September 01,2024
Roy

Stainless Steel Ball valves are essential parts of many industrial operations. And so, making sure that these valves are always working properly is integral to ensure that systems don’t fail. Proper maintenance is easy — It requires small routine checkups as well as minimal labor. In turn, this can lower the chances of operational systems breaking down. Find out more about proper ball valve maintenance down below:

stainless steel ball valve

Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Increased Durability

By routine Stainless Steel Ball Valves cleaning procedures, it can help make out any problems or potential issues. Once you can find out about these problems, it’s a lot easier to deal with them through preventative maintenance keeping them in use for a longer time. Not checking up on your stainless steel ball valves can increase risks of system failure.

Added Safety

Regular maintenance can point out potential issues, reducing the need for large scale repairs. In turn, this also prevents any dangerous ball valve leakage.

Cheaper

Comparatively, regular maintenance is a lot cheaper than conducting unexpected repairs. If your valves fail, it can cause large amounts of damage to the system’s integrity. In turn, this is a lot more expensive to deal with. Additionally, if valves fail, the factory will be forced to shut down all operations. This also leads to a loss of revenue.

General Check Up For Stainless Steel Ball Valves

Following The Manual

Each stainless steel ball valve has certain manufacturer specifications which you can keep track of for valve actuator maintenance or preventative maintenance. Generally, following these can make your valves last for a long time.

Regular Check Ups

The easiest way to care for stainless steel ball valves is a regular check up. Regular inspections can help point out any potential problems. Ball valves that are used in higher pressure situations should be checked more often than others that aren’t in high pressure operations.

Valve Seat Replacement

Over time, you will need to conduct valve seat replacement maintenance. This is mostly a problem with valves utilized for high pressure situations. These operations can cause damage to the seal over time, leading to leaks or the valve falling apart. The general process to replace valve seats is as follows:

  • Turn valve off.
  • Use your ball valve repair kit to detach it and disassemble the ball valve.
  • Remove old valve seats and change with fresh seats. Valve seats have a side that comes with a small edge. This should face the ball.
  • Reassemble the ball valve.
  • Test the valve out before reattaching it to your system.

Valve Lubrication

Stainless Steel Ball Valves need to be lubricated often to ensure optimal performance. Lubricating them can help ensure that valves are always easy to work with. The type of lubricant depends on the manufacturer’s specifications. Usually, oil based or water insoluble solutions work just fine.

Valve Cleaning Procedures

Debris on Stainless Steel Ball Valves can lead to fluid blockages which can cause system failures. And so, ball valves need to be cleaned often to ensure the valve does not need any sort of repair. Cleaning agents can be confirmed using the manufacturer’s specifications. Ideally, valves should be cleaned around once a year. If the working conditions are generally dirtier, cleaning should be done every few months.

Common Stainless Steel Ball Valve Problems

Ball Valve Leakage

A common problem seen in valves is leakage. This usually happens when valves are in use for a long time without regular maintenance. Additionally, this can also be seen if valves are improperly installed. To fix this, the valve must be detached and then reinstalled. If leaks occur due to wear and tear, conduct stem packing maintenance.

Blocked Flow

Valve blockages occur due to the accumulation of debris within the valve. Regular maintenance can prevent blocked fluid flow. If the fluid flow has been blocked, you will have to detach the valve and clean it from the inside before reusing it.

Corrosion

Ball valves that are used in higher pressure operations are more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion can be prevented by using resistant solutions on your valve. These solutions are determined by the fluid that’s flowing through the valves along with the environmental conditions such as pressure and temperature. If the fluid and resistant solution are incompatible, this can lead to faster rates of corrosion. Keeping valves clean also prevents corrosion.

FAQs

What Are The Best Practices For Maintaining And Troubleshooting Stainless Steel Ball Valves?

The best way to maintain and troubleshoot stainless steel ball valves is regular maintenance. It is also useful to follow manufacturer specifications. Additionally, lubricating and cleaning the valves can also ensure they survive a long time.

How Often Should I Check Up On My Valves?

You should check up on your valves regularly. However, large scale check ups can be limited to once a year. If the ball valves are used in higher pressure operations, more regular maintenance may be required.

Resources:

Ball Valve Maintenance | Tameson.com

Common Ball Valve Issues and Their Solutions – Vinco Valves

A Complete Guide To Ball Valve Problems and Troubleshooting | Dombor

RECOMMENDED BLOG
March 05,2025
Roy
What are reasons and symptoms of Valve Leaking?

Your valve is leaking because something has gone wrong with its sealing system. Maybe the seals are worn out after years of service. Perhaps debris is stuck between critical surfaces. Or it could be that improper installation created misalignment from the beginning. These common problems prevent the valve from achieving perfect closure when you need […]

Read More
March 05,2025
Roy
What is Valve Flow Coefficient (CV), and How to Calculate It?

Valve Flow Coefficient (Cv) is a measure of a valve’s capacity to allow liquid or gas to flow through it.  It’s technically defined as “the volume of water at 60°F (in US gallons) that will flow through a valve per minute with a pressure drop of 1 psi across the valve.”  You calculate Cv by […]

Read More
March 05,2025
Roy
Industrial Valve Pressure and Temperature Rating, Learn About Class, Rating, and PN

When selecting the right valve for industrial applications, understanding pressure and temperature ratings is crucial.  Many professionals in the field struggle with terms like Class, Rating, and PN, which can lead to costly mistakes if misunderstood. This guide will help you understand these concepts so you can select valves with confidence. What Do Pressure Units […]

Read More
March 05,2025
Roy
What are Differences Between Plastic and Elastomer?

The main difference between plastic and elastomer comes down to flexibility and shape retention. Plastics are rigid or semi-rigid. Once they bend or break, they don’t bounce back. Elastomers are flexible. They stretch, twist, or compress and return to their original shape. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how these materials differ and the conditions […]

Read More
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT US
Contact Lianke +