Manifold valves are key components in pressure transmitters used in oil and gas, chemical processing, wastewater treatment, and other industries operating high-pressure equipment. If you need a new manifold valve for your system’s pressure transmitter, you may notice there are a few different options available.
Should you choose a 2-valve, 3-valve, or 5-valve manifold? Below, we’ll discuss how this essential component works with pressure transmitters and how you can get the right configuration from Hy-Lok Canada!
Manifold Valves, Pressure Transmitters, and How They Work Together
A pressure transmitter is used to measure the force of an expansive liquid or gas. At Hy-Lok, we supply manifold valves for gauge and differential pressure transmitters that measure the absolute pressure of the liquid or gas in your hydraulic or pneumatic system.
These systems rely on a mechanism to isolate the process connection, which is where manifold valves come in. These valves are used to:
- Isolate the transmitter from the process line
- Equalize the pressure between the high and low sides of the process fluid
- Vent or drain the process fluid from your system during calibration or maintenance
These actions performed by the manifold valve are critical to your system’s smooth operation by preventing significant pressure and head losses from shortened pathways, reducing the need for multiple fluid connections and leak points, and improving your system’s energy efficiency.
What Manifold Valve Configuration Does Your Transmitter Need?
When choosing a manifold valve for your transmitter, it can be confusing to determine which configuration will work best for your application. To better understand which manifold valve you need, let’s review the different types available from Hy-Lok:
Common Manifold Valve Types
2-Valve Manifold: A 2-valve manifold is used for static gauge pressure transmitters and instrument applications, and features a process isolation valve and a vent valve. It features NPT threads and IEC connections, enabling direct and remote mounting.
3-Valve Manifold: A 3-valve manifold has one equalizing valve and two process isolation valves. This type of manifold is used on differential pressure transmitters to equalize two sensor diaphragms and/or block every process connection.
5-Valve Manifold: A 5-valve manifold is one of the most widely used manifolds across industries. It features 1 equalizing valve, 2 block valves, and 2 bleeding valves, and can perform these three functions simultaneously. It has ¼” connections and is generally installed on differential setups.
Key Factors to Consider
So, which type of manifold valve works best for your pressure transmitter? Here are a few key factors to consider to select the right one for your application:
Transmitter type: 2-valve manifolds work with gauge pressure transmitters to isolate and vent pressure, while 3-valve and 5-valve manifolds work with differential pressure transmitters for isolation, equalization, and calibration.
Pressure ratings: 2-valve and 3-valve manifolds are designed for low to high pressures, while 5-valve manifolds are best suited for high-pressure conditions.
Mounting style: At Hy-Lok, we offer both remote- and direct-mount manifolds. A direct mount reduces the need for additional tubing and fittings, providing a simpler installation and minimizing potential leak points.
Maintenance requirements: If your equipment requires frequent line isolation, calibration, and other adjustments during maintenance, a 5-manifold valve offers the most flexibility and reduces the need for additional valves and fittings.
Material compatibility: In addition to the manifold style, it’s also important to select the right materials to prevent incompatibility with the process liquid in your system. At Hy-Lok, we manufacture our manifold valves with 316 stainless steel, which is compatible with most industrial liquids and gases.
Get Quality Transmitter Components from Hy-Lok Canada
If you need to upgrade your pressure transmitter’s manifold valve, use this guide to select the right option for your fluid control system. You can find 2-valve, 3-valve, and 5-valve manifolds from Hy-Lok’s M Series.
Our manifold valves include features such as 6000 psig pressure ratings, temperature ratings up to 1200°F, MSS SP-99-compliant flange seal grooves, and body materials available in stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy 400. All of our manifold valves are 100% factory-tested under nitrogen and hydrostatic pressure, and we can perform additional tests upon request.
As a trusted partner for industrial fluid solutions for over 40 years, you can count on Hy-Lok Canada to provide high-quality, durable gauge and differential pressure components that stand the test of time.
Check out our Products to learn more about our manifold valve series, along with other components in our line-up.