Check Valve / Non Return Valves RCM Study

[JonnyWill]

Non-Return Valves or Check Valves, which they are commonly known as, are inspected frequently during the shutdowns on this Oil Refinery. Therefore it’s been suggested to perform an RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) study. The Check valves in question are all above 2”, rated between 150 - 600#. They are a combinations of: ball, poppet and swinging check types.
Firstly, has anyone out there also performed a similar study on valves? Secondly can anyone recommend any good web sites concerning fatigue or failure of these valves? The common failure method seems to be due to the face becoming scratched or damaged, if there are any other failures you are aware of please forward the information. Any information regarding these valves would be most welcome.
Thanks in advance
Jonny

 

[kaypeegee]

There is a downloadable database of failure rate data available at the following site ...

http://www.saunalahti.fi/ility/

The database includes data on check valves (and usefully contains reference source for most of the data).

 

[msmedesign]

if check valve installed close to the pump, or if they are not chooosen correctly, valve does not stay at fully open position and it oscillates.

This chattering or oscillation creates extra wear on the bearings and also it might cause damage on some of the mechanical connection.