Understanding The Basics of Ball Valves And Their Maintenance
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Understanding The Basics of Ball Valves And Their Maintenance

Views: 44     Author: Amy Xiong     Publish Time: 2024-11-12      Origin: www.wktipvf.com

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Why is Ball Valve Maintenance Important?


Ball valves: widely used in various industrial and residential applications to control the flow of liquids and gases because they are very reliable. Basic knowledge and maintenance of ball valves should be observed to make them serve their purpose adequately since they are of great importance.


Basic knowledge of ball valves


About the classification of industrial ball valves. Ball valves come in many structural forms, varieties and specifications, and new products and new structures are still emerging.Ball valves can be divided into several types according to their characteristics and uses.Classified by support methods,such as floating ball valves and fixed ball valves.The main feature of floating ball valves is that the ball has no supporting shaft.The ball is supported by the valve seats at both ends of the valve inlet and outlet.The valve stem and the ball are movablely connected.The ball of this ball valve is clamped by two valve seats and presents a "floating state". The ball of the fixed ball valve is integrated with the upper and lower valve stems, or is made into an integral shaft-connected ball. The ball and the upper and lower valve stems are welded into one piece. The ball can be free along the axis perpendicular to the valve channel on the bearing.Rotate, but cannot move along the channel axis.Therefore, when the fixed ball valve is working, all the force generated by the fluid pressure in front of the valve on the ball is transmitted to the bearing, and the valve back seat will not move. Therefore, the valve seat will not bear excessive pressure,and is more suitable for high pressure and large diameter valves.occasion.Ball valves can also be classified according to installation method,ball structure classification, etc.

flanged ball valve

Ball valve maintenance tips


Regular cleanings don't seem like a big deal, but they can really reduce the chances of you needing to call someone out for repairs. Make sure that when you have your valves cleaned the technician doing the work knows what he is doing. More knowledge on ball valves can drastically reduce any unnecessary circumstances from arising due to lack of experience.


As debris cannot accumulate to hamper your piping system, the most out of clean valves will live. A towel should be used in cleaning dirt, oil or dust from the valve casing while a wire brush will do away with build-up from the valve stem and other moving parts. Ensure that cleaning agents are not reactive negatively with valve materials: metal components can be cleaned using gas-based or compressed air cleaners and non-metal parts with alcohol- or water-based cleaners. This allows you to undertake cleaning of your ball valves at least once throughout the year; if there is plenty of dirt or dust within the plant environment, clean them more frequently.



Lubrication of the valve


It helps to keep your ball valves running smoothly and free from abrasion. Proper lubrication also assists in enhancing the seal of the valves, if applied properly. Synthetic, oil-based lubricants that are water-insoluble should be used; do not opt for clay or solid based lubricants that will create a buildup inside the valve body. Ensure compatibility of the lubricant with both valve materials and system media. Many manufacturers like WKT Valve pre-lubricate their ball valves permanently before dispatch; hence, there is no need for further lubrication later in the life of the valve.



Routine inspections


Have your valves checked by a skilled inspector on a routine basis. For most applications,once a year is ideal, but ball valves in high-pressure and high-cycle applications should receive more frequent inspections. Inspections should address the following:

Tightness of nuts,bolts and other hardware

The presence of mineral buildup or corrosion

Leak hazards

Proper opening and closure of valves

Position indicator accuracy (even on static valves)

Proper exhaustion and air filtration in the area



Scheduled plant shutdowns


Annual shutdowns are an ideal time to perform ball valve inspections.Remove valves from the piping system,disassemble them,clean the interiors and replace any broken or worn components,paying particular attention to seals or other rubber parts.

3 way brass ball valve

Benefits of Maintaining Your Ball Valves



Longevity


Longer-lasting, low-maintenance valves save money, reduce downtime, and help keep plant production on schedule. Without proper routine maintenance and quality checks, potential issues with your ball valves may be overlooked. This could result in equipment failure, damage to parts, or even injury to workers.



Reduced need for shutdowns


The  worst-case scenario on a plant floor is a preventable accident that causes injuries or costly repairs. This means  maintenance experts who are properly trained in assessing ball valves will easy identify potential issues and do so well before you have full emergency (not to mention violating OSHA) on hand; when it comes to plant safety, properly installed and maintained ball valves will prevent any hazardous leaks in a piping or processing system.


Downtime is costly if your plant is not producing at any time then that time is money or potential revenue lost. In some instances, maintenance on a ball valve may be done while in service which means the plant can continue to produce product.


Just as higher uptime means more revenue, lower maintenance issues save the money. If ball valves are monitored, maintained and replaced as scheduled, this will reduce the need for setting aside he funds for unforeseen repairs or replacements.


With knowledge of the basic principles and maintenance requirements of ball valves, users shall be able to ensure the proper performance of these valves throughout an extended period. Improper functioning can occur when ball valves are used in industrial processes or plumbing systems if the most basic principles and maintenance requirements are not met. If one is in doubt regarding the preservation of ball valves, one can contact us for advice on practicums for free.

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