The hydraulic ball valve is a valve that realizes the opening and closing function by rotating the ball. Its structural design is reasonable and suitable for fluid control under various working conditions. Its core structure includes the following parts:
1. Valve body
The valve body is the main part of the hydraulic ball valve, usually adopts a forged one-piece structure to improve the overall strength and stability.
The material of the valve body can be selected according to the use environment, such as carbon steel, stainless steel or brass.
The connection method of the valve body is diverse, including:
NPT (National Pipe Taper Thread): American standard thread connection.
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers): Widely used in automobiles and industrial equipment.
BSP (British Standard Pipe): British standard thread.
ORFS (Oval Reduction Flange Standard): Suitable for occasions with high pressure and high sealing requirements.
Metric thread: such as G1/8, G1/4, etc., suitable for pipeline systems of different sizes.
The valve body is usually designed with full bore or tapered bore to reduce fluid resistance and improve flow efficiency. Some models use a three-stage valve body structure to facilitate online maintenance and replacement of seals.
2. Ball
The ball is the core component of the hydraulic ball valve, which is usually cast as one with the valve stem to ensure that it will not rush out of the pressure-bearing parts due to pressure changes under high pressure.
The materials of the ball include:
Carbon steel: Hydraulic ball valves made of carbon steel are suitable for general industrial environments, such as the transportation of non-corrosive media such as water, oil, and gas. It has a simple structure and low cost, and is suitable for occasions where sealing performance is not required. The valve body, valve seat and other key components of carbon steel ball valves are usually made of materials such as 1.0460 and 1.4571. The surface treatment can be selected from white zinc or zinc-nickel alloy. The latter has excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand salt spray tests for more than 1,000 hours, which is suitable for marine and corrosive harsh environments. In addition, carbon steel ball valves perform well in welding performance and are easy to install and repair on site.
Stainless steel: Hydraulic ball valves made of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., are widely used in the control of high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media due to their excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. 304 stainless steel ball valves are suitable for environments such as atmosphere, chemistry, textile, petroleum and food industries, and have good anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties. 316L stainless steel ball valves perform better in corrosive environments such as chlorinated water, seawater, and acidic media, and are especially suitable for industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The low carbon content of 316L stainless steel ball valves enables it to maintain good corrosion resistance in the welded state, avoiding the problem of intergranular corrosion.
The sealing material of stainless steel ball valves usually uses PTFE or metal sealing materials, among which PTFE has good self-lubrication and corrosion resistance and is suitable for a variety of media. The seals of 316L stainless steel ball valves usually use PTFE-filled glass materials to improve sealing performance and durability. In addition, some high-end stainless steel ball valves also use metal hard sealing design, which achieves efficient sealing through metal contact between the ball and the valve seat, further reducing the leakage rate.
3. Valve stem
The valve stem is used to drive the ball to rotate and realize the opening and closing of the valve.
The material of the valve stem is usually stainless steel or carbon steel, and the surface treatment can be white zinc or zinc-nickel alloy to improve corrosion resistance.
The sealing materials of the valve stem include:
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene): has good self-lubrication and corrosion resistance.
Fluororubber: suitable for high temperature and strong acid and alkali environment.
Nitrile rubber: suitable for general industrial environment.
The operation mode of the valve stem is usually manual or electric, and some models support pneumatic or hydraulic operation.
4. Seals
The seals are used to prevent the leakage of the medium during the opening and closing of the valve, and are the key components to ensure the sealing performance of the valve.
The materials of the seals include:
PTFE: suitable for a variety of media, with good self-lubrication and corrosion resistance.
Fluororubber: suitable for high temperature and strong acid and alkali environment.
Nitrile rubber: suitable for general industrial environment.
The installation position of the seal is usually between the valve body and the ball, and between the valve stem and the valve cover.
The seal is usually designed with a double seal structure to improve sealing reliability.
