Required maintenance for stored valves

[ccc123]

All ,

In a water project we have some pump control valves, pressure relief valves and butterfly valves,The project was suspended for 1 1/2 year, all valves were bought and stored in warehouse, What type of maintenance do we need to apply to protect the valves during the storage period , is there are any instructions we have to folow ?

 

[JimCasey]

If they hydro-tested the valves the packing is probably saturated with water. THis can cause pitting of the valve stem particularly if graphite packing was specified.

Best thing to do is to remove the packing, inspect for corrosion, repair as necessary, and attach a complete set of packing in a plastic bag to the valve with a note to install before use. You may be able to use the original packing if you don't damage it taking it out,but probably not. A little spritz of "Corrosion-X " into the packing box can't hurt, either.

If the valves are actuated, it will serve you well to cycle them at least monthly. Pneumatic piston actuators need the piston seal dragged through the grease film in the cylinder. Electric actuators need to have the grease in the gearbox churned. Periodic cycling accomplishes this. If the valves are to be stored for more than 5 years, then replace all the elastomers when putting the valves in service. Most elastomers have shelf life of about 5 years.

 

[JLSeagull]

Bettis used to recommend to cycle their piston actuators five times - every four months. I suspect that once monthly is still better.