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What issues should be noted during the use of butterfly valves?

Dec 18, 2024

Butterfly valves need to pay attention to various issues during use:

 

Installation process:

 

Location selection: Butterfly valves should be installed in a convenient location for operation and maintenance, which is beneficial for daily switch operations as well as subsequent inspection and maintenance work. It is better to install the valve stem vertically in a horizontal pipeline, which facilitates the fit between the butterfly plate and the valve seat and improves the sealing performance.

 

Direction determination: Butterfly valves should be installed in a location that is easy to operate and maintain while paying attention to flow direction markings. Proper installation can reduce fluid impact and wear and ensure sealing effectiveness. If the installation direction is incorrect, the butterfly plate may be subjected to abnormal fluid forces, which may affect the service life and sealing effect of the valve and even lead to safety hazards such as leakage.

 

Pipeline connection: To guarantee the tightness of the connection and stop the leakage of high-pressure, toxic, or corrosive media, welding connections must be free of flaws like pores and cracks. Proper sealing gaskets should be chosen for flange connections, and bolts should be tightened to the required torque.

 

Operation points:

 

Strength control: Do not use excessive force when operating butterfly valves. Although butterfly valves are relatively easy to operate, excessive force may cause the valve stem to bend, the butterfly plate to be damaged, or the driving device to malfunction. For electric or pneumatic butterfly valves, the rated torque or thrust of the driving device should not be exceeded.

 

Speed control: Do not turn on and off too quickly. In large-diameter and high-speed pipelines, rapid operation can easily cause water hammer in liquid pipelines or generate significant impact forces in gas pipelines, thereby damaging pipelines and valves. Smooth and slow operation can reduce impact.

 

Frequency attention: Frequent opening and closing actions can accelerate the wear of the sealing surface between the butterfly plate and the valve seat, leading to a decrease in sealing performance. In this case, it is necessary to regularly check the degree of wear on the sealing surface and replace severely worn components on time to maintain the normal sealing function of the valve and ensure its stable operation.

 

Maintenance matters:

 

Regular inspection: Regularly check the appearance of the valve for corrosion, damage, leakage, etc.; tighten external connecting components; inspect the flexibility of the valve stem; and ensure that it can rotate freely without any jamming problems. Appropriate tools should be used to check the sealing surface's flatness and wear condition to promptly identify potential problems and take corresponding measures.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning helps extend the lifespan of valves. After conveying media containing impurities, it is necessary to promptly clean the internal and external dirt to avoid impurities scratching the sealing surface. Choose appropriate cleaning agents and tools during cleaning, and do not damage the components.

 

Component update: When components are severely worn, damaged, or aged, they should be replaced promptly. If the sealing element ages or the sealing surface exceeds the wear range, it must be replaced. Key components, such as the valve stem and drive device, are damaged; they should also be replaced promptly, and genuine accessories that meet the specifications should be used to ensure performance.

 

In summary, the performance and service life of butterfly valves depends on several factors, including careful installation, standardized operation, and thorough maintenance. Each of these steps is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable operation. By giving proper attention to these precautions, butterfly valves can function effectively in various applications, guaranteeing the safe and efficient performance of systems and providing strong support for the successful operation of different projects and facilities.

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