The butterfly valve’s leakage problem and its solution are two of the most frequently asked questions by the plant staff. We understand how frustrating it is to encounter a problem of this nature, especially if the product in question was just purchased and you had high hopes for its performance.
Even a tiny leak of a few millimeters can have catastrophic consequences. Make sure you get it from a reputable maker of industrial valves to treat major butterfly valve problems.
If that’s the case, you shouldn’t worry too much because there are a number of common butterfly valve issues that are simple to resolve. However, remember that no two cases are alike and that some leakage issues may necessitate a complete valve repair.
Professional businesses constantly strive to improve the quality of their high-performance butterfly valves by refining their design and manufacturing processes. In this article, we discussed the butterfly valve and its many problems.
Typical Reasons for Butterfly Valve Malfunction
1. Defected Butterfly Valves
Shutoff and flow control valves are typically gate or butterfly valves. By closing, it prevents leaks and stops the flow of fluid, serving as a shutoff valve. In this case, it’s important that it not only snugly encloses the pipe and rail to prevent leaks within the pipe network but also that it limits leaks from its valve that make their way outside.
There can be many causes for a leaking butterfly valve. One of the following possibilities applies here:
- Either the valve seat is unclean, or the valve stem and disk are corroded.
- This seat has been rated
- The tamper-proof seal was broken
- Deficient actuator movement
Some of the most common atmospheric leak causes are as follows:
- Decay of stem packing
- The gasket that seals the valve body to the bonnet is torn
2. Not Being Able to Turn Off
In pneumatic systems, shut-off valves ensure the safe operation of compressed gas. In order to make repairs, water must be allowed to flow out of a shut-off valve that has been placed over a dead leg flow.
Internal parts, like rubber gaskets, age and wear out, causing shut-off valves to seize up and fail. You should install a shut-off valve near every appliance and plumbing fixture in your home so that you can turn off the water supply quickly and easily in the event of a plumbing emergency.
3. Malfunction in Actuator-Valve Sealing
Scores on a disc’s surface could mean it was never properly fitted. This causes leaks because it scrapes the seat lining when closing. Solid particles in the air could have caused repetitive impacts on the leaky surface. Due to this, the butterfly valve’s useful life is curtailed.
Changing the liners of the butterfly valves is necessary if the leakage rate is high and the seats show many defects. For reliable sealing, ensure your setup calls for a strong pushing motion from the seat (O-ring). Adjust the actuator end stops until they are properly positioned to avoid misalignment.
One possible cause of the leak could be that the butterfly valves being used are either too large or too small for the pipe. Valve placement requires careful consideration of both size and volume to ensure optimal performance. If the installation is off in any way, the valve’s force rating capability will change, and the valve will leak.
4. Testing a Butterfly Valve and What to Expect
If you think of a check valve as a pressure vessel, it’s because it needs to withstand pressures of about 0.5 to 1 bar without leaking. The valve body, the valve cover, and other important parts should not have any cracks, lost Slag pores, or other flaws that could make them break down quickly.
Several valve tests may be performed at various stages of manufacturing. Valve testing is crucial at every stage, beginning with the design phase and continuing through installation, operation, and upkeep.
The most important tests, however, are carried out at the factory right before the valve is discarded. Quality control experts meticulously inspect each valve and put it through a battery of tests designed to expose flaws.
Once the product has passed all of the necessary tests, it will be ready for use. The process is similar to any major mechanical industry check such as an automotive part manufacturer or even a medical injection molding company.
Additional Valve Considerations
The stem of a butterfly valve is typically installed in a vertical orientation, and the actuator is typically mounted directly above the stem. At least six pipe diameters should separate butterfly valves from other line elements like elbows, pumps, and other valves. Otherwise, the valves should be placed as far away from them as possible.
Finally, ensure there is enough room between the butterfly valve and the check valve so that the disc movement of the butterfly valve does not interfere with the operation of the neighboring machinery.
Conclusion
In any case, you now have it. This article is now at an end. With any luck, you’ll be able to use the information in this guide to identify and fix a butterfly valve problem before it becomes serious.
In order to prevent leakage, butterfly valves cannot be separated. The lifespan of a butterfly valve can be greatly increased through routine inspection and maintenance. Fix the leaking as soon as you can, too.