Detailed explanation of the application of hydraulic ball valves
Hydraulic ball valves are widely used in many industries due to their compact structure, reliable sealing, and easy operation. Especially in hydraulic systems, they are ideal for controlling the flow of oil. Its application range is wide, covering many fields from industrial manufacturing to energy mining, as follows:
1. Engineering machinery
Application: Such as excavators, cranes, bulldozers, etc., for the control of hydraulic systems.
Features: High pressure, high flow and high reliability are required, and the structural design of hydraulic ball valves enables them to meet these requirements.
Advantages: Easy operation, good sealing performance, suitable for complex working conditions. For example, in hydraulic systems, the full-bore design of hydraulic ball valves reduces fluid resistance, ensuring rapid opening and closing under high pressure, which is suitable for the high-intensity operation requirements of engineering machinery.
Applicable scenarios: In heavy machinery such as mines, construction, ports, etc., the pressure resistance and sealing of hydraulic ball valves make them key components.
2. Agricultural machinery
Application: Such as tractors, harvesters, seeders, etc., for hydraulic drive systems.
Features: Need to adapt to different climatic conditions, the corrosion resistance and sealing of hydraulic ball valves make it an ideal choice.
Advantages: Compact structure, easy maintenance, suitable for a variety of agricultural environments. For example, in agricultural machinery, the rapid opening and closing function of hydraulic ball valves can improve operating efficiency, while its sealing performance ensures long-term stable operation in humid or corrosive environments.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for agricultural automation equipment such as greenhouses, irrigation systems, harvesting machinery, etc.
3. Mining machinery
Application: Such as mining equipment, crushers, conveyors, etc., for hydraulic system control.
Features: Need to withstand high pressure, high impact and high temperature environment, the structural design of hydraulic ball valves enables it to meet these requirements.
Advantages: Good sealing performance, suitable for harsh environments. For example, in mining operations, the high temperature resistance and impact resistance of hydraulic ball valves enable it to work stably and for a long time under extreme conditions.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for high-risk operating environments such as mines, tunnels, metallurgy, etc.
4. Gas transportation
Application: Suitable for the transportation of compressed air, inert gas, natural gas and other media.
Features: High sealing performance and low flow resistance are required, and the full-bore design of the hydraulic ball valve enables it to meet these requirements.
Advantages: Easy operation, good sealing performance, and suitable for a variety of gas media. For example, in the gas delivery system, the sealing performance of the hydraulic ball valve can effectively prevent gas leakage and ensure safe delivery.
Applicable scenarios: Applicable to gas delivery pipelines in chemical, petroleum, natural gas and other industries.
5. Steam and oil and gas media
Application: Applicable to high temperature and high pressure environments, such as oil and natural gas mining and refining industries.
Features: High temperature resistance, high pressure resistance and corrosion resistance are required, and the structural design of the hydraulic ball valve enables it to meet these requirements.
Advantages: Good sealing performance, suitable for high temperature and high pressure environments. For example, in the refining industry, the high temperature and corrosion resistance of the hydraulic ball valve enables it to operate stably for a long time.
Applicable scenarios: Applicable to high temperature and high pressure environments such as refineries, natural gas pipelines, oil and gas storage and transportation.
6. Low temperature environment
Application: Applicable to low temperature media such as liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen.
Features: Low temperature resistance and impact resistance are required, and some models use cryogenic treatment materials (such as LCB stainless steel) to adapt to low temperature environments.
Advantages: Good sealing performance, suitable for low temperature environments. For example, in the fields of cryogenic storage tanks and liquefied gas transportation, the low temperature performance of hydraulic ball valves enables them to meet the needs of extreme working conditions.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for low temperature environments such as aerospace, cryogenic storage, and liquefied gas transportation.
Other features of hydraulic ball valves
1. Small fluid resistance
The hydraulic ball valve adopts a full-bore design, which produces almost no flow resistance when opened, and is suitable for high flow conditions. For example, its fluid resistance is almost zero, ensuring efficient circulation under high pressure.
