The valves on your process vessel are stuck, and you can’t get them open to add the new product you need to produce. How do you un-stick the valves? There is nothing more frustrating than a stuck valve. However, depending on the specific situation, some ways to un-stick a stuck valve and keep production going. This blog post will discuss different techniques how to un-stick abs valves so you can get back to production as quickly as possible.
DETERMINING IF YOUR VALVES ARE STUCK
To determine if your valves are stuck, you need to inspect them first. Look for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or bent components. These issues may be causing the process valves to stick. If there are no apparent signs of damage and the valves are just slow to open, you can do a few things to open the valves quickly.
If there are no signs of damage, you can try to manually un-stick the valves by opening them a little further. You can also try to power the valves open with an electrical motor or a hydraulic cylinder to open the valves. If these methods do not work, your valves may be jammed shut with debris. If this is the case, we recommend contacting a service technician to open the valves.
HOW TO UN-STICK ABS VALVES? USING A BURNER OR TORCH TO UN-STICK A VALVE
Using a torch or burner to un-stick a valve is a quick, easy method that will almost always open any stuck valves. This method uses heat to melt the jam and expand the metal around the valves.
Ensure you do not get the torch too close to the valves or the valve seats, as this can damage the components. A torch is typically a propane-fueled flame, while a burner is a furnace-like device that uses natural gas or other fuel. When using a torch or burner to un-stick a valve, be careful not to let the flame get too close to the valve, or you could damage the components.
Always wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when using any flame to un-stick a valve.
Determining What Is Causing The Sticking Valve Issue
If your valves are jammed shut, you may need to use a more invasive technique to open the valves. Suppose you are experiencing recurring issues with stuck valves. In that case, it is a good idea to investigate the root cause to see if you can come up with a solution. Here are a few of the most common causes of sticking valves.
- Excessive build-up of sludge, grit, and scale – If you are experiencing a high number of stuck valves, your valves may be clogged with debris. In some cases, the debris may prevent the valves from entirely shutting. To avoid clogging and sticking, keeping your valves free of build-up is essential.
- Improperly sized valves – Ensure your valves are properly sized for the application. Using a too small valve for the application can cause it to jam. Using a large valve for the application may lead to excessive wear and tear and other issues.
- Inadequate cooling or heating – If your process uses cooling or heating, make sure that the cooling or heating source is adequate for the application. If it is not, the valves may be sticking due to a lack of cooling or heating.