Maintenance measures for a control valve you should have in mind

A control valve is a device used to regulate the flow of liquids such as oil, water, steam, or gas. The valve operates by varying the flow of the fluids between the minimum and full capacity while responding to a signal from a device controlled externally.

Without proper maintenance, a control valve can fail, resulting in some severe damage. The causes of valve failure include contaminants in the system, improper installation, or operating in excessively high temperatures measured using thermostats. These are the measures you can put in place to ensure the valves function well for a long.

Cleaning the valves

Control valves regulate fluids, and these liquids sometimes contain debris. Thus, you can ensure the valves work well by keeping the liquid pipelines clean. Furthermore, you can prevent dangerous particles from getting to the valves by installing covers and filters wherever necessary. Some liquid systems also require flushing of pumps to clean the control valves. You can flush the system before any shutdown to prevent this debris from pilling up.

For instance, most experts say that the common cause of a valve failing is a plugged strainer. That is a dirty strained screen chokes the supply of water which may prevent the valve from closing. In such a case, a technician can remove the plug and install a ball valve.

Replacing non-functioning valves

A control valve needs replacement after some time. Replacing these devices enables them to operate with full capacity as you also ensure safety. Thus, when you notice your valves indicating signs of problems, you need to replace them immediately.

Some symptoms of a failing or lousy valve will vary depending on the type of valve. For instance, some will begin to leak, vibrate, or wear out. Hence, it would help if you were keen to notice any irregular changes since failure to make replacements can lead to failure in the system.

Replacing a defective control valves is cost-effective in terms of time compared to having to shut, for instance, a water system as you sort fitting issues regularly.

Lubricating valves

Valves require lubricants, and you need to use the appropriate one to ensure they perform appropriately. Besides regularly lubricating the valves extends their life. It also enables the system that a control valve works with to last long.

Failure to lubricate the different parts of a valve will erode it, and if you notice any piece is corroded, you have to replace it immediately.

Using valves appropriately

The most critical way of maintaining a valve is to ensure it’s used appropriately. The technician has to install the valve correctly to prevent damage. For instance, for a ball valve, the technician has to leave it open. However, if it’s closed, there must be a tag stating that it’s a closed valve. Furthermore, choosing the right valve for each application will prevent failure or damage. Also, these ball valves need to have stainless steel handles to prevent rusting.

Control valves require maintenance like all equipment. Besides, since these valves are usually located in vaults, you may be tempted to ignore them. However, for proper maintenance, you need to clean, replace defective, use accordingly, and lubricate these valves. Otherwise, the devices will fail thereby inconveniencing you.