Why Valve Choice Is Critical to Maintain an Industrial Operation

In a busy industrial environment, the equipment will need to be maintained carefully and regularly so that the plant can continue to operate according to its busy schedule. After all, some facilities need to work around the clock to keep up with targets and any downtime has to be avoided at all costs. It's crucial, therefore, to choose the right individual components as the whole system is only as strong as its weakest link. Pressure relief valves are particularly vulnerable, especially if the wrong ones have chosen for the specific task, so how can this risk be mitigated?

Correct Materials

When an improper part is used, internal pressure can be compromised leading to over-pressurisation, safety risks and shut down. The valves that control the system must be carefully chosen for the specific application and be made from a material that is proven to be capable. For example, if you have to choose a valve that can deal with corrosive materials without failure, stainless steel is the only option.

Valve Specification

Careful attention must be paid to the specifications of the valve, so that it can be mated with the right inlet and discharge piping. While the valve may physically connect to this piping, the internal diameter may be incompatible, or other issues may risk failure. Each industry has a list of ideal components based on the type of facility and the operational parameters and you should not deviate from these recommendations.

Working Pressure

Each valve is regulated according to the amount of pressure it can withstand and the temperature it is likely to encounter. The maximum expected working pressure cannot exceed the set pressure for each valve in the system and the back pressure measured at the outlet side must be factored in to ensure consistency of flow.

Dealing with an Issue

Maintenance staff must take prompt action if any failure is suspected, before a dangerous amount of pressure builds up through the rest of the system. The process must be shut down and isolated and the valve should be checked or removed as applicable, only when it is safe to access. If you believe that the wrong type of valve may be fitted for the task in question, you may need to replace all the others in a similar capacity.

The Right Expertise

Make sure that you have engineers on hand who are experienced in dealing with this type of valve. That way, it there is any need for valve repairs, they can fix it before the problems slow down your work flow.