Thread Content
The maintenance of valves can be divided into two situations； One is storage and maintenance, and the other is usage maintenance. (1) Storage and maintenance: The purpose of storage and maintenance is to prevent the valves from being damaged or having their quality reduced during storage. In fact, improper storage is one of the main causes of valve damage. Valves should be stored in an organized manner; small valves should be placed on shelves, while larger valves can be arranged neatly on the floor of the storage area. They must not be piled up haphazardly, and the flange connections must not come into contact with the ground. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but mainly to protect the valve from being damaged. Such unnecessary losses as broken handwheels due to improper storage and handling, misaligned valve stems, and loose or lost fixing screws between the handwheel and the valve stem should be avoided. For valves that will not be used in the short term, the asbestos packing should be removed to prevent electrochemical corrosion and damage to the valve stem. Valves that have just arrived in the warehouse need to be inspected; if rainwater or dirt has gotten inside them during transportation, they must be wiped clean before being stored. The inlet and outlet of the valve should be sealed with wax paper or plastic sheets to prevent dirt from getting in. The machined surfaces of valves that are prone to rusting in the atmosphere should be coated with anti-rust oil for protection. Valves placed outdoors must be covered with materials such as tarps or covers to protect them from rain and dust. The warehouse where the valves are stored should be kept clean and dry. (II) Use and Maintenance The purpose of use and maintenance is to extend the lifespan of the valve and ensure reliable operation. The valve stem threads often get damaged over time. Even for valves that are not opened and closed frequently, it is still necessary to rotate the handwheel regularly and apply lubricant to the valve stem threads to prevent sticking. For outdoor valves, a protective cover should be placed on the valve stem to prevent rain, snow, dust, and rust from causing damage. If the valve is of mechanical type, lubricant should be added to the gearbox on schedule. Keep the valves clean at all times. Regularly check and maintain the integrity of the valve’s components. If the fixing nut of the handwheel comes loose, it must be replaced with a proper one; makeshift solutions should not be used. Otherwise, the square shape of the upper part of the valve stem will be worn away, gradually compromising its fit and reliability, to the point where the valve can no longer be operated. Do not rely on the valve to support other heavy objects, and do not stand on the valve. The valve stem, especially the threaded portion, should be wiped regularly. The lubricant that has become dirty due to dust should be replaced with fresh lubricant, as dust contains hard particles that can easily wear down the threads and the surface of the valve stem, thereby reducing its service life