Erosion Remediation to Restore the Integrity of Plant Valves

In plants dealing with caustic materials or pressurized liquids, erosion is a constant concern for equipment. Valves in particular have a tendency to suffer the effects of erosion, due in part to their systemic function. As a result, rusting and erosion can occur in a variety of ways, all of which require plant valve services in Utah.

Spotting oxidation

The first step in remedying rusted valves is understanding the scope of the oxidation and what components are affected or at risk. Rust is easy to spot, but it’s by no means confined to the components where it’s immediately present. For example, a rusted fitment can develop a slow leak, which can bead water to connected pieces, wearing thin the protective coating and leaving the metal exposed to humidity and other forms of oxidation.

To truly understand the scope of rust and oxidation exposure, it’s important to examine the scope of any existing rust, as well as peripheral components affected, in addition to components within proximity of rust-inducing catalysts.

Cleaning

Surface rust or low-level deposits on a valve can be cleaned and treated to both remove rust and prevent rust formation. A professional can then re-treat metal components to protect against immediate rusting in the near term.

Depending on the nature of the valve and the contents flowing through it, other treatments or cleaning protocols may be required to re-institute the stable nature of components. This can include anything from polymer paint application to heat-sealing clear-coat sprays. Considerations also need to be made for hot vs. cold control valves, such as fireproofing or anti-freeze applications.

Retrofitting

If rust deposits are deep or compromise the overall integrity of a valve, replacement is the foremost option. This serves as an immediate solution to removing rust and can help prevent the need for near-term plant valve services in Utah for additionally affected parts of the valve that may be overlooked.

In many cases, specific components of a valve absolutely need to be replaced to ensure the continued safety and functionality of a rusted valve. Bolts, cranks, stems and more need to be functional and ultimately reliable. Failing to replace these components completely to absolve rust may lead to valve failure down the line.

Professional rust remediation

Due to the volatile conditions of many industrial facilities and the heavily-used nature of industrial plant valves, oxidation and rust are ultimately unavoidable. When rust does arise, it’s important to A) not ignore it and B) seek help from a professional with experience in remediation and retrofitting. Depending on the type of the valve, the nature of its function and dozens of other factors, there’s a specific way to handle the presence of rust.

Intermountain Valve Services, Inc. has experience dealing with all types of plant valves and the oxidation troubles that plague them. Contact us at the first sign of oxidation or for routine inspections of your valves, and we’ll make sure the problem is properly observed, contained and mitigated. We’re your valve rust experts, and we look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Plant Valve Services

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