What problems can arise from improper installation of gate valves?

Problems caused by improper installation of gate valves

Gate valves, as a common type of shut-off valve, are widely used in pipeline systems in both industrial and civilian fields. However, improper installation of gate valves can cause a series of serious problems, affecting the normal operation and service life of the system.

Leak problem

When installing gate valves, if the valve body is not tightly connected to the pipeline, such as loose flange bolts or improper installation of sealing gaskets, it can cause medium leakage from the connection. This not only causes waste of media, but also may lead to safety accidents for some toxic, flammable, explosive, or corrosive media, posing a threat to personnel safety and the surrounding environment. In addition, if the sealing surfaces of the gate and seat of the gate valve are damaged during installation, such as scratches, collisions, etc., it will also damage the sealing performance and cause internal leakage. In high-pressure pipeline systems, internal leakage may cause abnormal pressure, affecting the stable operation of the entire system.

Difficulty in operation

The installation of a gate valve tilted will cause uneven force on the gate plate inside the valve body, increasing the resistance to opening and closing. Operators need to apply greater force to rotate the valve stem, which not only increases labor intensity but may also damage components such as the valve stem or handwheel. In the long run, this will also lead to increased wear between the gate and valve seat, further affecting the sealing performance and service life of the gate valve. In addition, if the installation direction of the gate valve is incorrect, such as reversing the flow direction indication with the actual flow direction of the medium, it will cause abnormalities in the operation of the gate valve, such as inability to open or close normally, affecting the normal regulation and control of the system.

VIBRATION AND NOISE

The installation of gate valves is unstable. If they are not firmly fixed or supported improperly, the gate valves will vibrate due to fluid impact when the medium flows. This vibration not only generates significant noise and affects the working environment, but also causes damage to the gate valve itself and related pipelines and equipment. Continuous vibration may cause loosening and fatigue fracture of gate valve components, shorten the service life of gate valves, and even lead to serious accidents such as pipeline rupture.

To avoid the above problems, when installing gate valves, it is necessary to strictly follow the installation instructions to ensure that the gate valve is installed in the correct position, tightly connected, and firmly fixed, in order to ensure that the gate valve can operate normally, stably, and safely.