PC-DEC22-PG30-31.1_Layout 1 05/01/2023 11:45 Page 30
PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS INSTALL, INSPECT AND MAINTAIN
Ziad Bedran, Product Manager, Swagelok Company, says deepening your knowledge of valve maintenance can help you improve plant safety and efficiency
components control and maintain optimal levels of flow throughout a system, enabling it to operate as designed. For this reason, valves are critically important for the overall operational efficiency, safety, and profitability of a business. All of this means that fluid system operators
V
must take good care of their valves. Following maintenance and repair best practices can help maximise a valve’s reliability and service life. In this article, we will outline some of the essentials of valve maintenance and explain what you need to know to properly troubleshoot valves when issues may arise.
Installation is Critical One of the most common reasons that any valve may experience performance issues can be traced back to improper installation. A properly installed valve can help reduce ongoing maintenance needs throughout its service life, so it is important to follow best
alves play an essential role in the reliable operation of industrial fluid systems around the world. These
Figure 1: Best installation practices
include using a gap inspection tool to verify fittings are tightened properly
practices when your valve is incorporated into the system. These best practices include: Always follow the manufacturer’s
installation instructions. This will promote ongoing reliability of the components. If available, attend training sessions or watch videos provided by the manufacturer to fully understand the proper steps for assembly or disassembly (Figure 1). Know your operational parameters. You
must be cognizant of the pressure and temperature conditions of your system before placing a valve into service. Your valve must be properly rated for the anticipated operational pressure and temperature. When these conditions exceed the ratings of your valve, trouble could arise. Mount your valves securely. Operational
Figure 2: Testing for leaks, including
ultrasonic testing, is an important step to ensure valves are installed properly
vibration has the potential to cause valves to malfunction prematurely. Where possible, use adequate supports for the tubing and piping on both sides of your valve to minimise vibration. Allow space for maintenance. When valve
maintenance is required, it is important for a technician to be able to have easy access to perform the work. Be sure to place your valves in locations that can be easily reached. Ensure proper orientation. Your valve should
be properly oriented to allow system media to flow in the correct direction within your system. Mitigate contaminants. Contaminants and
particles are common within industrial fluid systems and can damage sensitive components within valves, like seats and seals. You can avoid these concerns by adding filters that will help remove particulates that may interfere with proper valve operation. Check for leaks. Following the completion of
your valve installation, be sure to perform the proper leak tests. An improperly installed valve may leak, causing immediate issues within your system. By following these best practices, it is more
likely the valves will operate properly over the long term.
Troubleshoot and maintain Once your valve has been installed, it is important to establish a proper plan to keep it in good working condition. The most common symptom of a poorly
performing valve is a leak, and leaks have considerable cost, safety, productivity, and environmental implications. Consider a hydraulic fitting leaking six drops of fluid/min, where each drop is 0.05ml. That amounts to about half a litre per day, which adds up to
30 DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70
