What are temperature based valve tags?

Temperature valve tags are those that are used in situations where the temperature is either very hot, or very cold. These tags are designed to be able to stand up to the extreme temperatures without getting damaged or unusable. Understanding when these types of valve tags are necessary will help to not only ensure it doesn’t become necessary to replace damaged valves, but can also improve overall workplace safety.

High Temperature Environments

When there are valves in high temperature environments, it will often be necessary to use metal valve tags. These tags can tolerate high temperatures without melting, burning, or becoming charred. Of course, it is important to choose the right type of metal based on the temperature that will be reached in the environment. The high temperature could be a general ambient temperature, or a situation where it is only exposed to the heat when the valve is opened such as when steam is released.

One thing to note about using metal in high temperature environments is that the metal itself will get very hot and may retain heat for some time. If the tag comes in contact with steam, for example, it will remain hot to the touch for several minutes after the steam is gone. Employees need to understand that even if the temperature in the area has cooled off, it must be assumed that the metal tag is still to hot to touch without personal protection equipment.

Low Temperature Environments

Valves that operate in frigid temperatures also need special tags. Metal tags work quite well in these environments as well. Most plastic valve tags can withstand cold temperatures too, but they may become rigid and brittle so they could break apart if something impacts them. In most situations, however, both the metal and the plastic valve tags will work just fine in cold environments.