Applications of forged steel gate valves
Forged steel gate valves are used in different industries for various applications, such as:
- Chemical processing.
- Municipal water supply.
- Steam power plants.
- Crude oil and natural liquid gas transportation.
- Ships for the steam circuit.
Advantages of forged steel gate valves
- These valves are bi-directional. This feature allows fluid to flow through the valve in both directions without causing malfunctions.
- Forged steel gate valves have low-pressure drops when fully opened.
- These valves are easy to install, clean, and repair. Removing the bonnet (top cover) makes it easy to access the internal parts of the valve for effective cleaning and restoration.
- These valves have a few moving parts, which makes repair and maintenance cheaper.
- They are versatile in use. This is because they can be used in different applications ranging from hot to cold fluids.
- These valves are available in various sizes for high pressure and flow rates.
- They are highly reliable.
Disadvantages of forged steel gate valves
- They are not reliable for throttling fluid flow.
- These valves occupy ample installation space.
- They are slow in operation.
Troubleshooting forged steel gate valves
The valve is hard to operate
- Foreign materials stuck between gland flange and stem. Disassemble the valve according to the forged steel gate valve manufacturer’s guidelines and remove foreign materials.
- Gland bolt over torqued. Loosen the gland bolt.
- Misaligned gland flange. Re-align the gland flange perfectly.
Fluid leakage between the body and the pipe
- Loose bolts. Tighten the valve-pipe flange bolts.
- Worn out gasket. Replace the gasket.
- Excess fluid pressure. Use a higher-rated valve or reduce pipe pressure to the level the forged steel gate valve manufacturer recommends.
Leakage between body and bonnet
- Loose bolts. Tighten the bolts.
- Damaged or worn-out gasket. Replace the gasket.
Leakage through the valve stem
- Damaged or worn-out packing. Replace the packing.
- Damaged stem. Replace the stem.
The valve does not close or open completely
- Foreign materials stuck in the valve. Open the valve and remove all foreign materials.
- Worn out or damaged valve seats. Replace the seats.