Your Guide to Globe Valve Maintenance

Ancient Romans were the first people to create a system of moving water from one place to
another. They also needed a way to control the water once they got it where they wanted it. Enter
valves!

Valves allow us to stop or restrict the flow of liquid when necessary. But there’s nothing more
frustrating (or dangerous) than a valve failure.

That’s why globe valves are designed to work for many years. However, they only function as long
as they’re maintained correctly.

In this article, we’ll give you the basics of globe valve maintenance to improve the longevity of
your valves.

Start with Proper Installation & Operation

Globe valves work in one direction only. Keep this in mind when you’re installing the valve. Proper
installation means less wear and tear on the valve over time.

Mount the valve vertically on the pipe with the handwheel pointing up. This puts the working parts
of the assembly under less pressure.

Never overtighten the handwheel. Overtightening puts added pressure on the gland packing. If
there are issues with leaks, it means there’s a problem with the seat or the plug.

Regular Inspection

Set up a regular inspection timetable for your valve systems. How often you do this depends on the
type of fluid that the valve is regulating, how much pressure is on the valve, and how often the
valve is cycled during daily operation.

When performing regular inspections, check the outside of the valve for signs of wear. If the valve
doesn’t operate on a regular basis, cycle the valve at the time of inspection. This keeps the guide
from becoming stuck in the seat.

Then dismantle the valve so you can check interior parts. Note, before you dismantle, make sure to
turn the pressure off and let it cool before you handle it.

External Globe Valve Maintenance

Check the motion of the stem, which is often the threaded piece exposed to the elements and can
easily become dirty or gritty. Lubricate it often to ensure smooth function of the valve.

If any of the external hardware (nuts, washers, bolts) show signs of wear, replace them. Tighten the
hardware during regular maintenance. Those components tend to loosen with frequent use of the
valve.

Clean the outer surfaces with a cleaning solution and scrape away any buildup. Ensure that there’s
no grease on the handwheel to prevent it from slipping when turned.

Internal Globe Valve Maintenance

Disassemble the valve according to the manufacturer instructions. Then check all of the internal
parts for wear and tear.

Inspect the interior of the valve body and bonnet and remove any scale or residue buildup. Then
check the plug and the seat.

Sand down small scratches using an abrasive compound. Or use machine tools to lap down larger
scratches.

When the valve is shut, it puts pressure on the gland packing, compressing it. Over time, it can
become hard and lose its ability to hold pressure. Replace the gland packing if this happens.

When you reassemble the valve, use new o-rings and gaskets to ensure a tight seal.

Maintain Your Valves for Improved Longevity

Proper globe valve maintenance can add years to the life of your valves. Make sure the valves are
installed and operated properly. Then set up a regular inspection schedule that includes both
internal and external maintenance.

Taking these simple steps ensures that your valves won’t fail. It’s a safer and more cost-effective
way to operate.

At CPV Manufacturing, we offer top-of-the-line technical support to our customers. Check out
our Technical Resources page to learn more about how to maintain valves the right way.