A valve schedule becomes useful when it states what each valve isolates. A list of valve sizes alone does not show which rooms or branches are affected, who may operate the valve, or how it will be found during maintenance. This article focuses on mapping pipeline valves to isolation zones for procurement and engineering teams. It does not cover clinical gas selection, flow calculations, or installation procedures.

Start with the approved pipeline drawing

Begin with the approved pipeline drawing and mark the source, branches, and clinical areas. Give each isolation zone a unique identifier and connect it to the valves that serve it. Record the gas or vacuum service and the area affected by closure. The responsible designer should decide where isolation is required and how the project meets applicable access and labelling requirements. An article cannot supply that design decision.

For procurement, this mapping becomes the basis for scoping. Without it, you risk ordering valves that do not match the intended isolation strategy.

Distinguish individual valves from zone valve box assemblies

A common procurement question is whether to specify individual pipeline valves or a zone valve box assembly. The answer depends on the project's isolation philosophy, available space, and maintenance access. Ask which components, enclosures, labels, and monitoring parts are included in each quotation. Verify connection details and documentation for the exact model. If the project expands an existing system, identify the old-to-new boundary and ask how the valve schedule will be reflected in updated drawings and operating records.

Our zone valve box range illustrates one form of grouped isolation equipment. Share the system diagram and valve schedule to obtain a response matched to the project scope.

Questions to ask before finalising the valve schedule

When reviewing the valve schedule with the design team, clarify these points for each isolation zone:

• Which gas or vacuum service does this zone serve?

• Which rooms or branches are affected when the valve is closed?

• Who is authorised to operate the valve, and what access control is required?

• How will the valve be identified in the field and on drawings?

• What documentation is needed for the exact valve model (e.g., dimensions, connection type, materials)?

• If the zone is part of an expansion, how will the new valves integrate with existing isolation zones?

These questions help ensure the valve schedule supports both procurement and future maintenance.

What to include in an RFQ

A clear RFQ for medical gas pipeline valves should reference the isolation zone mapping. Include:

• The approved pipeline drawing with isolation zones marked.

• A valve schedule listing each valve's unique tag, service, size, and connection type.

• The required enclosure or box assembly details, if applicable.

• Labelling and identification requirements.

• Documentation required for the exact model (e.g., datasheets, certificates as applicable).

• Any site-specific access or monitoring needs.

This allows suppliers to provide a quotation matched to the project scope.

Decision boundaries

This article covers the mapping of valves to isolation zones for procurement and engineering coordination. It does not address clinical gas selection, flow rates, pressure settings, or installation procedures. Those decisions require input from the qualified facility team and the responsible designer. Always verify connection details and documentation for the exact model with the manufacturer and the project's engineering team.

Medical Gas Valve Enquiries

We are Kersai Medical in Qingdao, China. Our medical gas equipment range includes zone valve boxes, valves and alarm equipment.

Send us your system diagram and valve schedule to discuss the equipment needed for each isolation zone.