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Three Critical Steps for Protecting Your Industrial Valves

5 March 2019 by Audrey Ramos

Industrial valves are not highly susceptible to deterioration and damage. These components are designed to withstand harsh conditions in industrial systems; therefore, their service life is often long and consistent. However, like other industrial components, valves require proper upkeep and care. If you do not maintain the units, the rate of wear will be faster. Moreover, the valve could unexpectedly fail due to compounded damage. The failure could cause hazards in the workplace, and the cost of replacement will be high. Here are some crucial tips to help keep your industrial valves in good condition:

Operate the Valves

Inoperable valves are dangerous for industrial systems. In simple terms, if a valve cannot be opened and closed as needed, your operations will be in jeopardy during an emergency. For instance, common relief valves are designed to control pressure in closed fluid systems. If the valves are inoperable, the pressure could build up and cause the system to burst. Therefore, you should test the valves periodically to confirm that they are functional. Some valves can be checked manually, but there are industrial systems which allow for automated testing. If you find inoperable valves, plan for replacement.

Clean the Components

There are different instructions provided for different industrial valves in relation to housekeeping. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a manual or a qualified specialist for guidance. However, you cannot afford to neglect cleanliness when dealing with valves. If these components build up a layer of dust, the valve will tend to stick during operation. Some light cleaning should prevent this unfortunate occurrence. It is also advisable to use suitable oil or grease around the valve. This practice will keep the valves mobile and minimise the risk of corrosion and rusting.

Inspect for Damage

You should conduct periodic visual inspections of your industrial valves. It is crucial to note that a valve could be damaged but still remain operational. If you do not conduct a check-up, the damage in the component could escalate. As a result, the problem could be harder to manage. When checking the system, you should look out for leakages around the valves. The leaks indicate some damage in the mechanism. Some of the leaks can be resolved by tightening the valve hardware. If this does not resolve the problem, you might need to consider replacing the components. You should also look out for other issues such as dents, cracks and warps around the valves. If there are anomalies, consult a specialist for immediate valve repair. 

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