Ball valves are widely used in pipe systems for transmitting fluids and glasses. They have the advantages of excellent sealing performance, durability and corrosion resistance. However, after long-term frequent use, ball valves may also malfunction and be damaged. At this time, you need to replace the ball valve.
In this article, you will learn about common ball valve issues, ball valve replacement steps, and other information to help you maintain the stable and continuous operation of your transmission system.
Ball valves are an important part of the pipe transmission system and play an important role. However, anything is prone to malfunction after long-term use, and ball valves are no exception. The following are common issues that may occur during the use of ball valves.
The handle may be damaged, stuck or unable to turn due to long-term use and wear. Or if you often turn the handle too hard, it will break easily, affecting the use of the ball valve, which may cause the ball valve to be unable to open or close.
During long-term use and operation, various parts of the ball valve will be corroded to varying degrees. Corrosion can cause malfunction of the ball valve and contaminate the fluid being transmitted.
Some sediment may gradually accumulate inside the ball valve and at the connection with the pipe due to long-term medium flow. If it is not cleaned in time, it will affect the efficiency of medium transmission and even affect the stable operation of the ball valve.
Ball valves may leak during use. There are many reasons for this, such as gaps in the valve stem or wear of the O-ring as a seal. In short, once a ball valve leaks, it will greatly affect the operation of the transmission system.
When a ball valve fails, it is necessary to consider replacing it to maintain the stable operation of the transmission system. The following are detailed steps on how to replace a ball valve.
You need to choose the appropriate replacement tool according to your transmission system type and the connection method between the ball valve and the pipe.
Commonly used tools include: wrench, screwdriver, sealing tape, etc. If your ball valve and pipe are connected by welding, you also need to prepare a cutting tool to facilitate the subsequent replacement process.
Choose the new ball valve according to the material of the old ball valve, which may be stainless steel, brass or PVC. The specifications, caliber, pipe connection method, etc. of the new ball valve also need to be consistent.
Maybe the ball valve is not completely faulty, but only some parts cannot be used. At this time, you don't need to replace the entire ball valve, just some parts. Therefore, it is also necessary to prepare the relevant parts.
First, you need to turn off your system switch to stop the fluid from continuing to flow. This is to avoid the system continuing to run during the subsequent replacement process, causing unnecessary waste.
At the same time, you need to open the faucet to discharge the medium and pressure inside the pipe system to avoid affecting the subsequent ball valve replacement.
After the pipe system is completely stopped, start the process of removing and disassembling the old ball valve. This step can be divided into three methods according to the different ball valve connection methods.
Use a wrench to hold one side of the pipe to prevent damage to the pipe during rotation. Use another wrench to start turning the threads on the ball valve until the ball valve is disconnected from the pipe and the ball valve is removed. If the threaded connection is too tight, you can spray a little lubricant to help the wrench rotate smoothly. Be careful not to damage the threads during this process.
Using a wrench, loosen the bolts and nuts on the flange in diagonal order, then carefully remove them and keep them together. If the bolts and nuts are found to be worn and may affect the operation of the pipe system, they also need to be replaced. Then pry open the gap between the flanges, taking care not to damage the sealing gasket, and remove the ball valve.
It is best to cut along the weld line to minimize the impact on the pipe. You need to use a professional cutting machine to operate it. Cutting requires the use of a professional cutting machine. Safety must be ensured during the cutting process and protective equipment must be worn to avoid danger. After cutting, clean up the residue at the cutting point and grind it to ensure that the cut is smooth. Finally, remove the ball valve.
The installation steps also vary depending on how the ball valve is connected to the pipe.
Apply sealing tape or sealant to the threads of the pipe, and then align the threaded part of the ball valve of the appropriate size with the pipe and screw it in. Make sure the two are completely aligned to avoid threaded connection failure. Use a wrench to tighten the ball valve, but do not use excessive force to damage the pipe and ball valve.
Prepare a sealing gasket that matches the inner diameter of the flange, and insert it after aligning the flange end of the ball valve with the flange end of the pipe. Then insert the bolt into the flange hole and connect it with the nut, and then tighten the two in diagonal order to ensure a tight connection.
First clean the welding point between the ball valve and the pipe to ensure that there are no impurities. Then align and connect the two, and use welding equipment to weld at the interface. Pay attention to controlling the welding temperature during the welding process. After welding is completed, handle the surface of the welding part to ensure smoothness.
After installing the new ball valve, you need to test and check it. You need to run the system that was shut down at the beginning to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then the installation process is perfectly completed. If there are leaks, you need to recheck the ball valve.
The above are some possible issues of ball valves and specific steps on how to replace ball valves. We believe you will gain a lot after reading this.
Ball valves are common valves in industrial applications. They are widely applicable and popular in the market. If you need a high-performance ball valve with good durability, please feel free to contact us. We will work hard to help you ensure the smooth operation of your pipe system.
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