Tips To Extend The Life Of Valves
Select the right valve
Ensure the valve design and material match operational speci cations – poor valve selectionis the cause of a majority of leaks and valve failures.
Follow correct installation practices
Clean the lines before operation – foreign objects can damage valves once the lines are pressurized.
Never mishandle a valve during installation – any damage to an actuator, for instance, can cause a valve to malfunction.
A valve’s travel stop (mechanically limits the stem’s rotation) should not be touched during installation as it’s preset by the manufacturer – any misadjustment or damage to a travel stop can cause leakage.
Protect valves from getting damaged
Valves should be protected from corrosion, dust, extreme temperatures, etc.
Carbide coatings can reduce damage from wear and tear and extend the life of valves.
Thermal coatings can provide protection against high temperatures.
Follow correct operation practices
Always operate a system/pump within safe operating limits – also known as best e ciency point (BEP).
Exceeding the operating limit may cause wear and tear and reduce the service life of a valve.
Improper valve throttling and line oversizing can result in reduced e ciency, which in turn can damage a valve.
Operate valves regularly
A valve that’s not regularly used can turn unreliable/be rendered useless.
Put in place a preventative maintenance schedule
Regular maintenance helps you recognize small issues before they become big and make a valve inoperable.
Replace damaged valve components regularly to increase their service life.
Lubricate valves regularly to extend their operating life.