DO YOUR VALVE SEATS GET A FAILING GRADE?
Valves are very important devices that are used for a lot of
applications ranging from residential to industrial uses. A good valve
represents a lot of complex designs, structures and different parts
all put together to function as a unit. Valves are used to regulate the flow of
material in a piping system or in a machine. The several parts that make up a
valve, all work in unison to achieve this task andthe integrity of a valve
depends greatly on the condition of its different parts.
One very important cog in a valve is the seat. The importance of
having a high-quality valve seat cannot be over-emphasized. When a valve seat
fails, it could give rise to several problems that can be costly,
time-consuming and could even be life threatening in environments vulnerable to
explosions. Just like any other component or device, valve seats can malfunction, deteriorate or fail and failure could be due to number of reasons
– some of which could be human error.
So, if your valve is getting a fail grade, it becomes important for
you to know why. Knowing why can greatly help you get rid of present problems
and avoid future ones.
Here are the most common reasons why valve seats fail:
Poor Seat Design
The valve seat is arguably the most important component of a valve.
If the valve seat fails, the whole valve is bound to fail. Hence, it is important
to have a valve seat that has a great design that will ensure its efficiency
and longevity. Consequences of having a poor seat design ranges from minimal
leaks to complete valve failure or some life-threatening problems.
Poor Choice Of Material
Valves are important devices that are required for different
applications. Selecting a valve seat made https://www.kp-lok.com/product/purge-valves/ of a material that is not suitable
for the required application can cause the valve to lock, leak or fail. Before
choosing a valve seat, it is important to study the various properties of the
material it is made with. This will help to determine if it is compatible for
the required application and also help to prevent problems and failure.
Temperature Spikes
Most valve seats are designed to resist temperature, but not all are
designed to resist very high temperatures or sudden spikes in the temperature
levels which can be extremely low or extremely high. An unsteady and extreme
temperature behavior can seriously deteriorate the valve seat.
Excessive Pressure Or Friction
When temperature increases, it leads to an increase in pressure
between the valve seat and the ball. This rise in pressure results in greater
friction in the valve. In extreme cases, excessive friction can cause the valve
to lock in place and can also cause cracks.
Conclusion
If your valve seat is getting a fail grade, then you should know
there’s something wrong. Valve seat failure can be the cause of several
problems, so special care should be taken to avoid this failure. In order to
prevent failure, make sure to consult a specialist before starting a
project.
