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Ball Valves: How It Works, Types and Common Applications

April 16, 2015 Leave a comment

Ball valves are specially designed valves that are used in pipeline applications to turn off and on flow of a substance. For instance, they’re commonly used in gas processing, plumbing and industrial piping systems to control the flow of a gas or liquid through a pipe. And they’re also used in food and beverage systems, including in brewing, water pipeline systems and liquid food processing factories.

A ball valve is made up of several pieces, including a floating ball, stem, seat, and handle.

Here’s how the system works: The valve features a pivoting ball, with an opening in the middle that is connected to a stem and handle. With a quarter turn of the handle, the ball’s opening comes into alignment with the pipeline flow, enabling a liquid or gas to flow freely through the valve. When the ball opening is in the off position, the flow of a substance is blocked.

Ball valves are most commonly used because they provide fast, effective shutoff of a system. Plus, they are durable, provide a secure seal for long periods of use, and they’re easy to repair and operate. Thus, these types of valves are often preferred over other quarter-turn stopping valves.

Common Types of Ball Valves

In general, there are five types of ball valves that provide a similar function and are operated the same. The biggest difference, though, is in body construction and how the balls are contained in the assembly’s casing. Body styles include split body, top entry, single body, three-piece body and welded.

Plus, ball valves are also determined by the type of opening within the ball. Different types of bores result in added precision when turning off the valve, they can contain more than one open or closed setting, and they can be fashioned to prevent buildup behind the ball. The size of the bore, or port, can also be the same size as the pipeline or a reduced size, which results in a restricted flow. Bore types include:

Full Port Ball Valves: The floating ball of a full-port ball valve is oversized, and the bore is the same size as the pipeline. This results in the free flow of a substance, and that’s why full port ball valves are commonly used in oil and gas pipelines, as a flow restriction can disrupt the material and cause buildup. These valves are larger, and thus they’re more expensive.
Reduced Port Ball Valves: As known as reduced-bore or standard ball valves, the bore in this type of valve is smaller compared to the pipeline, and thus flow is restricted and pressure drops. These are typically used when flow rate is not a major concern. Plus, they’re smaller and more cost-effective compared to full-port valves.
Cavity Filled Ball Valves: The constant flow of gas or liquid through a ball valve can result in buildup behind the ball. A cavity filled ball valve prevents this from happening. This type of valve has a seat, or casing, that completely surrounds the floating ball to prevent buildup. They’re commonly used in systems where this buildup could result in bacteria, i.e. in brewing and food systems, or where a material can crystallize behind the ball like paint.
V Port Ball Valves: Instead of a cylindrical-shaped bore, the V Port ball valve has a v-shaped bore or seat. Thus, as the valve moves from off to on, the narrower end of the V is positioned in front of the flow, and slowly, as the wider parts of V-shaped bore reach the pipeline more material can flow through the valve. This results in greater precision and more control, compared to other styles.

Buyer’s Tips

Choose a valve that will fit the size of your piping; there are ball valves available in all standard pipe sizes. Generally, standard, reduced-flow ball valves are the most typical type of valve available. Plus, you’ll also want to choose a valve with the correct threading. The most common options include female-female threading, i.e. both pipeline openings would be male, or non-threaded valves, which are designed for PVC piping and other non-threaded materials.

At Deelat.com, you’ll find a wide range of ball valves, including standard copper ball valves and non-threaded valves. Shop for the best prices in our wide ball valve selection right now.

Fly Traps and Fly Catchers: Types and Uses for Insect Control

April 10, 2015 Leave a comment

Spring and summer are fly season throughout North America, and during the year’s warmer months, flies can become problematic pests in homes, barns, workplaces and gardens. So what can you do to control flies at home or work?

: A Typical Fly

One effective method for pest control is a fly trap or fly catcher. Fly traps are convenient, low-cost devices that can be used in a variety of locations to control problem insects. Often, they use bait – whether a chemical scented bait or electronically – which lure flies into the trap. Today’s traps are more sophisticated and hygienic than those sticky, hanging paper traps you might remember from your grandpa’s barn. In fact, you can choose a number of devices, from electronic indoor/outdoor fly traps and easy-to-hide plastic bait stations, to discrete hanging traps and bottle fly catchers.

But which type of trap is right for your home, barn or workplace? Some devices are created to be used in home, because they employ non-toxic, non-smelling bait and are built with concealed stations. Other traps are designed for industrial – they’re made to catch flies fast and efficiently, yet may not be the most attractive.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fly Trap

The type of fly trap you use depends on the location you’re targeting the pest. For instance, indoor locations, whether in the home or at the office, require traps that are designed to be used indoors, while indoor/outdoor traps should be used in barns and commercial properties. Here are a few things to consider:

Type of Bait: Many fly catchers use scented baits to attract flies into the trap. Some of these traps may have strong odors, and in these cases, the traps should be used for outdoor applications. Also, fly trap bait is often chemical, and therefore, you should find a trap that is designed to protect users from coming in contact with the bait. This is especially important in areas where people are more likely to come into contact with the trap, like homes where small children or pets are present.