Suitable for a variety of media such as water, oil, gas, and steam, especially for industrial systems that require high flow.
2. Good sealing performance
PTFE or metal sealing materials are used to ensure zero leakage in various media. For example, PTFE sealing materials have good self-lubrication and corrosion resistance, and are suitable for a variety of working conditions.
Suitable for high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media, especially for chemical, petroleum and other industries.
3. Easy to operate
It only needs to rotate 90° to achieve full opening or full closing, which is fast and easy to control remotely. For example, its fast opening and closing function makes it suitable for automatic control systems.
It is suitable for industrial scenarios that require frequent opening and closing, such as hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, etc.
4. Strong corrosion resistance
The surface treatment of carbon steel is white zinc or zinc-nickel alloy, which is suitable for marine and corrosive harsh environments. For example, the salt spray test of zinc-nickel alloy can reach more than 1,000 hours, which is suitable for marine environments.
Stainless steel materials are suitable for high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media, such as 316L stainless steel ball valves are suitable for corrosive environments such as chlorinated water and seawater.
5. Wide range of applications
It is suitable for a variety of media such as water, solvents, acids, natural gas, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, methane and ethylene. For example, its sealing materials and structural design enable it to adapt to a variety of chemical environments.
It is suitable for low temperature, high temperature, high pressure and corrosive environments, especially for chemical, petroleum, natural gas and other industries.
Comparison between carbon steel ball valve and stainless steel ball valve
Advantages and disadvantages of carbon steel ball valve
1. Advantages
(1) Low cost
Hydraulic ball valves made of carbon steel have obvious advantages in manufacturing cost and are suitable for engineering projects with limited budgets. Due to its relatively low price, it is widely used in small and medium-sized industrial projects. Whether it is used in pipeline systems in the construction, power, chemical and other industries, or for the control of general industrial equipment, carbon steel ball valves can provide cost-effective solutions. In cost-sensitive projects, carbon steel ball valves are one of the preferred materials.
(2) High strength
Carbon steel has good mechanical strength and compressive resistance and can withstand high working pressure. Its high structural strength is suitable for occasions requiring high strength and pressure resistance, such as petroleum, chemical, power and other industries. Under high-pressure conditions, carbon steel ball valves can operate stably to ensure the safety and reliability of fluid transportation. In addition, the high strength of carbon steel also makes it widely used in heavy machinery such as mining and construction.
(3) Good welding performance
Carbon steel has good welding performance, is easy to install and repair on site, and is suitable for occasions that require frequent maintenance. In factories or construction sites, carbon steel ball valves are easy to install and replace, which reduces maintenance costs. Its good welding performance allows quick connection and repair during pipeline connection and equipment modification, thereby improving construction efficiency. Therefore, carbon steel ball valves have significant advantages in industrial systems that require frequent maintenance.
(4) Wide range of applications
Carbon steel ball valves are suitable for general industrial pipeline systems, such as petroleum, chemical, electric power, construction and other industries. It has a wide range of applications and can adapt to a variety of media, such as water, oil, gas, steam, etc. However, due to its poor adaptability to corrosive media, the service life of carbon steel ball valves may be limited in humid, acidic or chemically corrosive environments. Nevertheless, its wide applicability makes it an indispensable control element in many industrial fields.
(5) Good processing performance
Carbon steel is easy to process and suitable for customized production, which can meet the needs of different sizes and specifications. Its good processing performance allows the size and structure of the ball valve to be flexibly adjusted during the manufacturing process to meet different engineering needs. In addition, the processing cost of carbon steel is low, which is suitable for engineering projects that require rapid prototyping. Therefore, carbon steel ball valves have high flexibility and adaptability in small and medium-sized projects.
2. Disadvantages
(1) Poor corrosion resistance
Carbon steel is prone to rust in humid, acidic, alkaline or corrosive environments, and has a short service life. In environments with high corrosion resistance requirements such as marine, chemical, and food, carbon steel ball valves are prone to corrosion problems, affecting sealing performance and service life.
