VALVE MAINTENANCE

Our comprehensive valve servicing
includes troubleshooting, valve trim and
gasket replacements, and refurbishment
through blasting and painting:

Routine Preventive Maintenance

The goal here is to catch minor wear before it becomes a leak.

Visual Inspection: Check for signs of corrosion, oxidation, or mineral buildup on the valve body and stem.
Cycling: Valves that stay in one position for too long can “seize.” Regularly opening and closing (cycling) the valve ensures the internal parts move freely.
Lubrication: Periodically apply high-quality lubricant to the stem threads and moving parts to prevent friction and galling.
Cleaning: Keep the area around the valve free of debris. Dust and grit can migrate into the packing or seals, causing premature wear.

When a valve requires more than just a wipe-down, these are the standard “fix-it” steps:

Task	Description	Why it matters
Gland Packing Adjustment	Tightening the packing nut to compress the seal around the stem.	Stops leaks coming from the top of the valve.
Seat Lapping	Polishing the internal seating surface where the valve closes.	Ensures a “bubble-tight” seal when the valve is shut.
Seal/O-ring Replacement	Swapping out rubber or polymer components.	Prevents internal “passing” or external dripping.
Actuator Calibration	Adjusting the pneumatic or electric motor that moves the valve.	Ensures the valve opens and closes to the exact percentage required.

In industrial settings, “predictive” maintenance uses technology to see inside the valve without taking it apart:

Acoustic Monitoring: Using ultrasonic sensors to “hear” if high-pressure fluid is leaking through a closed valve.
Signature Analysis: Measuring the torque or thrust required to move the valve. A sudden increase in required force usually means internal damage or a blockage.
Thermal Imaging: Identifying temperature differentials that indicate a leak or a failing steam trap.

Critical Note: Never attempt to disassemble or perform maintenance on a valve while the system is under pressure.

LOTO (Lockout/Tagout): Ensure the valve is isolated and the power source (for actuators) is disconnected.
Depressurization: Bleed the line completely. Even a small amount of trapped pressure can cause a valve component to become a projectile.
Material Compatibility: Always ensure replacement seals or lubricants are compatible with the fluid in the pipe (e.g., using the wrong grease in an oxygen line can cause a fire).