Fail Close Vs. Fail Open Valve: What's The Difference?

In a world where the margin for error is becoming increasingly slim, it’s essential to understand the difference between fail close and fail open valves. Fail close valves are designed to close in the event of a power failure, while fail open valves are designed to open in the event of a power failure. Fail close and fail open valves are two of the most commonly used valves in process control applications. But what’s the difference between them? In this blog post, we’ll look at the fail close vs. fail open valve and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.

What Is a Fail Close Valve?

A fail close valve is a safety industrial valve designed to close automatically in the event of a system failure. This type of valve is often used in critical applications where a loss of pressure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Fail close valves are typically installed in locations where there is a risk of leakages, such as pipelines, chemical storage tanks, and pressure vessels. 

When a fail close valve is installed in a system, it is typically connected to a monitoring system that can detect when a failure has occurred. The fail close valve automatically closes when a failure is detected, preventing further pressure loss. In some cases, the fail close valve may also open to release pressure before it closes, depending on the severity of the failure.

Pros Of Fail Close Valve

There are many benefits of using fail close valves. Some of the pros of fail close valves include:

• Increased safety – Fail close valves can help prevent accidents by automatically shutting off in the event of a power failure.
• Reduced costs – Fail close valves can help reduce costs by preventing damage to equipment in the event of an emergency.
• Improved efficiency – Fail close valves can improve the efficiency of your operations by reducing the need for manual intervention in the event of an emergency.
• Enhanced reliability – Fail close valves are generally more reliable than manual valves, which can often be forgotten or not properly maintained.
• It can reduce downtime and associated costs by protecting against process upsets.

Cons Of Fail Close Valve

There are many disadvantages of using fail close valves. Some of the cons of fail close valves include:

• The fail close valve is not very durable and can break easily.
• If the fail close valve is not installed correctly, it can cause problems with the water pressure.
• The fail close valve can be challenging to operate, especially for those not mechanically inclined.
• The fail close valve is also known to leak, which can waste water and cause damage to the surrounding area.
• Lastly, the fail close valve is quite expensive, which may deter some people from installing it.
• A fail close valve can cause unexpected and dangerous pressure surges.
• A failed close valve can add unnecessary cost and complexity to a system.
• The valve can become jammed or frozen in place, making it difficult to repair or replace.
• Fail close valves can be difficult to install and maintain.

What Is a Fail Open Valve?

A fail open valve is a type of valve that is designed to stay open when there is a failure in the system. This type of valve is typically used in systems where it is vital to maintain a constant flow, such as in a water or gas line. Fail open valves are an essential part of many systems and can help to prevent damage and failures. Fail open valve may be the right choice when designing a system that needs to maintain a constant flow.

Pros Of Fail Open Valve

Here are five pros of using a fail open valve:

• Fail open valves can prevent dangerous situations: In some situations, a power outage could lead to a dangerous situation if there is no way to stop fluid or gas flow. For example, if a pipeline ruptures, a fail open valve can prevent the release of dangerous chemicals or gas.
• Fail open valves can help maintain pressure: In some systems, it is essential to maintain a certain pressure. A fail open valve can help to ensure that pressure is maintained in the system, even if there is a power outage.
• Fail open valves can help protect against backflow: In some systems, it is essential to prevent backflow. A fail open valve can help to ensure that fluid or gas does not flow back into the system, which could cause damage or pose a safety risk.
• Fail open valves can help regulate flow: In some systems, it is vital to regulate fluid or gas flow. A fail open valve can help to ensure that the flow is maintained at a safe level, even if there is a power outage.
• Fail open valves can be used in emergencies: In some cases, a fail open valve can be used in an emergency to stop the flow of fluid or gas. For example, if a pipeline ruptures, a fail open valve can prevent the release of dangerous chemicals or gas.

Cons Of Fail Open Valve

While fail open valves have many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks. Here are five cons of fail open valves:

• One of the most significant disadvantages of fail open valves is that they are prone to leaking. If the valve is not installed correctly, it can allow water or other fluids to leak through. This can lead to costly repairs or damage to your home or business.
• Fail open valves can also be challenging to close. If the valve is not installed correctly, it may not be easy to turn it off. This can be a problem if you have a sudden need to shut off the water or if there is an emergency.
• Another downside of fail open valves is that they can be noisy. If the valve is not installed correctly, it may make a loud banging noise when it is turned on or off. This can be distracting and annoying, particularly if you have a business nearby.
• Additionally, fail open valves can be difficult to maintain. If the valve is not installed correctly, it may be difficult to clean or repair. This can be a problem if you have a lot of use for the valve or if it is located in an area that is difficult to reach.

Key Difference Between Fail Close And Fail Open Valve

Instrument valves are designed to automatically open or close in response to a signal from a controller. This allows for automated flow control of liquids and gasses in process systems. There are two main instrument valves: fail close and fail open. There are several critical differences between fail close and fail open valves. Here are 5 of the most critical differences in fail open vs fail close valve.

• Fail close valves close in the event of a failure or power loss, while fail open valves open.
• Fail close valves are often used in critical applications where a flow loss could be dangerous. On the other hand, fail open valves are often used in applications where a loss of flow is not critical.
• The design of fail close valves is such that they require more force to open than fail open valves.
• Fail close valves are typically more expensive than fail open valves because of their increased functionality.
• Fail close valves are typically made from higher quality materials than fail open valves, as they must be able to withstand the increased force required to open them.

Bottomline

Fail close and fail open valves are two different types of valves used for different purposes. Fail close valves are used to prevent the flow of fluids or gasses, while fail open valves are used to allow the flow of fluids or gasses. The main difference between the two is that fail close valves will close in the event of a power failure, while fail open valves will remain open. For more reliable industrial valves manufacturer, contact us.