BVB - Manifold Valves for VKG/VKM Flow Meters

Centralized Flow Monitoring Through Integrated Manifold Valve Technology

The BVB manifold valve system transforms complex multi-point lubrication by consolidating up to eight VKG or VKM flowmeters into a single integrated valve block. This specialized manifold design eliminates the extensive piping, mounting, and installation complexity associated with distributed lubrication installations with field mounted flowmeters. Engineered specifically for industrial oil lubrication circuits, the BVB manifold delivers centralized flow measurement and distribution while maintaining independent valve control for each measurement branch.

The compact, modular design allows installations from a single flowmeter to up to eight-point distribution systems. Each valve position features individual flow control, allowing operators to adjust flow to specific branches and isolate individual circuits for flowmeter service while maintaining operation on the others. The anodized aluminum housing withstands harsh industrial environments while providing corrosion resistance for extended service life in machinery installations. Operating pressures to 930 PSI accommodate standard industrial oil circulation systems.

Understanding Manifold Valve Benefits for Lubrication Systems

Traditional multi-point lubrication monitoring requires individual flowmeter installations with separate piping runs, mounting brackets, and connection fittings for each measurement location. This scattered approach creates maintenance challenges, occupies excessive space, and complicates troubleshooting when flow issues occur. The BVB manifold valve consolidates these multiple measurement points into one accessible location, dramatically simplifying installation and reducing the piping complexity that leads to leak points and pressure losses in distributed systems.

The centralized manifold approach proves particularly valuable in machinery installations where space constraints prevent individual flowmeter mounting or where monitoring multiple lubrication branches from a single observation point improves operator efficiency. Centralized bearing lubrication for process equipment, conveyor lubrication systems, CNC machine lubrication, and many other applications benefit from the consolidated measurement capability this manifold valve system provides.

Engineered Manifold Design for Reliable Multi-Point Distribution

The BVB manifold valve accommodates both VKG glass tube rotameters for visual flow indication or VKM all-metal flowmeters for higher pressure applications, providing flexibility for diverse lubrication monitoring requirements. The 1/2" NPT process connections enable direct integration with standard industrial piping while the compact valve spacing optimizes installation footprint. Maximum combined flow throughput of 6.3 GPM accommodates typical machinery lubrication requirements.

Successful manifold operation requires pump overcapacity of 20-30% beyond total branch flow requirements, ensuring adequate pressure reaches all measurement points. A pressure limiting regulator is recommended to return excess capacity to the supply reservoir, maintaining system pressure between 100-235 PSIG for optimal flowmeter operation. This design approach ensures consistent flow delivery across all manifold branches regardless of individual branch flow variations, maintaining accurate measurement and reliable lubrication system performance.

BABA Compliant American Manifold Manufacturing

As a Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliant manifold valve manufactured in the United States, the BVB system meets federal procurement requirements for centralized flow monitoring installations in water treatment facilities, public infrastructure projects, and government industrial operations. This compliance ensures manifold eligibility for federally funded programs while supporting domestic manufacturing capabilities. Government facilities and public utilities specify the BVB manifold knowing it satisfies both multi-point monitoring requirements and procurement mandates for American-made flow measurement systems.

Modular Expansion Capability for Growing Monitoring Requirements

The BVB manifold system accommodates progressive expansion as lubrication monitoring requirements evolve, supporting configurations from single flowmeter installations through eight-point measurement systems. This modular approach allows facilities to implement initial monitoring on critical circuits while maintaining expansion capability for additional measurement points as needs increase.

Installation flexibility enables right-side or left-side piping inlet connections, adapting to existing machinery configurations without requiring custom piping modifications. The flowmeter mounting interface can be specified with either the VKG or the VKM variable area flow meters.

Simplified Installation Reduces Implementation Complexity

Traditional multi-point lubrication monitoring installations require individual piping runs from the pump discharge to each flowmeter location, followed by lines to machinery bearing housings or lubrication points. This distributed approach demands extensive piping, fitting assembly, and leak testing at numerous connection points throughout the installation. The BVB manifold consolidates supply and distribution into one valve block, dramatically reducing the connection points, installation time, and potential leak paths compared to scattered individual flowmeter installations.

The pre-assembled manifold arrives ready for flowmeter installation, eliminating field work or custom fabrication. Technicians simply connect the single supply line to the inlet port, and route individual discharge lines to their respective lubrication points. This streamlined installation approach reduces labor hours, minimizes system downtime during implementation, and simplifies quality verification through concentrated leak testing at one manifold location rather than multiple distributed connection points across the facility.

Individual Valve Control Enables Isolated Maintenance

Each manifold position features independent valve control, allowing technicians to isolate individual flowmeter branches for maintenance, calibration verification, or flowmeter replacement without disrupting lubrication flow to other machinery circuits. This capability proves essential in continuous process operations where complete system shutdown for routine maintenance creates unacceptable production losses. Operators simply close the specific valve position, perform required flowmeter service, and restore operation while remaining branches maintain lubrication delivery throughout the maintenance activity.

Technical Specifications for Manifold Integration

• Manifold configurations: Single through 8-fold valve positions
• Maximum system pressure: 930 PSI (observe individual flowmeter limitations)
• Maximum temperature: 212°F (100°C)
• Combined flow capacity: 6.3 GPM maximum total throughput
• Process connections: 1/2" NPT inlet and flowmeter mounting
• Housing material: Anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance
• Seal material: NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber)
• Spindle guide: Brass construction
• Spindle material: 303 stainless steel
• Compatible flowmeters: VKG glass tube and VKM all-metal rotameters
• Installation orientation: Right or left-side inlet configuration available
• Compliance: Made in USA, BABA compliant

Proven Reliability in Critical Multi-Point Monitoring Applications

Industrial facilities worldwide rely on BVB manifold valve systems for applications where centralized lubrication simplifies installation and operation. The combination of modular design, individual valve control, and American manufacturing creates a solution satisfying both operational requirements and procurement specifications. With immediate availability from U.S. inventory and comprehensive technical support including integration guidance for VKG and VKM flowmeter selection, the BVB manifold valve provides dependable centralized flow monitoring for industrial lubrication systems requiring organized multi-point measurement through proven integrated valve block technology.

Variable Area Flow Technology and Manifolds

Learn more about variable area and rotameter flow technology by visiting our in-depth Article on Variable Area and Rotameter Flow Technology.

Learn more about manifolds for variable area and rotameter flow technology by visiting our in-depth Article on Manifolds for Rotameters.