EXTENDING THE LIFE OF INDUSTRIAL VALVES

TO BEGIN WITH:

Extending the Life of Industrial ValvesThe drop in oil prices, keeping valve and actuation equipment working at its optimal performance level is one way to save money and keep production costs at a minimum. For this reason, end users must find ways to extend the life of valves and actuation equipment, keeping them at their optimal performance level to decrease valve replacement costs.

As opined by one of the European valve manufacturers, “The three most important principles are typically selection, installation and maintenance. Selecting the appropriate valve for the application is probably the single most critical factor in determining its life cycle.

 After that, it must be properly installed and then regularly maintained in order to maximize life expectations. Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule that includes inspection, cleaning and lubrication is essential to any valve performance and greatly increases its life.”

WAYS TO EXTEND VALVE LIFE:

Preventative maintenance:

Preventative maintenance both makes your valves last longer and decreases the amount of repair they need. By putting your valves on a testing and maintenance schedule, for example, testing every 12 months with repair every three to five years, you can identify and take care of small problems before they become big ones that require replacement.

Fevisa, a leading Valve Stockist in Dubai, a valve management system that allows you to keep track of all of the valves in your facility and the maintenance and repair work that has been done on them. You can use this data to understand how well your valves are performing and what factors may be affecting their lifespans.

Regular exercising:

Exercise is just as essential for valve health as it is for your health! A valve that is installed but never operated can seize up and become a big hunk of fused metal, which can be a serious problem if you ever need the valve to work. For this reason, exercise in the form of testing should be a part of your regular valve maintenance program.

Protective coatings:

For valves in corrosive applications, such as oilfield service, protective coatings can reduce wear and protect valves against damage from corrosive materials and high temperatures. For example, carbide coatings can extend the service life of valves up to three times. Thermal spray coating applied using the high-velocity oxy-fuel process are especially effective for protecting valves in severe service conditions.

Field machining:

Field machining is another on-site strategy for enhancing valve life. Over time, sealing surfaces such as those on a nozzle or a flange can become compromised. Field machining, also called on-site machining, is a cost-effective way to re-establish the sealing surface without having to remove the valve from the system.

Operating the equipment properly:

Finally, the best way to get the peak performance and longest life out of your valves is to use them properly. This includes selecting the appropriate valve for each application and installing it correctly — if you install a valve that is tight up to 80% of the nameplate set pressure, but operate the system at 90%, your valve will not last as long as you would like.

When selecting and installing valves, keep in mind that your system operates as a whole, not as a collection of discrete parts. As pointed out by a Control Valve Suppliers, if  there are any problems with a control valve, the cause might actually be the centrifugal pumps.

According to a renowned valve stockist in USA, the average pump efficiency is less than 40%, mainly due to valve throttling and oversizing, which consumes excess power and results in valve wear and tear. When pumps are operating at their best efficiency point, the rest of the system also performs better.

Companies spend millions of dollars every year replacing valves unnecessarily. Through proper operation, maintenance, and repair, you can extend the life of your valves — and save a significant amount of money in the process.

BOTTOM LINE:

Cost savings result from education, experience and research. Valve Manufacturers and Valve suppliers should provide consistent education and training opportunities. End users should contact the manufacturer with questions and visit the manufacturer’s website to review the cutsheets. Industry veterans can mentor newcomers to pass on their vast knowledge and ensure their legacy.

End users should research the vendors’ quality-assurance programs and products. Many people are not currently using all the perks that manufacturers offer to guarantee that their products will perform for the long haul. Knowledge is power. Communication is key. Research is a necessity. Follow-through is one of the essential things that is to be carried out.

Fevisa the leading supplier of different type of valves and we are the well known as ball valves supplier, gate valves supplier and etc.. Looking for the finest industrial valves?  Contact us to make the right choice of industrial valves for you. We are here to make your choice the best.