Top 5 Flanged Valves for Water Treatment Facilities

Introduction to Flanged Valves in Water Treatment

Water treatment facilities are the backbone of modern civilization, ensuring that communities have access to clean, safe water. One of the unsung heroes in these systems is the flanged valve—a vital component that regulates flow, ensures safety, and facilitates maintenance.

Flanged valves play a critical role by offering high integrity sealing, easy connection/disconnection, and robust performance under pressure. They're widely used in mainline water distribution, chemical treatment processes, sedimentation, and more.

What Are Flanged Valves?

Definition and Design Overview

A flanged valve is a type of valve designed with flanged ends that allow it to be bolted to pipeline flanges. This connection method makes the valves easier to install and remove, which is crucial in systems where routine maintenance is a necessity.

Advantages Over Other Valve Types

• Leak-proof Connections: Ideal for high-pressure environments.

• Ease of Installation: Requires minimal downtime.

• Durability: Suitable for long-term use in aggressive water treatment conditions.

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Flanged Valve

Material Compatibility

The internal and body materials must be compatible with the media being processed—be it raw water, treated water, or chemicals. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and ductile iron.

Pressure & Temperature Ratings

Select a valve that can withstand your system’s maximum operating pressure and temperature. Look for ANSI ratings such as Class 150 or 300.

Certifications & Compliance

Always verify compliance with industry standards like:

• AWWA (American Water Works Association)

• NSF 61 for drinking water safety

• ISO 9001 manufacturing standards

Why Flanged Valves Are Ideal for Water Treatment

Leak Prevention

The flanged design offers superior sealing, minimizing the risk of leakage in critical applications.

Ease of Maintenance and Installation

Bolted flanges make it simpler to inspect, clean, or replace the valve—important for minimizing operational downtime.

Evaluation Criteria for Ranking the Top 5 Valves

To create this list, we focused on:

• Performance: Flow control precision and reliability.

• Durability: Resistance to corrosion and wear.

• Cost-Efficiency: Balancing initial cost and long-term value.

• Reputation: Brand trust and user reviews in industrial settings.

#1 – Crane Cast Iron Flanged Gate Valve

Product Overview

The Crane Cast Iron Flanged Gate Valve is a workhorse in large-scale water treatment operations.

Specs & Features

• Size range: 2”–24”

• Pressure rating: Class 125/250

• Material: ASTM A126 Class B Cast Iron

• Operation: Handwheel or gear

Pros

• Time-tested reliability

• Excellent for full-on/full-off service

• NSF 61 certified

Cons

• Not ideal for throttling

• Heavy for manual handling

Best Use Case

Ideal for isolation in large pipelines and raw water inlets.

#2 – Velan Cast Steel Flanged Globe Valve

Product Overview

The Velan Flanged Globe Valve provides precise throttling control.

Specs & Features

• Sizes: 1/2”–12”

• Pressure class: ANSI 150–600

• Body: Cast steel

• Trim: Stainless steel

Pros

• High-pressure rating

• Fine-tuned flow control

• Long-lasting seat integrity

Cons

• More expensive than gate valves

• Slightly higher pressure drop

Best Use Case

Used in chemical injection lines and flow regulation scenarios.

#3 – Milwaukee Flanged Butterfly Valve

Product Overview

Milwaukee Valve’s Flanged Butterfly Valve is a lightweight option known for quick operation.

Specs & Features

• Size: 2”–36”

• Body: Ductile iron

• Seat: EPDM or Buna-N

• Operation: Lever, gear, or actuator

Pros

• Compact and space-saving

• Economical for large diameters

• Quick open/close operation

Cons

• Less sealing strength than gate valves

• Not suitable for slurries

Best Use Case

Secondary water channels and non-potable applications.

#4 – DeZURIK High-Performance Flanged Plug Valve

Product Overview

DeZURIK’s Flanged Plug Valve excels in abrasive and corrosive media.

Specs & Features

• Sizes: 1/2”–36”

• Pressure: Up to 250 psi

• Body: Cast iron with fusion bonded epoxy

• Port: Full or eccentric

Pros

• Excellent for solids-laden water

• Tight shutoff even after years of use

• Minimal maintenance required

Cons

• Requires higher torque

• Initial cost is high

Best Use Case

Sludge handling and chemical dosing systems.

#5 – Apollo Stainless Steel Flanged Ball Valve

Product Overview

Apollo’s Flanged Ball Valve offers high durability with minimal torque operation.

Specs & Features

• Sizes: 1/2”–12”

• Body: 316 Stainless Steel

• Seat: PTFE

• ANSI Class 150

Pros

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Low-pressure drop

• Compact design

Cons

• Not ideal for high-cycle applications

• Expensive in larger sizes

Best Use Case

Chemical lines and potable water treatment stages.

Comparison Table: Top 5 Flanged Valves at a Glance

Valve Model	Size Range	Material	Best For	Pressure Rating
Crane Gate	2”–24”	Cast Iron	Isolation	Class 125/250
Velan Globe	1/2”–12”	Cast Steel	Throttling	Class 150–600
Milwaukee Butterfly	2”–36”	Ductile Iron	Fast shutoff	Class 150
DeZURIK Plug	1/2”–36”	Cast Iron	Solids	Up to 250 psi
Apollo Ball	1/2”–12”	Stainless Steel	Corrosive lines	Class 150

Maintenance and Installation Tips for Flanged Valves

• Install with Alignment Tools: Prevent flange misalignment and gasket leaks.

• Check Bolt Torque: Uneven torque can compromise the seal.

• Routine Inspections: Especially in high-cycle areas or chemical lines.

• Clean Sealing Surfaces: Grit or rust can affect tightness.

Cost Breakdown: Budgeting for Industrial Valves

Valve Type	Average Cost (2” size)	Lifespan	ROI Factors
Gate Valve	$150–$400	15–20 years	Low maintenance
Globe Valve	$250–$700	10–15 years	Accurate flow control
Butterfly Valve	$120–$300	8–12 years	Quick operation
Plug Valve	$300–$900	20+ years	Abrasive media handling
Ball Valve	$200–$600	10–15 years	Low torque, compact

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Modern flanged valves contribute to water conservation through:

• Leak-proof designs

• Corrosion-resistant coatings

• Recyclable materials

• Energy-efficient actuation options

Choose valves certified with green labels like LEED or ISO 14001-compliant manufacturing processes.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Valve for Your Facility

Selecting the right flanged valve for your water treatment facility can significantly impact system efficiency, longevity, and maintenance costs. Each valve type offers unique strengths, so align your choice with the specific demands of your operation.

From the rugged durability of the Crane Gate Valve to the chemical resilience of the Apollo Ball Valve, each product on this list represents a top-tier option in its category. When in doubt, consult your system engineer or manufacturer for the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between flanged and threaded valves?

Flanged valves offer easier maintenance and better sealing, especially in high-pressure systems.

2. Can flanged valves be used in drinking water systems?

Yes, but ensure they’re certified under NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water safety.

3. How do I know which valve type to choose?

Base your choice on the application—gate for isolation, globe for flow control, butterfly for fast operation, etc.

4. Are stainless steel valves worth the extra cost?

Yes, especially in corrosive or chemical environments, due to their extended lifespan and low maintenance.

5. How often should flanged valves be maintained?

Annually for inspection; more frequently for high-use or chemically aggressive environments.

6. What tools are needed to install a flanged valve?

Torque wrench, gaskets, alignment guide, flange bolts, and a pipe support system.