(2) Limited high temperature resistance
Although carbon steel performs well at high temperatures, long-term high temperature use may cause material performance degradation, such as reduced strength, deformation or cracking. It is suitable for environments from -29°C to 425°C (-20°F to 800°F), but not suitable for long-term high or extreme high temperature environments.
(3) Magnetic sensitivity
Carbon steel is magnetic and may not be suitable for some non-magnetic applications, such as some precision instruments or electronic equipment. Carbon steel ball valves may not be suitable for applications where non-magnetic materials are required.
(4) High surface treatment requirements
In order to improve corrosion resistance, carbon steel ball valves usually require surface treatment, such as white zinc or zinc-nickel alloy coating. Improper surface treatment may cause coating to fall off or corrode, shortening its service life.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Ball Valves
1. Advantages
(1) Strong corrosion resistance
Stainless steel ball valves have excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist humid, acidic and alkaline, and chemically corrosive environments. Its materials, such as 304 and 316L, can operate stably in corrosive media for a long time, avoiding seal failure or structural damage caused by corrosion. Therefore, stainless steel ball valves are widely used in marine, chemical, food, pharmaceutical and other industries, which have extremely high requirements for the corrosion resistance of equipment. In the marine environment, stainless steel ball valves can resist the erosion of corrosive media such as seawater and salt spray; in the chemical industry, they can cope with the challenges of highly corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. In addition, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel ball valves makes it the preferred material in industries with extremely high hygiene requirements such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.
(2) Good high temperature resistance
The high temperature resistance of stainless steel ball valves is better than that of carbon steel ball valves and can withstand higher temperatures. Its operating temperature range is usually -46°C to 538°C, which is suitable for high temperature industrial environments. For example, in the oil refining, chemical, and natural gas industries, stainless steel ball valves can operate stably for a long time without causing material performance degradation or structural deformation due to high temperature. In contrast, the performance of carbon steel ball valves will gradually deteriorate in high temperature environments, affecting their service life and sealing performance. Therefore, stainless steel ball valves have obvious advantages under high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive composite working conditions, and are an indispensable key component in high temperature industrial systems.
(3) Hygienic and non-toxic
Stainless steel is non-toxic and odorless, suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, and meets hygiene requirements. In food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment, stainless steel ball valves are the preferred material. Its smooth and burr-free surface can effectively prevent bacterial growth and contamination, ensuring hygiene and safety during the production process. In addition, stainless steel ball valves can meet strict hygiene standards in the food and pharmaceutical industries, such as FDA, ISO, and other certification requirements, ensuring that the products meet international food safety and drug production specifications. In medical equipment, the non-toxicity and high cleanliness of stainless steel ball valves make them key components, and are widely used in infusion pumps, ventilators, surgical instruments, and other equipment.
(4) Good sealing performance
The stainless steel ball valve has excellent sealing performance, which can effectively prevent media leakage and ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system. Its sealing structure usually adopts PTFE or metal sealing materials, which has good self-lubrication and corrosion resistance and can maintain the sealing effect for a long time. In the chemical, petroleum, natural gas and other industries, the sealing performance of stainless steel ball valves is particularly important, because once a leak occurs, it may cause serious safety accidents or environmental pollution. In addition, the sealing performance of stainless steel ball valves makes it an ideal choice in occasions requiring high sealing, such as high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive medium delivery systems. Its sealing performance not only improves the safety of the system, but also extends the service life of the equipment.
(5) Wide range of applications
Stainless steel ball valves are suitable for a variety of media, including water, oil, gas, steam, acid, alkali, organic solvents, etc. Its material and sealing structure enable it to adapt to a variety of industrial environments, such as chemical, petroleum, natural gas, electricity, food, pharmaceutical and other industries. In the chemical industry, stainless steel ball valves can cope with the challenges of highly corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and organic solvents; in the oil and gas industry, they can withstand the test of high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media; in the food and pharmaceutical industry, they can meet the requirements of hygiene and non-toxicity; in the power industry, they can adapt to the transportation needs of a variety of fluids. In addition, the scope of application of stainless steel ball valves is not limited to traditional industrial fields, but is also widely used in emerging fields such as new energy, environmental protection, and aerospace, showing extremely high versatility and adaptability.
