Importance of Proper Maintenance and Cleaning of Butterfly Valves to Ensure Optimal Working Conditions and Longevity

Butterfly valves are quarter-turn type valves generally used in different industries with the key function of controlling the flow of gas or fluids. Such industries as water treatment, power plants, HVAC(heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) applications, chemical processing as well as oil and gas. This type of valve consists of a disc that acts as a control mechanism to regulate flow with a 90-degree rotation. When the valve is open, the disc is perpendicular to the center of the pipe, allowing free flow when it's parallel to the centerline of the pipe, it blocks the pipe, therefore, is in a closed position.

Butterfly type valve is easy to operate with just a quarter turn, it can fully open or closed. However,? to ensure proper functioning, durability, and a longer life span, the following guidelines are recommended to avoid poor and improper installation.

Guidelines for the Installation of Butterfly Valves

The butterfly valve is compatible with applications that require a quick-acting response, allowing swift control of liquid or gas flow.?

• Identify the right butterfly valve required for the application according to flow requirements, temperature range, pressure rating, and fluid type.
• During pre-installation, ensure that the pipeline is cleaned, aligned, without any debris, and free from foreign objects that could interrupt the valve’s quality performance.
• Install the butterfly valve between flanges and it is highly recommended to have a distance of at least four to six diameters from the nozzles and other parts to minimize the surge flow.?
• Ensure valve flanges are well aligned with the pipeline flanges, with smooth and even surfaces to seal tightly and prevent future leaks. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide and instructions for a specific butterfly model for accuracy and successful installation.
• When bolting, it is ideal to use the correct type of bolts and nuts as recommended by the manufacturer. Bolts can be tightened using a torque wrench and it is necessary to tighten them slowly and equally. This is to secure the sealing and ensure proper alignment of the valve.
• Perform a leakage test to check the valve’s working performance and possible leakage by opening and closing the valve.
• Keep all the documents and the necessary records for future reference.?

Why Inspections are Necessary

As butterfly valves are often exposed to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, strong chemicals, and pressurized environments,? its likely to degrade over time.? Timely and regular inspections are necessary to monitor the working performance within the normal range. This is also to check for any abnormalities and defects during operation as well as to detect early degradation and corrosion.?

Early detection of any problem usually occurs during the inspection process and maintenance. In addition, repairs can be done immediately before it gets worse. Furthermore, safety inspection is required to comply with any applicable environmental laws and policies to ensure the safety of all the parties involved including the environment. Lastly, necessary inspection prevents future mishaps and mechanical breakdowns or malfunctions of the equipment.

How Long Do Butterfly Valves Last?

The longevity of a butterfly valve depends on factors it is subjected to such as working conditions, valve quality, and maintenance. On a normal basis, it will last for many years. However, frequent inspection and proper maintenance are huge contributing factors to a long-lasting valve. With proper maintenance and cleaning,? butterfly valves can be a long-term investment in the industry.

Eventually, lubricating the butterfly valve regularly is beneficial when exposed to?

corrosive fluids or high temperatures to retain its high efficiency and longevity.

With this as a practice, it's guaranteed that butterfly valves can last long without the cost of constant repairs.

Butterfly Valve Operation Basics

It is very easy to operate,? a butterfly valve has only two main operations, the open and close. With the 90-degree rotation of the disc, switching the valve from open to close or vice versa is quick and easy. There is not a lot of effort needed, which makes this valve preferable for quick response applications.

?When the valve is in open mode, the disc rotates towards the flow direction and fluid runs freely without obstruction while during a closed mode,? the disc rotates parallel to the flow direction and obstructs the pipe completely and prevents the fluid from coming out. The disc acts as the control system with the function of operating or actuating the valve.?

Maintenance of Industrial Butterfly Valves

Proper maintenance and inspection are always the key factors for a longer-lasting and high-endurance butterfly valve. When done regularly, machine malfunction and wear and tear can be minimized. Here are the best practices for maintaining the industrial butterfly valve.

• Do a routine check-up regularly on the main parts of the butterfly valve to detect early signs of defects, leakage, or wear and tear and perform any adjustments when necessary. Lubricating moving parts help prevent corrosion and rust.
• Allow only authorized personnel in performing maintenance work as well as replace worn-out parts. Record and document any alterations made and replacement of parts for future reference. It is always ideal to refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual in troubleshooting.
• Regularly cleaning the valve as part of the maintenance routine greatly helps in achieving optimum performance and smooth operation.
• Calibration and testing of the valve’s functionality such as checking the open and close position of the valve to ensure performance and accuracy.
• Proper implementation and documentation of both countermeasures and preventive measures eliminate some future problems as this may serve as a reference guide whenever a certain problem arises.

Ultimately, it is always a best practice to clean and perform proper maintenance when it comes to butterfly valves not just for longevity and maximum performance but also to minimize the costly repairs during machine breakdown. For more information and inquiries about butterfly valves or any other type of valves, visit our website today.