Facilities typically have around 1000 block valves with a diameter greater than 2 inches. The challenge lies in determining which valves need to be greased regularly and how often. To prioritize valve maintenance, experts recommend following a lubrication schedule. According to common guidelines found online, valves should be lubricated at least once a year. Additionally, valves that are rarely used should be lubricated every three months, while valves that are frequently operated should be lubricated every 1000 cycles. For valves used in harsh environments and operated more than ten times a day, lubrication every 500 cycles is recommended. Have you developed a valve greasing strategy based on these guidelines? Let's discuss and share insights on optimizing valve maintenance.
Are you greasing manual valves larger than 2 inches or waiting for them to fail? If you are greasing them, do you apply grease to all valves or only certain ones?
The necessity of applying anti-seize to the stem of Gate and Globe Valves depends on the specific type of valve being used. It is important to lubricate valves before operating them to ensure smooth performance. However, if a valve is not in use, there is no need to lubricate it. Valves should also be lubricated during shutdowns to maintain their efficiency. Remember, proper valve maintenance is essential for uninterrupted processing. Cheers!
Many valve manufacturers are not proactive in offering advice and guidance.
In order to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation, our lubrication technician, Josh in Brighton, applies grease to seldom-used valves. While in places like Australia where rust isn't a concern due to lack of rain, here in our region, dry valve parts can become stuck. We aim to lubricate these valves approximately 2 to 4 times a year to maintain functionality. Best regards, Joe Mc Cormack.
Thank you for your message, Joe. The weather in Victoria, where the Gas Plant I work at is situated, tends to have frequent rainfall. Can you please provide some clarity on the following questions: 1- Which valves do your lubrication technicians grease and at what locations? I assume you are referring to the valve stem. 2- In dusty environments, greased components can accumulate dust which may lead to further issues. What is your opinion on this matter? Best regards, Brighton.
I agree with the guidelines mentioned, they provide a solid starting point. However, in my experience, optimal valve maintenance also heavily depends on several other factors including valve type, environmental conditions, and the quality of lubricant used. For instance, in a corrosive environment, we might need to lubricate more often regardless of the number of cycles. Additionally, high-quality lubricants can extend the intervals between maintenance. I highly recommend involving field operators in the decision-making process as they have first-hand information on valve performance and the specific needs of the facility.
Great topic. In my organization, we've found that an effective valve greasing strategy can indeed extend the life of our equipment. In addition to the frequency-based guidelines you provided, we also consider factors such as the valve’s condition and the environment it's used in. We've adopted a proactive approach - scheduling regular visual inspections to identify any visual wear or issues and address them promptly. The use of high-performance lubricants specifically designed for valve applications has also been key in reducing the frequency of maintenance without compromising on performance. Investing in maintenance tools that help make regular lubrication easier, like lubrication guns and fittings, was another step we took. It's more of a holistic approach as each system may face unique challenges, hence a one-size-fits-all approach might not be the best solution.
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Answer: - Valves should be lubricated at least once a year. Additionally, valves that are rarely used should be lubricated every three months, while valves that are frequently operated should be lubricated every 1000 cycles. For valves used in harsh environments and operated more than ten times a day, lubrication every 500 cycles is recommended.
Answer: - Facilities typically have around 1000 block valves with a diameter greater than 2 inches.
Answer: - To prioritize valve maintenance, experts recommend following a lubrication schedule based on factors such as frequency of use and environmental conditions.
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