Why Maintenance Schedules Are Necessary for Ball Valve Longevity

The Importance of Maintenance Schedule to Ball Valve Life. In fluid control systems, ball valves are one of the key components and are favored by engineers and operators for their efficient and reliable performance. As with all mechanical equipment, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and extended service life.

Basic structure and working principle of ball valve

Before we begin to discuss the importance of maintenance, let us first review the basic structure and working principle of ball valves. The ball valve consists of a ball, seal, stem and actuator. When the valve is open, the through hole in the ball aligns with the pipe, allowing fluid to pass through. When the valve is closed, the ball rotates 90 degrees, preventing fluid from passing through. Due to their simple, straightforward operation, ball valves excel in a variety of applications, including the oil, gas, chemical and water treatment industries, api602 forged gate valve.

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Importance of maintenance for ball valves

To prevent leaks:
According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ball valves that are not regularly maintained are 40% more likely to leak than ball valves that are well maintained. Leaks not only result in a waste of resources but can also cause safety issues. Through regular inspection and maintenance, the integrity of the seal can be ensured to effectively prevent leakage, duplex stainless steel ball valve.

Maintain operational efficiency:
Over time, sediment and dirt accumulate in ball valves, causing their operating efficiency to decrease. According to the European Fluid Control Association, regularly cleaned and lubricated ball valves operate 35% more efficiently than unmaintained ball valves.

Extended service life:
Regular inspections as part of a maintenance plan can detect potential problems with ball valves, such as cracks, corrosion or wear. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent further damage and extend the life of your ball valve. According to industry research, the service life of ball valves that undergo regular maintenance is 25-30% longer than those that are not maintained, fugitive emission gate valve.

Recommended maintenance steps

Periodic inspection:
Perform a quarterly visual inspection of the ball valve to look for leaks, cracks, or other signs of damage. Perform an internal inspection at least once a year, including checking the condition of seals, balls and stems.

Cleaning and Lubrication:
Depending on the usage environment and frequency, ball valves should be cleaned every six months or every year to remove sediment and dirt. After cleaning, lubricate the valve with the recommended lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Replace damaged parts:
If the seal, ball or other parts are found to be damaged, they should be replaced immediately. Use original factory recommended spare parts to ensure ball valve performance and life.

In short, to maintain the long life and performance of ball valves, it is crucial to develop and implement a strict maintenance plan. Through regular inspection, cleaning, lubrication and replacement of damaged parts, you can ensure that the ball valve is always in optimal working condition and extend its service life. In addition, work with a professional fluid control system supplier to get more advice on ball valve maintenance and optimization.