Deelat Bait Station Fly Catcher
Concealability: Many traps are designed to blend into their surroundings and be as discrete as possible. For example, fly bait stations are made of a sturdy plastic, and the pests enters into an enclosed house. Thus, once the insect enters the trap, the flies aren’t visible to people passing by. That makes more concealable traps ideal for indoor applications. In outdoor locations like barns or industrial facilities, concealability isn’t usually as much of a factor.3
Location of Use: Often, traps are designed to be used in a certain location, whether a windowsill or area a door jamb. For instance, bait stations and bottle traps can be placed near problem areas like windows, while hanging traps are designed to be hung in open air near the problem locations. Plus, be sure to choose a trap that is designed for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where you’ll be putting it.
Electronic vs. Baited Traps: Today, electronic traps are becoming more common, and they’re just as cost-effective as baited traps. Electronic traps use lights and suction systems to lure pests into the trap. The biggest difference is cost. Baited traps usually cost a few dollars per trap, while top-of-the-line electronic traps can cost $50 or more. Plus, electronic traps may not be suited for outdoor locations, where weather extremes can cause malfunctions.

Shop an assortment of fly traps and fly catchers on Deelat.com. We have electronic fly catchers, as well as some of the most effective baited fly traps on the market. Here, you’ll find some of the best prices on the web – we guarantee it.

Collet Chuck Basics: Common Applications, Types and Sizes

April 8, 2015 Leave a comment

A collet chuck is a common metalworking and woodworking device that’s used to hold objects in place. Here’s how it works: A collet fits around an object, and when tightened, the collet applies force to that object, effectively holding it in place. For this reason, collet chucks are often referred to as clamping chucks.

You may recognize the collet in an X-Acto knife. The blade of the knife is held in place with a collet. This is just a basic collet. In machining, collets are generally sturdier, made from hard steel, and they come in a variety of sizes. The type of collet that you need depends on a few different factors, including the type of work that will be done and the size of the bit or object that will be held.

Deelat Collet Chuck - Front — Deelat Collet Chuck – Front

Deelat Collet Chuck - Rear — Deelat Collet Chuck – Rear

Deelat Collet Chuck - Upright — Deelat Collet Chuck – Upright

Types and Styles of Collet Chucks

There are many different types of collet chucks, but two are used most frequently. They include:

Pull-back Collet Chucks: These collets are pulled back into the tapered spindle, causing the collet to clamp onto an object. As the collet is pulled back, the spring jaws are engaged, effectively gripping the work. The jaws are tapered toward the chuck.
Push-Out Collet Chucks: These collets are pushed forward, away from the spindle, to grip an object. Essentially, they are the inverse of the pull-back, and the jaws are tapered toward the object.

Other popular collet chucks include multi-position chucks and dead length collet chucks, which are used for applications in which users need additional precision.

Choosing the Right Collet Chuck Size

Size is very important when choosing a collet chuck. There are two measures to pay attention to. The first is the diameter of the collet, which is often measured in a range of diameters measured in millimeters. The most popular measure is the “ER” system, which includes a range from ER8 to ER50.

The number represents the number is the size of the collet opening, measured in millimeters. For example, for larger work pieces, you would require a collet with a larger diameter. Some of the most commonly used collet sizes are the ER16, ER20 and ER32.

Secondly, you’ll need to consider the taper of the chuck. Chucks are designed with a male taper that fits into the female machine or power tool spindle taper. Thus, the taper size of the collet chuck you purchase should match the taper size of the spindle or machine shank that you’re using. One common measure is the NST or NMBT shank measurement system, which includes the most common NST 30, NST 40 and NST50 sizes. There are various other taper systems, so be sure that your taper matches.

Common Collet Applications

There are many different uses for collet chucks, and the type of collet you use depends on the type of work that you will be doing. They can be used in metalworking and woodworking. Most commonly, collet chucks are used to hold work pieces, bits and other objects in place for:

Drilling
Milling
Boring
Tapping

Shop for quality and affordable collet chucks on Deelat.com. We feature a wide selection of collet chucks, including ER type chucks, made from quality materials.

Can Bird Spikes Help You Deter Nuisance Birds at Your Home?

April 6, 2015 Leave a comment

Pigeons are one of the most common pests for homeowners, and they tend to roost on the eaves of homes and buildings, on patios and fences, and on boats. They create a mess, which is unsightly and unhygienic, and some bird species can also create a lot of noise, which is another annoyance for homeowners and property managers.

Luckily, homeowners have a range of options for managing pest birds like pigeons and gulls. In fact, there is a quick, easy and humane solution for dealing with nuisance birds, called bird control spikes. Bird spikes are commonly used to deter larger nuisance birds, like pigeons and gulls, and they’re among the lowest cost options for pest control.

