KOBOLD BVB VALVE MANIFOLD
User Instructions
USA
1801 Parkway View Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
PH 412-788-2830
www.koboldusa.com
Canada
9A Aviation
Point Claire, QC H9R 4Z2
PH 514-428-8090
BVB_manual_4-28-04
BVB
KOBOLD BVB VALVE MANIFOLD
User Instructions
CAUTION: For safety reasons, please read the cautionary information located at
the end of the manual, before attempting installation.
1.0 General
The KOBOLD BVB is a manifold/valve system intended for use with our SV, VKG, and
VKM flowmeters. It provides a convenient, compact and tidy way to distribute liquid to up
to eight different branches of a piping system.
The maximum flow throughput of the BVB is 24 l/m (6.5 GPM). This upper limit applies
whether 1 or 8 BVB manifold valves are used.
2.0 Specifications
Table 2.1: Construction & Operational Limits
Body:
Block Plugs:
Valves:
Valve Seat:
Manifold Gasket:
O-Rings:
Maximum Pressure:
Maximum Temperature:
Maximum Throughput:
Anodized Aluminum
Zinc Coated Steel
Brass
Anodized Aluminum
Copper or NBR
NBR
235 PSI
210 F
24 l/min - 6.5 GPM
BVB 2
Diagram 2: Dimensions
½” NPT
3.0 Installation
CAUTION: For safety reasons, please read the cautionary information located at
the end of the manual, before attempting installation.
The BVB manifold comes completely assembled, including the flowmeters purchased in
conjunction with it.
Make connection to the BVB assembly with ½ NPT fittings. During installation, use
PTFE tape on the male fitting to reduce friction during tightening and to help create a
good seal. Remember, the BVB is aluminum - do NOT over tighten, as this will
irreparably damage the threads.
For instructions on how to connect to your chosen flowmeter, and for information on the
flowmeter's limitations, consult the appropriate flowmeter instruction manual.
3BVB
4.0 Operation
The BVB comes with integral needle valves. The needle valves, in conjunction with the
assembly's pressure limitations, set an upper bound of 24 l/min = 6.5 GPM on the
throughput of the total BVB assembly. This throughput limit is identical for all sizes of
manifolds (1-8 blocks).
We recommend that the total throughput of the manifold be 20-30% less than the
capacity of the pump providing the liquid. To protect your investment from damage, we
advise that the pump's overcapacity be returned to its source container via a return line
installed upstream of the BVB. This return line should be operated by a pressure release
valve set at 75 PSI.
As with any distribution manifold of this nature, flow volume drops from the upstream to
the downstream end. To ensure that all lines are provided with adequate liquid, we
suggest that the lines with the highest flow demand be placed as far upstream in the BVB
block as possible. Other lines are then arranged in order of flow demand, most
downstream being the line with lowest throughput requirements.
5.0 Maintenance
The BVB can be considered as a needle valve when it comes to maintenance. For
trouble-free operation, ensure that your liquid is clean. If necessary, provide filtering to
protect your equipment. KOBOLD's MF filters, or equivalent, will perform this function
nicely.
For maintenance of the BVB mounted flowmeters, consult their instruction manuals.
6.0
Your instrument was inspected prior to shipment and found to be defect-free. If damage
is visible on the unit, we advise that you carefully inspect the packing in which it was
delivered. If damage is visible, notify your local carrier at once, since the carrier is liable
for a replacement under these circumstances. If your claim is refused, please contact
KOBOLD Instruments for further advisement.
7.0 Need Help With Your BVB?
Arrival of Damaged Equipment
Call one of our friendly engineers at 412-788-2830.
BVB 4
Caution
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GENERAL FLOW METER/ MONITOR
WARNINGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION OF YOUR NEW
DEVICE. FAILURE TO HEED THE INFORMATION HEREIN MAY
RESULT IN EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SUBSEQUENT
PERSONAL INJURY.
5BVB
• Inspect instrument for damage upon arrival. Cracked, fractured, bent or otherwise
damaged instruments must not be put into use, since the device is weakened to an
unknown extent. (The operations and installation guide will explain how to make a
claim on damaged instruments.)
• Under NO circumstances must the maximum tolerances (temperature and pressure)
be exceeded.
• The maximum tolerances of the device have been determined using water, air and/or
oil. If using other media, especially corrosive ones, it is critically important that the
user determine chemical compatibility with our instruments. A list, detailing material
composition of our instruments, is available from KOBOLD Instruments Inc. upon
request. KOBOLD Instruments Inc. cannot accept responsibility for failure and
consequences resulting from use of media other than water, mineral oil, air, and
nitrogen.
• Install the device in a fully supported position within your flow system. This avoids
excessive stresses which may damage the instrument. In particular:
a. Ensure that the plumbing leading to and from the instrument is fully supported
and that the instrument does not perform the physical function of a joint.
b. When calculating stress on the device caused by plumbing, the weight of the
liquid in the pipes must be considered as well as the weight of the pipes.
c. Misaligned runs of rigid piping can cause large stresses when connected to
the instrument. Do not connect in such a fashion.
• During installation, avoid stresses on the instrument by following guidelines given
below:
a. When connecting fittings, hold the instrument fittings rigid with a correctly
sized wrench. Do not install by twisting the instrument into the pipe fittings.
b. Do NOT install by holding the device housing to provide counter-torque to the
pipe fitting.
c. Use an appropriate amount of PTFE tape on male threads of fitting. This
reduces the twisting stresses produced by tightening the fittings into each
other.
d. Do not use pliers or wrenches on the housing, as this may damage it.
e. Do not overtighten, as this may fracture the fittings.
BVB 6
• During operation, there are a number of situations to avoid:
a. The sudden cessation of liquid flow causes what is typically referred to as
"water hammer". Most people are familiar with this phenomenon from their
home experience - it is the cause behind the loud clank of water pipes which
occurs when faucets are turned off too suddenly. The cause behind this "water
hammer" is quite easy to visualize. Water is fairly massive. The amount of
water in long runs of pipe is quite substantial. When the faucets are turned off
suddenly, especially from a full on condition, the water has considerable
momentum and does not want to stop flowing. The situation is similar to
stopping a car by running into a wall, rather than by applying brakes. Both are
sudden rather than gradual. The damage to the wall can be substantial (not to
mention the car).
The "water hammer" causes surges in liquid pressure which could cause the
measurement instrument's pressure limit to be exceeded, resulting in failure
and possible personal injury.
b. Liquid surges, as well as the water hammer, can be particularly damaging to
empty flowmeters since there is no back pressure in the device. The damage
is caused, once again, by momentary excess pressure. To avoid these surges,
liquid lines should remain full (if possible) and water flow should be introduced
to the device slowly.
c. If the instrument is isolated with inlet and outlet valves, the flowmeter must be
completely drained when said valves are both closed. Failure to do so could
result in damage to the device caused by thermal expansion of liquid.
d. Freezing of water in the instrument must be avoided since the resultant
expansion will damage the flowmeter and make it unsafe for use.
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