Valves are the most common mechanical device found at any plant, platform or pipeline operation and require routine maintenance to ensure they operate and seal properly every time. Well-maintained valves can potentially operate efficiently for the lifespan of the facility.
Some operators make the mistake of purchasing inexpensive valves from manufacturers that market their products as ‘maintenance-free’ or ‘non-lubricated’. Although these valves are designed and constructed well, there is a fatal flaw in this logic – every valve will eventually leak. It may take many years of service but the slightest bit of contamination caught in a sealing area can cause damage to the soft surfaces on seat rings and stem seals. If there is no sealant system to inject through, the valve cannot be sealed.
Operators may also be misled by the maintenance lubricant manufacturers that claim their product is the best for certain applications. There is a good rule of thumb to use when purchasing lubricants and sealants – like engine oil, synthetic is best! Conventional lubricants sometimes utilize clay powders as a thickening agent that gets left behind when the carrier product has washed away. Depending on the operating conditions, this clay can harden into material as strong as concrete.
A small investment into a strong preventative maintenance program will ensure many years of trouble-free service which will save you a lot of lost production time and repair cost.
