This page will teach you everything you need to know about exploring the protection capabilities of control valve enclosures and why they're the ultimate protection for keeping backflow devices safe.
As the name implies, control valves regulate the flow of liquids or gasses. Control valves can be powered by electricity, air or water. They are crucial as a final mechanism to ensure proper function in any flow-based system.
Control valve equipment is sensitive and often mission-critical and, historically, they've been installed in underground vaults, which are prone to flooding and, as enclosed spaces, pose a risk to personnel. It's time to shift to a new mindset, installing control valves above grade and securing them in an enclosure so only authorized personnel have access.
When considering an enclosure, consider the following factors:
Environment: Is the control valve indoors or outdoors? For any control valve system, the valve should be kept in a secured, insulated enclosure able to withstand the elements – indoors or out – and retain the ability to have liquids escape if needed. Enclosure materials must be able to withstand the demands of the environment around them.
Size: The enclosure should be large enough to adequately protect control valve equipment, while also providing for ample space for inspection, servicing or repair. A modular or panel-based enclosure can work as a solution for many control valves.
Manipulation: The control valve enclosure should also provide for easy penetrability, to allow for piping to pass through as needed.
Benefit #1: Protecting Control Valves from External ElementsEnclosures provide protection from external elements, whether outdoor exposure to summer heat and storms or winter ice and cold, or indoors, exposure to excessive heat, moisture or unauthorized access.
A secured enclosure helps uphold a culture of maintenance and safety, protecting equipment from potential damage from corrosion or contamination resulting in failure. Always perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance on your control valves. Having them secured only helps keep your operations running and can prolong valve lifespan.
Control valves may need to be kept secured and enclosed to adhere to industry or governmental compliance standards. Check with your local authorities to confirm regulations in your area, and if not needed, go above what’s expected and uphold a standard of safety beyond the letter of the law.
Safe-T-Cover enclosures are cost-effective and long-lasting solution for any control valve need. In many cases, they can last for 30 years or longer and, if damaged, only the broken panels need to be replaced, as opposed to an entire enclosure assembly.
Modular enclosures also, as mentioned above, provide for maximum ability to service and repair valve equipment.
Types of Control Valve Enclosures:Our ASSE 1060-certified enclosures are built with marine grade aluminum, braced with durable and sustainable California redwood and insulated with R-9 polyisocyanurate installed directly into the paneling for maximum protection against deterioration or cracking.
Marine grade aluminum will resist corrosion and rust on its own for decades, protecting the critical components within.
When choosing your enclosure, consider the control valve’s location and use case, as well as any regulations governing its function or installation.
Will your valve system be outdoors and require slab-mounted heat? Does the system require adequate ventilation, such as fans or louvers? Alarms? Will it need pipe penetrations? Safe-T-Cover provides options for accessories to meet your specific needs, and has an entire experienced design team for custom scenarios.
Your control valves and systems will need routine review and maintenance. Your enclosure shouldn’t have to. A Safe-T-Cover enclosure provides years of worry-free, low- to no-maintenance protection and service.
Control valves are critical for many applications in the home and in business. If your valves are exposed to the elements or to conditions that may compromise proper function, you need to protect them with Safe-T-Cover.
A control valve regulates the flow of gasses or liquids in an enclosed system.
We recommend all valve equipment be enclosed and secured.
A modular aluminum enclosure like Safe-T-Cover’s numerous options provides protection and peace of mind while also providing for maximum ability to service and repair equipment as needed.
They should be enclosed, insulated and if outdoors, outfitted with a slab-mounted heater to guarantee proper operation.
Yes, whether to dampen noise indoors or to protect from extreme outdoor conditions, control valves should be enclosed and insulated.