(6) Low maintenance cost
Stainless steel materials are not easy to rust, and the maintenance cost is relatively low, which is suitable for occasions with long-term stable operation. In industrial scenarios that require frequent opening and closing, such as hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and chemical transportation systems, the maintenance cost of stainless steel ball valves is much lower than that of carbon steel ball valves. Due to its corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, stainless steel ball valves hardly require frequent replacement or maintenance in long-term operation, thereby reducing the overall maintenance cost. In addition, the excellent sealing performance of stainless steel ball valves can reduce downtime and maintenance time caused by leakage, and improve the operating efficiency and economy of the system. Therefore, in industrial systems that require long-term stable operation, stainless steel ball valves are a very cost-effective choice.
2. Disadvantages
(1) High cost
Stainless steel is expensive, difficult to process, and relatively expensive. It is suitable for occasions with high requirements for corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, but not suitable for projects with limited budgets.
(2) Poor thermal conductivity
Stainless steel has poor thermal conductivity and is not suitable for working conditions that require rapid heat dissipation or rapid response. In some high-temperature rapid cooling or heating situations, stainless steel ball valves may not be suitable.
(3) Magnetic sensitivity
Stainless steel is also magnetic and may not be suitable for some non-magnetic requirements. In situations where non-magnetic materials are required, stainless steel ball valves may not be suitable.
Features | Carbon steel ball valve | Stainless steel ball valve |
Material | Mainly made of carbon steel, such as 1.0460, 1.4571, etc. | Mainly made of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc. |
Corrosion resistance | General corrosion resistance, easy to rust in humid, acidic and alkaline environments | Strong corrosion resistance, suitable for humid, acid-base, chemical corrosion environment |
High temperature resistance | Good high temperature resistance, but performance degrades under long-term high temperature | Excellent high temperature resistance, suitable for high temperature environment |
Strength | High strength, suitable for high-intensity working conditions | High strength, good wear resistance |
Price | Relatively low, cost-effective | Relatively high, high cost |
Applicable scenarios | Applicable to general industry, petroleum, chemical industry and other occasions with low corrosion requirements | Suitable for chemical, pharmaceutical, food, marine and other occasions with high corrosion requirements |
Maintenance cost | Requires regular maintenance, such as painting, replacement of seals | Low maintenance cost, long life |
Sealing performance | General sealing performance, susceptible to corrosion | Good sealing performance, long-term stability |
Thermal conductivity | Good thermal conductivity, suitable for rapid heat dissipation occasions | Poor thermal conductivity, not suitable for high temperature and rapid heat dissipation occasions |
Weight | Heavy weight, troublesome installation and maintenance | Light weight, easy to install and maintain |
Service life | Suitable for corrosion, short life | Strong corrosion resistance, long service life |
Environmental protection | Non-toxic and harmless, in line with environmental protection requirements | Non-toxic and harmless, suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries |
Special requirements | Applicable to general industrial environments, cost control priority | Suitable for corrosive and high temperature environments, safety first |
How to buy the right product according to your needs?
1. Choose according to corrosion resistance
When choosing a carbon steel ball valve or a stainless steel ball valve, you should first consider its corrosion resistance. If the working environment is humid, acidic and alkaline, chemically corrosive or has high hygiene requirements (such as chemical, food, pharmaceutical, marine, etc.), it is recommended to choose a stainless steel ball valve. Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of corrosive media, ensuring the long-term stable operation of equipment in harsh environments. In contrast, although carbon steel ball valves are lower in cost, they are prone to rust in humid, acidic and alkaline or chemically corrosive environments, have a short service life and high maintenance costs. Therefore, in situations where corrosion resistance is required to be high, stainless steel ball valves are a better choice.
