Ball Valve Leaking? Top Causes and How to Fix Them

Introduction

During the use or installation of ball valves, internal leakage may occur. Due to frequent opening and closing or not being installed as required, the ball valve does not work properly. Here, we will explain the causes and treatment of ball valve leaks, as well as the potential consequences.

Detection method of ball valve stem leakage

After the ball valve is continuously opened and closed, there is often a leakage of the valve stem, which requires us to find out the cause of the valve stem leakage, eliminate the fault, solve the problem, and ensure that the ball valve can be used normally.

Understanding Ball Valve Leaks

Understanding how a ball valve works is very simple. It is usually designed with a large hole through the center, from one side to the other. The sphere is placed tightly on the mold inside the pipe mouth (diameter). It is connected directly to the operating handle of the valve, usually above or to the side of the equipment, and often on the outside of the pipe assembly. By rotating the handle, usually by a quarter of 90 degrees, the sphere is rotated axially inside the caliber. This action aligns the holes in the sphere with the flow direction of the medium inside the pipe, allowing it to pass freely through the ball valve. This is known as the “on” or on state. Rotate the handle another 90 degrees in the other direction, off or off, so that the sphere rotates so that the hole through the sphere is perpendicular to the direction of flow. At this point, the medium can no longer pass through the ball valve and the flow is completely blocked.

It is important to check the valve regularly, and when the valve is found to be leaking for the first time, repair it immediately and stop the loss in time. Because even in the case of even the slightest damage to the sealing surface, the circulating medium can cause large-scale damage to the sealing surface in a very short time, resulting in expensive maintenance costs and operational risks in the later stage.

1.Damaged Seals or O-Rings:  

Aging or damage to O-rings is the main cause of ball valve leakage

2.Faulty Stem Packing: 

The leakage of the valve is the largest proportion of the packing.

1. The packing is not selected correctly, it is not resistant to the corrosion of the medium, and it is not resistant to the use of high pressure or vacuum, high temperature or low temperature of the valve;

2.   The packing is installed incorrectly, and there are defects such as replacing small with large, poor spiral coiling joints, tight at the top and loose at the bottom; 

3.  The filler has exceeded the service life, has been aged, and has lost its elasticity; 

4.   The number of packing circles is insufficient, and the gland is not compressed;

3.Improper Torque or Installation:

Ball valve damage and leakage due to too high or too low tightening torque! The ball valve assembly must be tightened with a specific torque. Deviation from torque may result in leakage or damage to the ball valve. O Components that are overtightened may suffer more wear and tear. Ö Components that are not tightened enough can lead to leaks..

4.Corrosion or Debris Build-Up:

During normal operation, the construction residue scratches the sealing surface, causing internal leakage; Improper pigging causes damage to the sealing surface and internal leakage;.

Fixing a Leaking Ball Valve: Step-by-Step Solutions

Fixing Stem Leaks

1. If the amount of damage is very small, you can directly use fine gauze and very fine oil stones to grind a few times, it is worth noting that the grinding amount should not be too large 2.
2. . Brush plating method The brush plating equipment is simple and easy to carry, and it has the size of filling flat pits and grooves to restore the size;
3. . If the valve stem is bent, the static pressure straightening method, cold work straightening method, and flame straightening method can be used.

Russian copy translation

Replacing Worn Seats and Seals

 Ball valve leakage may be caused by poor seat sealing, ball damage, or aging sealing materials. If the ball, seat or seal is found to be worn or damaged, it should be replaced in time. Select parts that meet the specifications for replacement to ensure good sealing performance.

Correcting Installation Issues

Choose the appropriate installation location: according to the layout of the pipeline system and the functional requirements of the ball valve, select a location that is convenient for operation and maintenance for installation Ensure that the flange connection is tight: During the installation process, it should be ensured that the bolts at the flange connection are symmetrical, successively and evenly tightened, and sealed with a suitable gasket or sealant. Gaskets are a critical component in preventing media leakage and can lead to leakage problems if damaged or installed incorrectly

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the causes of ball valve damage and taking appropriate precautions is essential to ensure the reliable operation of industrial processes. By choosing the right material, regular maintenance, and proper installation, you can extend the life of your ball valve and improve the reliability and safety of your system. Regular inspection and maintenance are equally important and should always be considered an integral step in maintaining the performance of a ball valve.