How Durabla® Pump Valves Are Used

Offered in four unique configurations, Triangle Pump Components’ line of Durabla® pump valves are specifically built to withstand severe applications. With long life spans and durable builds, these valves are ideal for pumping ground water, hydraulic fluid, steam, gasoline, and other harsh materials.

Durabla® V7 pump valves, in particular, are frequently used in steam pump applications. These valves can be made threaded for screw fit, tapered for screw fit, or rough OD as cast for machining. The V7 model can operate at up to 200 strokes per minute at pressure up to 800 psi. The lightweight formed valve disc opens completely on the first stroke, allowing for simple, efficient operation.

Durabla® Valve Configurations

The other models — Durabla® V7H, V7F, and V7FD — offer specialized features for use in specific applications. Model V7H features a faster valve opening and is nonbinding, making it ideal for low-net positive suction head (NPSH) applications. Its blind tapped deep seat prevents leakage around the stud and allows for optimal flow in rigorous, high-speed pumping applications.

Model V7F, on the other hand, has a taller profile in order to provide optimal lift and a sufficient spill area for fluid; these valves are ideal for handling higher volumes of liquid. A wide range of applications, from oil and gas to food processing, make use of these valves.

The V7FD model is identical to the V7F but features a Delrin® disc rather than the traditional metal formed disc. The Delrin® discs allow for “zero wear,” as the incremental plastic deformations inevitable with initial use diminish over time — eventually allowing for complete elastic contact. Triangle Pump Components offers V7FD models from various trusted brands, including Gaso and Wheatley.

Durabla® Pump Valve Installation

Along with routine maintenance, following proper installation procedures will help ensure optimal valve longevity and performance. After ensuring compliance with all relevant state and federal safety and environmental regulations, it’s critical to make sure the pump’s power source is turned off, locked out, and tagged, and all pump ports are clear from corrosion and obstructions before beginning installation.

After matching the diameter and taper of the valve seat and pump port, a Durabla® pressing block or seat wrench should be used — never a sledge or any type of tool delivering a heavy blow — to ensure proper valve seat fit. Lifting the valve member should show that the valve disc has complete freedom, and the valve member should show zero obstructions.

Finally, users should ensure that there is enough clearance between the periphery of the valve disc member and the chamber walls; this will eliminate the risk of physical contact and provide enough area for liquid flow.

Durabla® Pump Valve Maintenance

Although Durabla® valves are explicitly designed for long life spans, proper maintenance and regular inspections will help ensure optimal performance.

Normal wear is concentrated in the least expensive parts of these valves to allow for easy, cost-efficient replacements; replacing these parts — such as the sleeve, spring, valve disc, locknut, or bolt — when needed will eliminate the need for higher-cost, more extensive replacements down the line. During replacements, it’s important to reface the seat to eliminate the risk of ridges at the inner and outer edges of the valve seating surface.

And when reinstalling the seat, following the general installation instructions and tips discussed earlier will help ensure optimal performance.

The experts at Triangle Pump Components are on hand to answer any questions you may have pump maintenance or part selection.

To learn more about our Durabla® pump valves offerings or discuss how we can help with your next project,