2. Choose according to temperature range
There are also differences in high temperature resistance between carbon steel ball valves and stainless steel ball valves. If the working environment is high temperature or extremely high temperature environment (such as refining, chemical, natural gas, etc.), it is recommended to choose a stainless steel ball valve. The high temperature resistance of stainless steel ball valves is better than that of carbon steel ball valves, and they can withstand higher temperatures and are suitable for environments from -46°C to 538°C. Although carbon steel ball valves perform well at room or medium temperatures, they are prone to material performance degradation in high temperature environments, such as reduced strength, deformation or cracking, which affects their service life and sealing performance. Therefore, stainless steel ball valves are a more suitable choice in high-temperature industrial environments.
3. Choose according to cost and strength requirements
In terms of cost and strength requirements, carbon steel ball valves and stainless steel ball valves each have their own advantages. If the budget is limited, and the strength requirements are high or frequent maintenance is required, you can choose a carbon steel ball valve. Carbon steel ball valves have low costs, high structural strength, and can withstand high working pressures. They are suitable for occasions that require high strength and pressure resistance. However, if long-term stable operation, strong corrosion resistance or high hygiene requirements are required, it is recommended to choose stainless steel ball valves. Although stainless steel ball valves are more expensive, their corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance make them have lower maintenance costs and longer service life in long-term operation. Therefore, stainless steel ball valves are a better choice in occasions with high requirements for strength and corrosion resistance.
4. Choose according to application scenarios
In specific application scenarios, the applicability of carbon steel ball valves and stainless steel ball valves is also different. If it is used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, pharmaceutical, marine, oil, natural gas and other industries, it is recommended to choose stainless steel ball valves. These industries have high requirements for the corrosion resistance, hygiene and safety of equipment. The non-toxic, odorless, corrosion-resistant and high-temperature resistant characteristics of stainless steel ball valves make them an ideal choice. Although carbon steel ball valves are suitable for general industrial pipeline systems, such as petroleum, chemical, electric power, construction and other industries, they perform poorly in corrosive environments and have a short service life. Therefore, in industries with high requirements for hygiene and safety, stainless steel ball valves are a more suitable choice.
5. Choose according to maintenance cost
In terms of maintenance cost, the difference between carbon steel ball valves and stainless steel ball valves is also worth paying attention to. If regular maintenance is required, such as cleaning, painting, replacing seals, etc., carbon steel ball valves can be selected. Carbon steel ball valves are more flexible in the maintenance process and are suitable for industrial scenarios that require frequent maintenance. However, if you want to reduce the maintenance frequency and increase the service life, it is recommended to choose stainless steel ball valves. Due to its corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, stainless steel ball valves require almost no frequent maintenance, have low maintenance costs, and are suitable for occasions with long-term stable operation. Therefore, in projects that are sensitive to maintenance costs, stainless steel ball valves are a better choice.
6. Choose according to sealing performance
In terms of sealing performance, there are also differences between stainless steel ball valves and carbon steel ball valves. If high sealing performance is required to prevent medium leakage and ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system, it is recommended to choose a stainless steel ball valve. Stainless steel ball valves have excellent sealing performance and can effectively prevent medium leakage. They are suitable for occasions that require high sealing performance, such as chemical, petroleum, and natural gas industries. Although carbon steel ball valves have good sealing performance under general working conditions, they are prone to sealing failure in corrosive media, and seals need to be replaced regularly, which has high maintenance costs. Therefore, in occasions with high requirements for sealing performance, stainless steel ball valves are a more suitable choice.
Maintenance cycle, service life and extension methods of hydraulic ball valves
As a key component in industrial fluid control systems, the maintenance cycle, service life and methods to extend the life of hydraulic ball valves are crucial to ensuring the stable operation of the system. The following will be introduced in detail from three aspects: maintenance cycle, service life and measures to extend the life.
