Your Flow Control Valve Maintenance Checklist
We often talk about valve and cylinder performance. But like any part of a machine or system, flow control valves need to be inspected and maintained. So, how do you troubleshoot and do preventive maintenance on a flow control valve?
Inspecting, confirming, and checking flow control valves for performance
- Confirm that the nuts and bolts of the diaphragm are securely tightened.
- Check that bonnet clamp bolts are tightened securely.
- Inspect that the yoke clamp bolt is securely tightened.
- Confirm that clamp bolts of any accessory device are tightened securely.
- Check that the air connection to the actuator is securely tightened and there is no air leak.
- The same inspection as above also applies to the stem connector to the actuator and valve stems.
- Confirm that the actuator and valve stems are not warped or showing defective signs.
- Check that the flow control valve smoothly operates within its full-scale range.
- Inspect that the actuator spring is compressed correctly.
Periodical maintenance
- Check that there is no air leak between the diaphragm and diaphragm case.
- Confirm that there is no process fluid leak from the flanges and bonnet.
- Inspect that there is no air leak from the actuator air piping.
- Check that the actuator and valve stems are not damaged in any way.
- Confirm that the control valve does not have any abnormal vibration or sound.
- If the control valve has a lubricator, periodically lubricate and tighten the gland packing section.
- If the control valve has a manual handwheel, inspect that the pointer of the operation nut is in proper position with the AUTO position and that the handwheel is locked.
Use the following testing methods for control valves after inspections
- Visual examination of casting.
- High-pressure closure test.
- Low-pressure closure test.
- Backseat test.
- Shell test.
Preventing cavitation
For flow control valves, cavitation is reduced by increasing the distance between the trim parts and implosion of vapour bubbles. This can be done by providing flow aiding and by dropping the pressure by steps.
MasterMac 2000
With all of this, MasterMac 2000 is the exclusive distributor of flow control valve, pneumatic valves, and other valve and cylinder components, especially those manufactured by Univer and Mack since the 1980s. We even have high standard quality mixed or spool systems, as well air valves, compact valves, and pressure control valves. All of our brands are high quality and globally recognised such as Mack (Australian manufacturer), Univer, Tolomatic, American, Piab, and more. Contact us today for more information by calling us now on 07 3344 4711. You can also visit us MasterMac2000 at https://mastermac2000.com.au/suppliers/ and view all their product lines.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.