Common Causes of Valve Sealing Failure and Leakage
Common Causes of Valve Sealing Failure and Leakage
Valves play an essential role in any machinery that operates with fluids. They are usually made of metal, plastic, or rubber and need to be replaced or repaired when damaged. It is important to replace or repair the valves in a timely manner so that the engine doesn’t overheat or fail. This is where the rubber seals come in. The most common causes of valve leaks are age, damage, and poor installation or maintenance. Valves used in industrial applications such as chemical, oil, and gas plants can cause serious danger to the surrounding environment if they leak. They are the only thing that can keep the engine oil from leaking out when the engine is not working. Taking the necessary steps in the right direction can help us prevent valve failure, extend seal life, and reduce the cost of ownership.
What are the different types of valve sealing failures?
Valve sealing failures are a common problem with a wide variety of valves, including ball valves, gate valves, check valves, and butterfly valves. The most common causes of valve sealing failures are:
● Flow restrictions
● Unbalanced flow
● Over-pressurization
● Impact damage
● Inadequate lubrication
What can cause a valve sealing failure?
A valve sealing failure can be caused by a variety of factors such as a valve leaking, a valve or gasket being damaged, or the valve being over-tightened. If a valve is leaking, it is possible that it may be caused by a valve or gasket being damaged. The valve or gasket may be damaged during manufacturing or wear and tear. Overtightening the valve can cause a valve sealing failure. Here are some common causes of valve failure and leakage.
Old Age
Valves that have been exposed to extremely high pressures and temperatures are vulnerable to serious stress and their components require sufficient care throughout their lifetime. Failure to do so leads to leakage. Periodic checks to look into the upkeep of the valves can be done to replace or repair components.
Improper Closing of Valve
Valves can leak if they are not fully closed. This can be caused by dirt buildup, rust, line debris, or other blockages. These obstructions prevent the valve seat from closing completely and thus can cause leaks. The solution is to simply check and clean the valves regularly to remove unwanted dirt or debris.
Compression Set
Rubber and polymer seals are more susceptible to this phenomenon. Leaking at low pressure can be a sign of loss of flexibility in the gaskets commonly known as the press. Gases are very dependent on their elasticity at low pressure, so a low pressure leak is a good sign of a problem. Changing the gasket, increasing preventative maintenance, and switching to a material less sensitive to compression can help diffuse the situation.
Improper Installation
Using the correct tools is critical to avoid installing gaskets in the wrong direction or damaging them during installation. Some sealants are less durable than others, meaning they are more easily damaged, which can lead to unexpected leaks. Installing seals in the wrong direction is another common cause of failure. If the cylinder design requires the package to be installed in a difficult location, a special tool such as a lead-in chamfer must be used. It is also important to ensure that the guard grooves do not have sharp corners that could damage the gasket. Careful training is a possible solution, but if this is not enough, manufacturers should consider modifying the design so that the seal is not installed incorrectly, or use a product that can only be installed in one way.
What are the signs of a valve sealing failure?
Valve sealing failures and leaks can be caused by a number of factors such as:
● The valve stem is not seated properly
● The valve stem is damaged
● The valve is not adjusted properly
● The valve stem is not the right size
● The valve is not the right type
● The valve stem is not installed in a proper position
● The valve stem is bent
● The valve stem is not appropriately installed entirely valve stem is installed in a wrong position
At Harkesh Rubber, we go the extra mile to ensure that our products don’t fail you in your time of need. Designed and manufactured by industry experts, our products have been tested for safety and durability. Get in touch with the industry experts to learn firsthand our process and get a look behind the scenes.
