Check valves are essential fittings to many flows used in industries to ensure fluids flow in the right direction and discourages backward flow. Yet, there is a problem that may hinder their effectiveness and this is when check valves stick. Can result in the system slow down, and worst, physical harm, financial loss, and system failures. So, how can you reduce the chances of check valves getting stuck? By following proper maintenance routines, selecting the right valve for your application, and working with reputable industrial valves suppliers, you can significantly minimize this risk. In this article, we will discuss ways and precautions that can be followed so as to maintain the efficiency of check valves.
Factors
It is in this way, if the check valves are not well operating, then there are certain issues which create the problem and it includes; debris buildup, corrosion, general wearing away, or even in the event that the check valve was not installed correctly. These factors accumulate over time and thus cause the valve to develop operational problems of either not opening or closing. For instance, there may be debris within the pipeline which may hinder the possibility of the valve disc to close or open as required. Valve components respond poorly when they are corroded, most especially if the valve has been used in corrosive environments. Moreover, frequent use of the valve may cause its seat or disc to wear out causing the valve to jam even if it is opened or closed. knowledge of these frequent causes is the first towards adopting measures to avoid check valves from sticking.
Regular Maintenance
Among the several measures that can be put in place to overcome check valve stuck it is mandatory to carry out maintenance frequently. Seeing the problem earlier means that the outstanding problem does not reach higher levels of complexity, which routine inspections give an opportunity to notice. During these inspections, some of the things that should be looked out for are the presence of debris on the parts of the valve, rust and any signs of general wear and tear. Regular cleaning on the valve and the network of piping can mitigate a case where debris hinders the movement of the valve. Further, and in a like manner, greasing up of the moving parts of the valve may help to minimize friction and or wear and tear hence facilitating efficient operation of the valve. One has also too frequently checked the functionality of the valve through operating the valve and ascertain if it is properly opening and closing. If these maintenance functions are included in your work schedule, then the possibility of check valves sticking will be minimized; the service life of the equipment will also increase. Maintenance of valves can be done efficiently when you work with suppliers of industrial valves, who also provide maintenance services and brands of valves that have good quality parts and components.
Right Valve for Your Application
The proper selection of check valves that will be used in a specific application is very important so as to eliminate problems like that of sticking. Swing, lift, and ball check valves are kind of adopted for certain operating conditions and types of fluids. For instance, there are the swing check valves, which should be used where the velocities of the fluids being transported are generally low whereas there are the lift check valves suitable for transporting fluids at high pressures. This means you will be capable of selecting a valve that is not likely to bring inconveniences such as the sticking based on the known operating stresses your system is likely to experience. Also take note of the construction materials used as some of the newest designs are made from state of the art materials. Some of the common causes of travelers getting stuck include corrosion of the structures and/or surfaces of a valve, which is less likely to occur if the body and/or cover of the valve is made of stainless steel or is coated with some anti-corrosive agent. As always, engaging with reliable industrial valve suppliers can assist in the identification of the most fitting valve to be used in your process in the long haul so as to ensure high efficiency.
Proper Installation and Alignment
Another measure relating to check valves is that proper installation also plays a major role in minimizing the occurrence of check valves getting stuck. The orientation of the valve should be correctly done and placed in the flow direction as this has an influence on its working. Problems like installation of the valve with poor sealing, or valve components face lots of wear and tear thus leading to the valve getting stuck. It is also significant not to over torque the valve during installation as it may damage the body or disc of the valve this will lead to some problem while functioning. It is important for the valve to work as is designed and that requires following the manufacturer installation instructions meticulously. If you have some confusion about how to install them then it is always wise to seek advice from your industrial valve suppliers about the proper way of installing them. They can give an assurance that your valves are well installed; something that can reduce the risk of other problems in the future. Correct position also reduces problems such as sticking and has a positive impact on the efficiency and durability of the valve.
Conclusion
To maintain good operation of your check valves is very crucial to guarantee the proper functioning of your industrial systems. Identifying the several main causes of check valve sticking it is however very possible to minimize this problem through the following general precautions; From the above tips of regular maintenance, correct installation and check on the type of check valve to use for a particular task it is very clear that a lot of check valves are likely to get stuck. Also, working with reliable industrial valves suppliers that provide quality valves, consultancy, and backup services will increase the durability and reliability of your valves. These measures and practices, therefore, if well observed and implemented would foster the effective performance of the check valves and this helps to eliminate the problems such stern valves and its attendant consequences such as costly downtime attributable to stuck valves while enhancing the reliability of the fluid control systems.
