movement of the disc displaces the liner inwards into the valve and blocks the disc movement. 2 | Remedy Replace the butterfly valve. 3 | Possible reason The shaft leaks due to improper assembly. The fluid pressure is transmitted inside the liner, causing swelling and excessive tightening between the disc and the liner, which prevents the valve from functioning. 3 | Remedy Replace the butterfly valve.
Leakage at the end-connection of a flanged valve.
1 | Possible reason The bolt(s) are not correctly tightened. 1 | Remedy Tighten the bolts diagonally. 2 | Possible reason Damage to the flange holes is due, e.g., to excessive tightening of bolts or unsuitable valve lifting. 2 | Remedy Replace the valve. 3 | Possible reason The bolt(s) are not uniform. 3 | Remedy Use uniform bolts suitable for the flange holes. 4 | Possible reason The seat/gasket is damaged. 4 | Remedy Replace the seat/gasket. 5 | Possible reason Lack of parallelism of the counter flanges. 5 | Remedy Ensure uniform pressure on the seat on both faces.
Improper measurement through my orifice plate
1 | Possible reason Incorrect fitting of test points. 1 | Remedy The test point with a red strap should be fixed to the upstream bore. Rotate the Orifice plate, with the test point with a red strap pointing vertically. 2 | Possible reason Debris is filled in the bore of the Orifice plate. 2 | Remedy Clean the pipeline and the valve. We recommend the installation of a strainer for debris collection.
DOCUMENTS, CERTIFICATES,
AND CONFORMITIES
Where do I find your sales terms and conditions document?
You can download our terms and conditions of sale from the footer of our website.
Where do I find your ISO certificate?
Please go to the EXPERTISE—Quality Management page, which is located at the top of the page.
How can I download your product conformity declarations?
Please send us an email with the requested conformity declaration. You will receive it within 48 hours.
Where do I find your drinking water approvals?
Please go to the WRAS-approved product page. You can find the button to download the WRAS approval on the selected page. WRAS-approved valves include: Gate valves | ▪ FGA_N16_NB231 ▪ FGA_N16_RB231 ▪ FGA_N25_NB231 ▪ FGA_N25_RB231 ▪ FGA_O20_NS22 Ball Valves | ▪ FBA_O25_F212012112 Butterfly Valves | ▪ WAFN3_MDVEPR_1632 ▪ WAFN3_MNEPR_1632 ▪ WAFN5_MDVEPR_1632 ▪ WAFN5_MNEPR_1632 ▪ LUGN3_MDVEPR_1683 ▪ LUGN3_MNEPR_1683 ▪ LUGN5_MNEPR_1683 ▪ LUGN5_MDVEPR_1683 ▪ LUGN5_MNEPR_2589 Regulating Valves | ▪ FSB_O25_GF21 Y-Strainer | ▪ FYS_N16_231 ▪ FYS_N25_231 ▪ FYS_O2024_0121 Check Valves | ▪ FCH_O20_CS1121 ▪ FCH_N16_DP231 ▪ FCH_N25_DP231
REQUESTS
Do you provide metal seated gate valves?
Yes. We provide metal-seated gate valves upon request and for specific projects. Contact us for further information.
Is it possible for a valve to have a different flange drilling from its pressure rating?
Yes. A pressure rating is cast into the valve's body. It indicates the maximum pressure that the valve shell is capable of supporting in normal operating conditions. Nevertheless, the flange drillings could be PN10, PN 16, PN20, PN25, ANSI 125, ANSI 150, etc.
What types of valves are suitable for potable water applications?
To access our WRAS products page, please follow these steps: 1. Navigate to our main menu. 2. Hover your cursor over the "Products" section. 3. In the dropdown menu that appears, locate and click on "WRAS products" at the top of the list. This will direct you to our comprehensive catalog of valves suitable for potable water applications.
Do you offer returns?
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Do you have a question that isn't listed on our site?
Send us a message, and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.
