The Chemical Engineer's Book Corner

Valve Selection Handbook

Author(s): R. W. Zappe
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Summary:  "Valve Selection Handbook" makes a great desk reference for any engineer who is often given the task of sizing, specifing, or troubleshooting valves or rupture discs.  Nearly every type of valve imaginable is discussed in detail.  Special sections on ASME code as well as emerging European standards makes the book very well rounded. 

     The book is divided into the following main sections: 
Introduction
Fundamentals
Manual Valves
Check Valves
Pressure Relief Valves
Rupture Discs
Sizing Pressure Relief Devices
Appendix A: ASME Code Safety Valve Rules
Appendix B: Properties of Fluids
Appendix C: Standards Pertaining to Valves
Appendix D: International System of Units (SI)
References
Index

Layout:    This books contains many tables, graphs, diagrams, and photos to make learning the subject matter very easy.   Each type of valve is accompanied by details regarding the mechanical workings, process functionality, pertaining standards, and typical applications.

From the Book:

Highs:     Systematically goes through each type of valve and arms the reader with the necessary information to proceed with their work quickly and accurately.

Lows:     The author uses the physical property section to list gas compressibilities.  A listing of the properties for some common liquids may have been helpful as well.

Overall:     A focused, well-written book that addresses the topic in a concise and easy-to-understand manor.   As is usually the case, when authors write books about a specific topic, they do well.  The book contains plenty of diagrams and photographs to help along the way.   Overall, the very useful book for those responsible for valve design and selection.

Rating:       (out of four stars)

Star Guide: