It is important to have a basic knowledge of the industrial performance requirements related to valves to make valve selection easier. It is recommended to keep the following five points in mind before starting valve selection:
1. Valve size and type
It should be noted that valves in industrial installations perform multiple functions, including cutting off flow, transferring flow, mixing flow, pressure relief, preventing backflow, and regulating flow. For example, in a water supply line, a globe valve is used to control the flow of water. For 16 inch lines, use full line size butterfly valves. The maximum speed through the valve is usually limited to 12 feet per second and should not exceed 20 feet per second.

2. Manufacturing materials
Before selecting valves, pay attention to the chemical compatibility requirements of industrial equipment. Materials used to manufacture valves shall be compatible with gases and other media flowing through them. For example, valves made of copper alloy are a popular choice for oil and gas production. Plastic valves are generally more resistant to corrosion and chemical corrosion than metal valves.
The survey of valve users found that 80% of users chose corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel (27.2%), brass or bronze (24.1%) or plastic (18.2%).

3. Performance requirements
Metal alloys are generally recommended in industries that produce high temperatures and pressures. Metal valves are also best suited for pressurized gases.