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PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS
When in doubt, work with suppliers that provide more than just reliable valve technology and can help you deepen your knowledge on valves Figure 3: The presence of bubbles during a leak test suggests the fitting connection needs to be tightened or replaced Images © 2023 Swagelok Company
approximately 15 litres per month or roughly 180 litres per year. Assuming the cost of hydraulic fluid is about £3 per litre, this leak costs you over £540 per year in lost fluid. If you identify that one of your valves is
leaking, you can perform the following steps to troubleshoot the valve: Check for safety. Reference your company’s
safety procedures before performing any valve maintenance or repair on individual valves. Test the valve. To determine the nature of
the leak, you will need to test it. Leaks can be detected with your own senses – you may smell a chemical leak before you can find it visually, for instance – or with ultrasonic equipment (Figure 2) and liquid leak detectors (Figure 3). There are two main forms of valve leakage
to look for: A seat leak, where the leak is contained
inside the valve, but fluid passes through the seal. This means the valve is unable to stop the flow. A shell leak, where fluid leaks outside of the valve into the atmosphere. This typically
occurs through the stem or body of the valve. Inspect the valve. Examine all the valve’s
internal components, including the seats, O- rings, and stem tips for wear or damage. Repair or replace the valve. Typically, worn
components like seats, packing, and stems can be replaced without the need to replace the valve itself. However, if components are severely worn, you may need to overhaul the valve, which involves replacing all internal components. Certain circumstances may require valve
replacement. For example, heavy corrosion may deteriorate the valve body, compromising its pressure-retaining capabilities and creating a safety risk. Major contamination may be too burdensome to fully clean. In addition, overtightening a valve at its end connections can cause damage, rendering it unusable for reinstallation. Maintain the valve. Once you have
established valve component wear patterns in your applications, implement a preventive maintenance (PM) schedule or adjust it if you already have one established. Use tags as quick, easy visual indicators of the function of
individual valves and how often they may need to be inspected. Because no two fluid systems are identical, your PM schedule should be established based on your system’s needs. Many factors will affect the longevity of your valve’s service life, including pressure, temperature, the chemical make-up of your process fluid, and the number of on/off cycles your valve will see within a given amount of time. Additionally, you can consult with your valve supplier for relevant PM information. Reliable valve operation is critical to the
overall health and safety of your fluid systems. Your knowledge of installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting can contribute to safer, more efficient, and more profitable operation.
Swagelok
www.swagelok.com/en/blog/valve- maintenance-and-troubleshooting
Supplying quality products & service since 1975
Pumps & Pumping Equipment Cleaning Equipment Hose & Hose Reels Fluid Handling Components Fittings, Connectors & Filters Spraying & Watering Engines, Motors & Generators
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www.dualpumps.co.uk Call 01664 567226 for more information
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL 31
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