Armature Technologies

Types of pipeline valve failures

Classification of Failures

Pipeline valve failures can be divided into several categories:

  • Mechanical damage — includes wear, corrosion, destruction of seals and gaskets.
  • Electrical failures — apply to motor-operated valves where issues may occur with the motor, wiring, or control electronics.
  • Hydraulic problems — associated with leaks, blockages, or improper valve operation.

Complete and Partial Failures

A valve failure means the breakdown of one or more of its components.
These failures may be complete — when further operation is impossible until the issue is resolved — or partial, when operation is limited but still possible.

Complete failures include

Shut-off valves

  • Inability to move the closing element between “Open” and “Closed” positions
  • Leakage through the shut-off element making operation impossible
  • Leakage through external seals (packing, flanges) or through the body (fistulas), creating a hazard to personnel and causing irreversible equipment wear

Safety valves

  • Failure to actuate when pressure exceeds limits
  • Need for forced closing when pressure decreases to acceptable levels
  • Leakage through the shut-off element or external seals threatening safety and damaging equipment

Control valves

  • Failures preventing adjustment of system parameters due to mismatch of control characteristics
  • Inability to move the regulating element
  • Leakage through external seals or body posing danger to personnel

Partial failures include

Shut-off and safety valves

  • Leakage through the shut-off element reducing efficiency but not stopping operation

Control valves

  • Malfunctions causing partial deviation of controlled parameters
  • Reduced efficiency due to poor smoothness of operation
  • Increased clearances in actuator connections
  • Incorrect selection of control elements or seat depending on water consumption

Faults and Troubleshooting Methods

Fault Symptoms Solution
Seal wear Leakage, pressure drop in system Replace seals, inspect and replace damaged parts
Corrosion Metal discoloration, rust Cleaning, anti-corrosion treatment, replacement of damaged sections
Blockage Reduced capacity, vibration System cleaning, flushing, installation of filters
Actuator malfunction No response to control, abnormal sounds Electrical diagnostics, repair or replacement of motor/controllers
Valve damage Incomplete closing/opening, leaks Repair or replacement of valves, mechanism adjustment

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