What Are Bird Spikes?

Bird spikes sound more menacing than they are, and don’t actually cause harm to any nuisance animal. Instead, bird control spikes – which are also commonly referred to as anti-roosting spikes – are affixed to places where birds tend to congregate.

Each bird spike is made of a base of a certain length, and a series of metal, stainless steel spikes that jut out from the base. The spikes are dulled, and they have blunt edges, so that animals aren’t injured. The spikes are designed to prevent animals from perching. For instance, a bird spike could be attached to the eaves of a property, or on patio ledges, and in turn, the spike strip would prevent birds from perching in that spot.

Bird spikes can be affixed in a variety of locations where nuisance birds commonly roost, including:

Decks, porches and patios
Barns, out buildings
Building and home eaves
Garden fences
Boat eaves and marinas

Bird Spikes Are Humane, Preventative

Commonly, homeowners want to remove nuisance animals without harming them. The good news about bird spikes: They’re completely humane. Animals aren’t injured or hurt by the bird spike, and bird spikes don’t require chemicals or poisons in their applications.

Instead, the bird spike is a highly effective deterrent that doesn’t hurt the animal. Bird spikes obstruct commonly perching and roosting spots for animals, making it impossible for larger species like ravens, gulls and pigeons to land. Because of this, bird spikes are commonly recommended by a humane societies, environmental organizations and animal rights groups in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. for deterring nuisance birds.

There are alternatives to bird spikes, of course. For instance, netting and mesh fencing can be used to completely block out surfaces where birds commonly land. This method is another humane method for deterring problem bird species, and in some cases, it may be more effective. For instance, in some locations, birds have learned to build nests within the spikes, and that makes bird spikes less effective. Plus, the spikes can become clogged with debris, which is why bird spikes need to be regularly cleaned, especially if they’re placed under large trees with falling leaves.
Alternatives to Bird Spikes

There are many reasons why bird spikes are advantageous compared to the alternatives. First, bird spikes are affordable and low-cost. The most basic models are come in at less than $10, plus they’re easy to install. Additionally, bird spikes are low-maintenance and non-destructive. That’s why they’re often a low-risk starting point for dealing with nuisance birds.

Some of the alternatives include:

Ultrasonic sound systems
Predator distress calling systems
Electric barriers and netting
Lighting deterrents

Several of these alternatives cost hundreds of dollars or more, and they may not always be effective. The effectiveness of these systems depends on a variety of factors, including the species of the targeted animals, the location of the deterrent, and climate conditions.

Deelat.com is your source for low-cost pest control supplies. We are one of the largest online hardware retailers, boasting a massive selection of supplies at unbeatable prices.

Copper Float Valves: Types, Applications and Materials

April 1, 2015 Leave a comment

Copper float valves are just one type of float valve. In fact, float valves can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum and plastic, and they are built in a variety sizes. So what are float valves exactly?

Float valves control the amount of water in a tank system, and they open and close as the water level rises or falls. For instance, one of the most common examples is the ballcock found in nearly every toilet. The toilet’s ballcock – which is another term for floating valve – is used to turn off and on the water that’s refilling the tank. For instance, when the ballcock is sitting on top of the water in the tank, the valve is closed and the water shuts off. But when it’s hanging, the water continues to fill.

The ballcock is just one example, but all float valves serve a similar function. They’re used in automated filling systems, whether for irrigation, animal watering, aquariums etc., and the valves tell the system when to start refilling and when to stop.

Copper Cube Floating Valves: What Are Their Applications?

Copper float valves are one type of ballcock valve, and they have many applications in water tank systems. As they’re made of copper, they’re more heavy duty and have thicker walls than plastic or rubber ballcocks, and they are built for more industrial applications. For instance, they’re often used in open-tank systems, where there is no cover on the tank – agriculture irrigation systems are a common example.

Plus, copper cube floating valves may be used in heating systems and to provide venting for piping systems.

Generally, copper floats are made up of three unique pieces:

A copper valve
An arm or lever
A copper float

In these systems, the float valve is a sturdy copper piece connected to a bronze arm. The arm is attached to the air-filled float, which is also made of a sturdy copper. When the water level within the tank, say an irrigation vessel, is below the hanging copper floating ball, the system continues to refill. Then, once the water reaches the copper float, the valve begins to close, effectively turning off the flow of water.

The biggest advantage of copper float valves is that they’re built for different types of systems, compared to plastic floats. For instance, copper floats can withstand greater inlet water temperatures, often up to 200 degrees, as well as greater water pressure. This makes them ideal for high-pressure industrial systems, as well as those that deal with hotter water.

Deelat.com is a leader in industrial valve sales. We provide a wide selection of wholesale industrial supplies, including copper cube floating valves and copper floats. Browse our selection of valves today for the best prices on high quality construction supplies.