Reasons and Measures for the Loose Closure of Ball Valves
The loose closure of ball valves may be caused by various reasons. It includes as follows.
1. Wear of sealing surface: during long-term use, the sealing surface of ball valves may wear due to frequent opening and closing operations, media erosion, friction, and other factors, resulting in a decrease in sealing performance and inability to fully close tightly.
2. Impurity blockage
There may be solid particles, impurities, etc. in the medium, which may get stuck between the sealing surfaces when the ball valve is closed, preventing the
ball valve from fully closing.
3. Valve stem failure
The valve stem may be bent, deformed, or worn, affecting the closing action of the ball valve and causing it to fail to close tightly.
4. Ball damage
The ball itself may have defects, scratches, or deformations, which can affect its fit with the sealing surface and cause the ball valve to not close tightly.
5. Aging of seals
Seals such as sealing rings, gaskets, etc. may age, harden, or lose elasticity after prolonged use, reducing the sealing effect.
6. Improper installation
If the ball valve is not installed according to the correct methods and standards, it may cause positional deviation between the ball and the sealing surface, thereby affecting the tightness of the closure.
7. Improper operation
For example, excessive or insufficient force when closing the ball valve, or rapid and frequent opening and closing, may damage the sealing performance of the ball valve.
8. Temperature changes
Extreme temperature conditions may cause the material of the ball valve to expand or contract, affecting its sealing performance.
9. Abnormal pressure
Excessive or insufficient pressure may affect the sealing structure of the ball valve, resulting in poor sealing.
10. Lack of timely maintenance
Long term lack of maintenance and upkeep may cause various problems with the internal components of the ball valve, thereby affecting its closing performance.
The following measures can be taken to address the issue of ball valves not being tightly closed.
1. Sealing surface repair or replacement
If the sealing surface is lightly worn, it can be repaired by grinding or other methods. If the wear is severe, new sealing surface components need to be replaced.
2. Cleaning impurities
Disassemble the ball valve and remove impurities and foreign objects between the sealing surfaces.
3. Repair or replace valve stem
Check the valve stem and repair or replace any bent, deformed, or worn valve stem.
4. Replace the sphere
If the sphere is damaged, a new sphere should be replaced to ensure good sealing performance.
5. Replace seals
Replace aging or damaged seals with new and suitable ones in a timely manner.
6. Reinstall correctly: Reinstall the ball valve correctly according to the installation instructions and standard specifications of the ball valve.
7. Standardized operation: Train operators to ensure that ball valves are operated in a standardized and appropriate manner.
8. Take temperature compensation measures: For problems caused by temperature changes, sealing materials or structures with temperature compensation function can be considered.
9. Adjust pressure: Ensure that the system pressure is within the normal operating range of the ball valve.
10. Regular maintenance: Develop a regular maintenance plan, check the status of each component of the ball valve, and promptly identify and address any issues.
When dealing with the problem of loose closure of ball valves, appropriate treatment methods should be selected according to the specific situation, and professional technical personnel can be sought for assistance if necessary.
