The correct installation of valves is crucial for their function and lifespan. However, in the actual installation process, there are often some misunderstandings that affect the normal use and maintenance of valves. The following are some common valve installation misconceptions and their correct practices:
Common installation misconceptions
Wrong direction:
Misconception: Ignoring the medium flow direction label of the valve resulted in incorrect installation direction.
Correct approach: Carefully check the flow direction markings or markings on the valve to ensure that the medium flow direction is consistent with the valve design flow direction.
Not cleaned:
Misconception: Unclean pipelines and direct installation of valves can lead to impurities entering the valves, affecting sealing and operation.
Correct practice: Thoroughly clean the interior of pipelines and valves before installation to ensure that there are no impurities or foreign objects.
Incorrect flange docking:
Misconception: When connecting flanges, bolts are not tightened evenly, resulting in uneven flange surfaces and poor sealing.
Correct practice: Tighten the bolts evenly diagonally to ensure that the flange surface is flat, in order to achieve a good sealing effect.
Insufficient support:
Misconception: When heavy valves are installed on horizontal pipelines, insufficient support is not provided, resulting in uneven force distribution between the valve and the pipeline.
Correct practice: Provide appropriate support or brackets for heavy-duty valves to reduce the stress on valves and pipelines.
Improper selection of sealing materials:
Misconception: Using unsuitable sealing materials, such as ordinary rubber gaskets, in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Correct approach: Select appropriate sealing materials based on specific working conditions, such as using graphite gaskets in high-temperature environments.
Neglecting environmental impacts:
Misconception: In corrosive environments, no anti-corrosion measures were taken or anti-corrosion materials were not selected.
Correct practice: In corrosive environments, select valves made of corrosion-resistant materials and take appropriate anti-corrosion measures, such as coating or wrapping.
Overtightening the valve:
Misconception: Believing that tightening is better can lead to valve damage or seal failure.
Correct practice: Tighten moderately according to the torque requirements provided by the valve manufacturer to avoid excessive force.
Incorrect installation location:
Misconception: Installing valves in difficult to operate and maintain locations, such as high or narrow spaces.
Correct approach: Choose a location that is easy to operate and maintain to install the valve, and ensure sufficient operating space.
Lack of testing and inspection:
Misconception: After installation, without conducting necessary testing and inspection, it is directly put into use.
Correct practice: After installation, conduct comprehensive testing and inspection, including leak testing, operational testing, and sealing performance testing.
Installation precautions for specific valve types
Gate valve:
The valve stem should be installed vertically upwards to avoid tilting or inversion.
Ensure that the gate is fully open and closed to prevent use in a semi open state.
Globe valve:
It should be installed on a horizontal pipeline, with the valve stem pointing upwards or tilted at a certain angle.
During installation, pay attention to the flow direction of the medium being consistent with the arrow on the valve body.
ball valve
It can be installed in any direction, but it is recommended to install horizontally for easy operation and maintenance.
Before installation, ensure that the sphere is in an open state to prevent damage to the sphere and sealing ring during installation.
Butterfly valve:
Ensure that the butterfly plate is in the middle position during installation to avoid damaging the sealing ring.
When connecting flanges, avoid welding slag or impurities from entering the valve.
Check valve:
Install according to the flow direction of the medium, ensuring that the valve disc can open and close freely.
The installation position should avoid impact and vibration to prevent damage to the valve disc.
Safety valve:
Vertical installation ensures that the spring or lever is in normal working condition.
Before installation, perform pressure verification to ensure that the opening and closing pressures meet the requirements.
Summary
Proper valve installation not only improves the service life of the valve, but also ensures the safe and stable operation of the system. By avoiding common installation errors and following the correct installation methods and steps, the valve can ensure good performance and reliability in practical applications.