Valve Failures and Causes: Common Issues with Industrial Valves
In industrial facilities, valves are of critical importance for the proper functioning of operations. However, various failures can occur in valves over time and with usage. In this article, we will discuss common failures in industrial valves and the underlying reasons for these failures.
1. Leaks and Leakage
Leaks and leakage are common problems in industrial valves. Several reasons can contribute to these failures:
- Damage to Sealing Gaskets: Over time, the sealing gaskets of valves can wear out or become damaged, leading to leaks.
- Loosening or Damage to Connection Points: Loosening or damage at the connection points of the valve can result in leaks.
- High Pressure or Temperature: In intense work environments, deformation or cracks can occur in the materials of valves due to high pressure or temperature, resulting in leaks.
2. Failure to Close Properly
In some cases, industrial valves may fail to close as desired. The underlying reasons for this issue may include:
- Malfunction of Control Elements: Malfunctions in valve control elements can prevent the valve from closing properly.
- Accumulation of Dirt or Deposits: Accumulation of dirt or deposits inside the valve can hinder the proper functioning of the closing mechanism.
- Installation Errors: Incorrect installation or assembly can prevent the valve from closing correctly.
3. Flow Issues
In certain situations, there may be problems with the flow passing through industrial valves. Reasons for this may include:
- Resistant Pipes or Connections: Narrowing or blockages at valve and connection points can create resistance in the flow.
- Valve Clogging: Accumulation of dirt, deposits, or foreign objects inside the valves can obstruct the flow.
- Malfunction of Control Systems: Malfunctions in automatic control systems can prevent valves from operating as intended.
4. Material Insufficiency or Incompatibility
In some cases, the materials used in valves may not be suitable for specific conditions or may be incompatible. This can lead to various problems, such as:
- Chemical Compatibility Issues: Chemical substances in the environment where valves are used may damage valve materials or cause compatibility issues.
- Insufficient Durability: Using materials that are not resistant to the conditions in which the valves are used can result in premature failures.
- Thermal Expansion Mismatch: Incompatibility of thermal expansion coefficients of different materials can lead to problems in the long-term use of valves.
5. Consequences of Maintenance Neglect
Regular maintenance of industrial valves is essential. However, neglecting maintenance can result in various problems, including:
- Increased Leaks: Valves that are not regularly maintained may experience increased leaks, leading to larger issues.
- Failure to Close Properly: Valves without regular maintenance may experience wear and tear on closing mechanisms over time, leading to improper functioning.
- Flow Issues: Accumulation of dirt or deposits due to lack of regular maintenance can result in flow problems in valves.
In conclusion, most of the problems in industrial valves can be prevented with regular maintenance and proper material selection. Additionally, correct installation of valves and control systems is crucial. By taking these measures, significant reduction in valve-related issues in industrial facilities can be achieved.
