Protecting the functionality and longevity of industrial valves hinges on the integrity of their sealing surfaces, critical for tasks like media cutoff, regulation, and blending. Unfortunately, these surfaces often fall victim to damage caused by the properties of the media they handle and external factors. This article delves into the root causes of such damage and proposes preventive strategies to enhance the design and upkeep of industrial valves.

Unpacking the Causes of Sealing Surface Deterioration:

The sources of sealing surface degradation are multifaceted, stemming from a blend of external and internal influences. These encompass material choice, manufacturing techniques, operational practices, media traits, and more, all directly impacting the efficacy and endurance of sealing surfaces.

Challenges in Manufacturing Quality:

Inadequate manufacturing practices stand out as a prime culprit behind sealing surface impairments. Deficiencies such as fissures, porosity, and inclusions can emerge during processing, often due to mishaps in welding and heat treatment procedures or unsuitable material picks.

Navigating Selection and Operations:

Faulty valve selection and improper operational methods can also spur sealing surface wear. For example, employing a shutoff valve for throttling purposes can escalate pressure differentials upon closure, intensifying erosion and abrasion on the sealing surface.

Navigating Installation and Maintenance Lapses:

Misguided installation techniques and neglecting routine maintenance further exacerbate sealing surface vulnerabilities. Valves functioning amidst unresolved issues or installed incorrectly can precipitate irregular performance of the sealing surface, hastening its deterioration.

Navigating Media and Electrochemical Corrosion:

The chemical composition of the media directly influences sealing surface corrosion. Certain media foster direct chemical reactions with the surface, inducing corrosion. Additionally, the presence of potential disparities triggers electrochemical corrosion, inflicting harm on the sealing surface.

Proposed Preventive Measures:

To mitigate sealing surface damage, robust preventive measures are imperative. This entails meticulous material selection, adherence to stringent manufacturing protocols, judicious valve selection based on operational demands, and proper installation and regular maintenance routines. Furthermore, employing corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can shield sealing surfaces from the corrosive effects of media and electrochemical processes, enhancing their longevity and performance.

Media Erosion:

The flow of media can lead to abrasion and wear on sealing surfaces. Factors such as high-speed flowing media, suspended fine particles, and bubble bursts during media mixing contribute to surface damage.

Mechanical and Fatigue Damage:

Sealing surfaces are susceptible to mechanical damage, including impacts and compressions during valve operation. Prolonged usage can result in fatigue damage, leading to cracks and delamination.

Preventive Measures:

To prevent sealing surface damage effectively, comprehensive preventive measures are essential to enhance valve sealing performance and lifespan.

Optimize Material Selection:

Choose sealing surface materials with excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties based on media characteristics, ensuring strict control over material processing.

Rational Design and Structure:

Design valves considering working conditions, selecting appropriate sealing structures, and employing suitable processing methods to avoid unnecessary damage.

Standardized Installation and Maintenance:

Follow standardized procedures during valve installation for correct installation and conduct regular maintenance, including timely replacement of aging sealing components.

Control Media Corrosion and Erosion:

Implement protective measures for media prone to corroding and eroding sealing surfaces, such as applying protective coatings and reducing media flow rates.

Strengthen Monitoring and Inspection:

Establish a comprehensive monitoring system to periodically inspect valve sealing surfaces, enabling early issue detection and prompt repair or replacement.

In conclusion, enhancing technical improvements and management optimization are crucial for ensuring the long-term stable operation of valve sealing surfaces. Emphasizing operator training and management responsibility for valve maintenance is vital. Continual refinement of technology and management measures ensures reliable valve sealing surface performance in industrial production.