1. Maintenance cycle of hydraulic ball valve
The maintenance cycle of hydraulic ball valve should be reasonably arranged according to its use environment, working conditions and manufacturer's recommendations. The following are common maintenance cycles and contents:
Daily maintenance: Check the valve appearance, sealing surface and stem flexibility once a quarter to ensure that there is no dust, oil or impurities. Lubricate the valve stem and transmission parts every 6 months, using lubricants compatible with the material. Check whether the seals are intact and replace worn or aged parts in time. Operate the valve manually or automatically regularly to ensure that it opens and closes flexibly without sticking.
Quarterly maintenance: Clean the inner and outer surfaces of the valve body to prevent corrosion and scaling. Check and replace wearing parts such as sealing rings and packing. Check the operating status of electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to ensure no leakage or failure.
Annual maintenance: Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the valve's sealing, operating flexibility and structural integrity. Perform shell and seal tests to ensure compliance with standards. Replace aging lubricants to ensure the normal operation of transmission parts. Record the maintenance process and problems found for subsequent tracking and analysis.
Maintenance every 18 months: Perform pressure test to ensure that the valve can still work normally under high pressure. Anti-rust treatment is performed on the valve body and connection parts to extend the service life. Check and replace vulnerable spare parts such as O-rings, gaskets, etc.
Second year and two years after commissioning: In the second year and two years after commissioning, more in-depth inspection and maintenance are carried out to ensure long-term stable operation of the valve. Performance tests are carried out according to relevant standards to ensure that the valve meets the design requirements.
Pre-winter inspection: Before the cold season arrives, check and deal with the antifreeze measures of the valve to prevent freezing damage. Drain any moisture that may be present in the valve body to prevent freezing and corrosion.
2. Service life of hydraulic ball valves
The service life of hydraulic ball valves is affected by many factors, mainly including:
Material selection: Choosing the right material (such as carbon steel, stainless steel) can significantly extend the service life of the valve. Stainless steel performs better in high temperature, high pressure and corrosive environments and is suitable for long-term use.
Working environment: Avoid long-term use in extreme temperatures, high pressure or corrosive media to avoid accelerated material aging. Maintain a reasonable temperature/pressure ratio to avoid deformation or damage of materials due to excessive temperature difference.
Maintenance frequency: Regular maintenance can effectively extend the life of the valve, reduce failure rate and downtime. Ignoring maintenance may cause premature damage to the valve and increase maintenance costs.
Operation method: Correct operation method (such as avoiding forced rotation of the handle and controlling the opening and closing speed) can reduce wear and damage. Avoid frequent switching to reduce fatigue of the valve stem and seals.
Media compatibility: Select sealing materials and lubricants compatible with the working medium to avoid damage to the seals due to chemical reactions. Avoid solid particles from entering the valve body to prevent wear and blockage.
3. How to extend the service life of the hydraulic ball valve
In order to extend the service life of the hydraulic ball valve, the following measures can be taken:
Correct installation: Ensure that the pipeline and valve body are clean before installation to avoid impurities from entering the valve body. Install according to the manufacturer's installation instructions to avoid damage or leakage to the sealing surface due to improper installation.
Standard operation: When opening and closing the valve, avoid forced rotation of the handle, control the operating speed, and prevent water hammer. Ensure that the valve is in the open state and avoid long-term pressure to prevent seal aging.
Regular maintenance: Check and clean the valve regularly to keep its appearance and interior free of dirt and rust. Lubricate key components to ensure the normal operation of the transmission system. Regularly replace seals and lubricants to prevent failures caused by aging or wear.
Fault handling: When leaks or abnormal operations are found, they should be handled in time to avoid the problem from expanding. For minor leaks, the stem nut can be tightened appropriately; for serious leaks, the seal or the entire valve needs to be replaced.
Preventive maintenance: Develop a periodic maintenance plan to ensure that the valve operates in the best condition. Through preventive maintenance, potential problems can be discovered in advance and sudden failures can be avoided.