What to do if the valve is difficult to operate?
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Our factory is located in the heart of the desert, where there is a lot of wind and sand. We are currently facing a tricky problem: the valves are difficult to operate. The main reason for this is a lack of lubrication; when lubricant or grease is used, sand accumulates on the valve stem due to the wind and sand, making operation even more difficult. On the other hand, operating without any lubrication also leads to problems Let’s see if there’s any good way to solve this!
Could an asbestos cloth that can withstand high temperatures be used to create a cover over the valve stem and support areas, in order to prevent sand and dust from getting in? But it hinders direct observation of possible leaks. Not very ideal; looking forward to expert advice.
The situation here is similar to what LZ described; that’s just the geographical environment in the northwest region. Generally, it’s necessary to apply some butter or graphite powder to the areas that come into frequent contact with the valve stem nuts, in order to provide lubrication. 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 seizing. If the valve is driven mechanically, lubricant must be added to the gearbox on schedule. Regularly check and maintain the integrity of valve components. Additionally, the valve stem area, especially the threaded part, should be wiped regularly, and any lubricant that has become dirty due to dust should be replaced with fresh lubricant. This is because dust contains hard particles that can easily wear down the threads and the surface of the valve stem, thereby reducing its service life. After completing these tasks, a simple protective pocket was made specifically for some valves that are used in outdoor applications; it seems to provide relatively good protection.
My suggestion differs from others'; it is to keep the valve stem as clean as possible, including avoiding the use of oil. When it is necessary to open or close the valve, loosen the valve packing gland, and then tighten it appropriately after operation. Applying oil will cause more severe wear on the valve stem. (For reference only)
Has the guy on the 4th floor tried it? Could such an operation lead to leaks more easily?
It is recommended to use a galvanized pipe as a sleeve to protect the valve stem when the valve is not in use.
It is still recommended to install a protective cover; if there are many valves, this will also incur high costs
Provide a protective cover for the large valve, leaving only the valve handle exposed.
Creating a protective shield might be a more effective and cost-effective approach
Some Valtek valves have a soft rubber sleeve on their valve stems; this sleeve is of appropriate tightness and can stretch as the valve stem moves, which should help prevent dust from accumulating. Perhaps something similar can be custom-made for your valve.
Make a box with a lock to protect the valve and prevent accidents caused by accidental or unauthorized operations by others! ! !
Valves need to be maintained regularly, and lubrication must be applied! Especially after sandstorms, it is even more important to take care of protecting the valves!