What are custom valves and when are they needed?
A custom valve is a fluid control device specifically designed and manufactured for a specific use case, adjusting the operating principle (direct action, piloted, modulating control), body and internal materials (stainless steels, special alloys, coatings), geometry and trim (seat, obturator, Kv/Cv, shut-off class), connections (DIN/ANSI flanges, thread, clamp, BW/SW) and actuation (self-actuated, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic) to the actual process data (fluid, flow rate, P1/P2, ΔP, T, viscosity, phase, and chemical compatibility).
The result is a certified and traceable assembly that complies with regulations (PED/CE and, when applicable, ATEX) and the client’s operation and maintenance requirements.
Typical industrial scenarios
Key benefits of a customized solution
In summary, a custom valve protects the process, reduces costs and risks and ensures that the equipment performs exactly as the application requires, even in limit conditions where a standard solution does not reach.
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How we design and manufacture custom valves, step by step
Every project starts with a technical conversation. Our team collects the actual process data —fluid, minimum and maximum flow rates, inlet and outlet pressures, temperature, fluid state, and installation constraints— and validates with the plant the most probable operating and failure situations.
It is not just about filling out a data sheet: we contrast P&ID diagrams, available spaces, internal client standards, and maintenance requirements to understand the complete context in which the valve will work.
With that defined operating map, we move on to the design. We select the most suitable operating principle (self-actuated, modulating control with pneumatic actuator, piloted solutions), dimension by Kv/Cv, and establish the trim architecture to avoid cavitation, erosion, or noise.
In parallel, we choose body and internal materials based on chemical and thermal compatibility: stainless steels, special alloys, or coatings; packings and metal or soft seats according to the required shut-off class; and the connections that facilitate integration (DIN/ANSI flanges, BSP/NPT threads, sanitary clamp, BW/SW). The goal is for the valve not only to comply but to integrate naturally into the existing system.
Before manufacturing, we submit the design to verification by calculation and simulation. We analyze the pressure drop throughout the flow range, verify the dynamic behavior against disturbances, and review noise levels and risk of cavitation at the most demanding points. This stage allows us to adjust geometries, obturator strokes, and regulating springs to ensure stability and precision from day one.
Manufacturing is carried out under certified procedures, with complete material traceability. We machine and assemble with strict tolerances, and each valve undergoes functional and leak tests in accordance with European regulations (PED/CE) and, when applicable, ATEX requirements. If the project requires it, we carry out additional actuation tests, curve characterization, and specific validations agreed with the client.
We always deliver with clear technical documentation: specification sheet, drawings, material certificates, test protocols, and installation, operation, and maintenance manual. After delivery, we maintain close after-sales support. We accompany the start-up, resolve installation doubts, and offer spare parts kits and preventive maintenance plans to maximize plant availability.
Configurable variables
| Variable | Usual options/criteria |
|---|---|
| Pressure / Temperature | P1/P2/ΔP of design; -40 °C to >350 °C depending on materials and service |
| Flow rate (Q) / Kv–Cv | Dimensioning by Qmin–Qmax range and critical conditions |
| Fluid | Water, steam, air/neutral gases, chemicals, hydrocarbons, sanitary |
| Body/internal materials | Stainless steel AISI 316/CF3M, carbon WCB, superalloys, coatings |
| Seat / Shut-off class | Metal–metal or soft (PTFE, EPDM, FKM); class according to application |
| Actuation | Self-actuated, pneumatic (with positioner), electric, hydraulic |
| Connections | DIN/ANSI flanged, BSP/NPT, clamp, BW/SW |
| Regulatory compliance | PED/CE, ATEX (zones 1/2/21/22), documentation and tests |
At Valfonta, we have a wide catalog of valves for industrial systems
In addition to developing customized solutions, at Valfonta we offer a complete range of products for fluid control and safety: pressure reducing valves (direct and balanced actions), relief and excess pressure valves, control valves with pneumatic actuator for on/off or modulating service, as well as steam and liquid injectors and ejectors. This breadth allows us to cover from auxiliary applications to critical processes with precision, reliability, and traceability requirements.
Our work is supported by a continuous innovation approach: materials and trims optimized against cavitation and noise, easy-to-maintain designs (top-entry access when applicable), instrumentation integrable in PLC/SCADA, and manufacturing with certified traceability. We operate under quality and sustainability criteria, prioritizing energy efficiency, lifespan, and waste reduction, and complying with European regulations (PED/CE and, when applicable, ATEX).
We believe in collaborative engineering: we dimension by Kv/Cv from real process data, validate chemical and thermal compatibility, and adapt connections, drives, and shut-off classes to the plant standard. The result is stable performance, lower OPEX, and shorter stops, thanks to original spare parts and preventive maintenance plans.
Can we help you define the optimal solution for your installation? Contact our technical team: we will analyze your case and propose a valve —standard or custom— that maximizes safety, efficiency, and availability.
