Natural gas valves are essential control and safety components in every installation. Their role is to allow, restrict, or shut off the flow of gas, depending on the installation's operation and the requirements of the safety system.
What is a gas valve
A valve is placed in the pipeline and controls the passage of fuel. In simple installations, it may be manual, whereas in burners and industrial systems, it usually works in conjunction with automation, pressure switches, pressure regulators, and flame control systems.
Main types of valves
Manual isolation valve: used to manually shut off the gas supply to a section of the installation. It must be easily accessible and clearly identifiable.
Solenoid safety valve: opens when it receives the appropriate electrical signal and closes when the power is lost or a safety command is given.
Excess flow or protection valve: used in special applications to restrict or shut off the flow when an abnormal condition is detected.
Control valve: does not function only as ON/OFF but can vary the flow rate depending on the control system.
Where they are installed
Valves can be located at the entrance of the installation, before the pressure regulator, within the burner's gas train, or near the point of consumption. Their location depends on the design, power, operating pressure, and safety requirements.
What we check on a valve
We check the correct flow direction, tightness, mechanical condition, the ability to fully open and close, and compatibility with the pressure and type of gas. In solenoid valves, we additionally check the power supply, the coil, and the control signal.
Common problems
A valve may not open due to lack of voltage, coil failure, mechanical jamming, or the activation of another safety device. Conversely, a valve that does not close properly can create a serious leakage issue.
Important: in natural gas installations, we do not bypass safety devices and we do not perform interventions on valves without the prescribed procedures and the appropriate testing equipment.
