Compression springs are the most crucial component in many pieces of equipment used in industries that require valve parts. Various parts in the valves, such as the pushrods and lifters, all work to open the valves. However it is the spring that keeps the valve closed when it is in operation.
The spring component of the valves is made by taking full measurements and calculations, which will ensure each style of spring performs effectively. This means that there is no one spring that fits all businesses individual operational needs.
Different Types of Compression Springs
There are a variety of different compression springs on the market that vary in length, size and material. When choosing a spring for your valve part, it is important that you review the choices on offer so that you can enjoy an optimum performance from your valve part.
It is important that whenever you make changes to other parts of the valve that you review the effectiveness of the spring, as any slight hint of incompatibility will hinder productivity and effectiveness.
The most common type of coil is the flat wire spring and they are widely used in many industries that use valve parts, including the pharmaceutical industry and the food industry.
Flat Wire Springs
Compression flat wire springs are an essential component of a valve that provides optimum performance and durability. When looking at a flat wire spring you could be forgiven for thinking that they will not work the same as a standard spring, as they look a little off, but they are extremely strong and have the ability to store a lot of energy.When the spring is compressed or bent it releases the energy once the source of pressure is removed.
Flat springs are designed to be able to store more energy in the same amount of space that a standard coil spring would.This type of spring is commonly used in household items such as knobs on ovens and pens to car suspension parts. Flat springs can prevent failures in production and will enjoy a greater lifespan than round coils that can become weak over time. Typically, flat springs are made from materials that are strong, have a low modulus and a high elasticity level, so that there is optimum energy stored within the spring.
Here are just some of the many benefits of using flat wire springs:
They Give You More Spring – Compared to round wire springs, flat wire springs can store more energy in a smaller amount of space, making them compact and suitable for limited spaces.
Compression Flat Wire Springs Can Withstand Pressure – The design of flat wire springs means that they can absorb extreme impacts, unlike round wire springs. This style of spring can absorb more force as it has a large surface area so that any impact can be distributed more evenly. As the flat wire spring is more robust, it will last longer, which means that you get great value for money.
Reduce Failures with Flat Wire Springs – The rapid opening and the sudden stop factors make for a high-performing spring that has little chance of failure compared to round wire springs.
Super Alloy Springs
New materials are still changing the way coil springs are developing, but new configurations are also making a big impact. Alloy is one of the most popular materials used in springs, with the following varieties being the most popular.
Nimonic 90
This nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy is designed for precipitation hardening and has great strength. Industries that work with temperatures of 100°C(212°F) often choose this style of alloy spring. They are most common in gas tribunes and aerospace components.
Hastelloy C-276
The Hastelloy C-276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy that also contains tungsten for its anti-corrosion properties. If you work in an industry that uses strong oxidizers and concentrated mineral acids, this style of alloy spring would be a great choice. This style of alloy can be customized for the needs of your business, as it is cold drawn and rolled to optimum spring and stress relief.
MP35N
MP35N is a Cobalt-Nickel-Chrome-Molybdenum alloy that is known for its strength, durability and toughness.This alloy works well in industries that use sea water or materials that are prone to getting stuck in small crevices.
Phynox (Eligiloy)
This cobalt-based alloy is very resistant to corrosion and is bio-compatible. This alloy can work effectively under extreme temperatures up to 500°C(932°F). This type of spring is commonly found in oil well tools and stents.
Titanium (Grade 5)
This titanium alloy is covered with ASTM B348 and is strong and durable. With a stable oxide layer, this alloy is great in salt water and in a sour gas environment.
Advanced Spring Technology
We have talked about the various temperatures that alloy springs can work with and, although they are similar, the smallest temperature difference can make or break when it comes to your spring being as effective as possible.
We have also spoken about the effects that corrosion can have on a spring, which is something that should be considered. Depending on the type of environment that you work in, you will need to consider treating springs to keep performance levels high.
One of the key factors when it comes to choosing the correct spring for your valve is size. Critical measurements need to be taken so that you can ensure there is a perfect fit and skipping this step can land you in a heap of trouble.
Buying the Correct Compression Springs
When it comes to buying the right compression springs, doing your homework is number one priority. Investing in a company that is professional and reliable is essential and, while you may be able to get cheaper elsewhere, choosing a compression springs expert is the correct move in the long-run. A trusted spring manufacturer will ensure that the necessary specs, such as maximum lift, seat pressures and coil bind height so that your operation runs like clockwork.