Stainless steel ball valves are used in a wide range of industrial applications in which the flow of a material must be easily controlled. They are simple to operate, reliable, and offer quick shutoff speeds. Operators can also see by looking at the operating lever whether the flow is open or closed.

Stainless steel ball valves are also durable, suitable for use in high-temperatures, and under high volumes, and are practical for use in a wide range of scenarios, including the chemical and petrochemical industries, in the food and beverage industries, and in plumbing, mining, construction, and other sectors.

Moreover, stainless steel valves are suitable for use in high-pressure applications and stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, giving it a long service life. With that said, there are still things you can do to ensure that your SS ball valves will continue to function as intended for longer so you can enjoy a prolonged service life. Some of these will be covered in this guide.

Keep It in Working Order: What to Do

The most important aspect of ball valve maintenance and serviceability is proper installation. This means not only that the valve is installed correctly, but that the proper valve is installed in the first place.

Regular inspection as a component of routine inspection is critical to help you catch issues before they become serious. By inspecting your stainless steel ball valves, you can spot check them for corrosion as well as for leaks (both of which should be addressed immediately).

They should also be inspected to ensure that the valve opens and closes as intended (with no leaks) and for mineral deposition/accumulation (which should be cleaned as needed). All nuts, bolts, and other hardware should also be inspected to ensure they are present, properly installed and torqued.

Another critically important component of stainless steel ball valve maintenance is routine cleaning. Remember, clean valves last longer because there will be less debris accumulation that can not only cause premature wear of the ball itself but which can compromise the quality of the downstream flow.

The exterior casing of the ball valve assembly can often be cleaned with a towel or brush to remove dirt, oil, and other debris. A brush can also be used to keep the area around the valve stem clean and clear of dirt and debris.

The metal components of your valve may also be cleaned with compressed air to dislodge detritus and debris if they are removed and dried. In some situations, alcohol-based cleaners can be used to dissolve and remove oil-based contaminants, as long as they can be safely used with the valve in question. If such cleaners or solvents are used, be sure to allow them to evaporate completely before reassembling and reinstalling the valve.

Valves should be cleaned at least once per year unless the demands of your environment necessitate more frequent cleanings, which may be the case.

Lubrication is another critical and essential component of stainless steel ball valve maintenance. When properly applied, lubrication helps ensure the efficacy of the valve seals and also helps prevent valve abrasion, which over time will cause leaks.

Where possible, use an oil-based, water-insoluble lubricant instead of a solid lubricant, as solid lubricants can gum up inside of the valve, causing problems with valve sealing, as well as with contamination. Also make sure that you use a lubricant compatible not only with the valve itself but with the general application.

Stainless steel ball valves are available in one, two and three piece configurations; the latter form will have seals that will need to be inspected when the valve is disassembled for maintenance. If the seals are found to be worn, frayed, or compromised in any way they will need to be replaced immediately. Remember, replacing the seals will keep the valve operational and prevent costly leaks and unplanned shutdowns.

Reassembly of the valve is a critical step. Be sure to properly tighten all the bolts and nuts of the flange in order to prevent leakage of the valve.

The Importance of Stainless Steel Ball Valve Maintenance

There are several high profile reasons to invest the time and effort it takes to keep your stainless steel ball valves clean, properly lubricated, and operating as intended. Some of the most important of these are mentioned here:

• Valve longevity: Stainless steel ball valves are not typically not inherently expensive, but unplanned downtime is. Keeping your ball valves clean, clear of obstructions, and properly lubricated will have them working for longer. Replacement requires downtime, and that can be expensive.
• Workplace safety: The failure of a ball valve can compromise the safety of onsite workers. Moreover, those who are trained to identify and rectify issues with ball valves can help catch and correct issues requiring attention, preventing injury and potentially saving your organization headache and expense.
• Avoiding unnecessary downtime: By keeping your ball valves operational for longer through routine maintenance and cleaning, you can prevent unplanned downtime that can ultimately be orders of magnitude more expensive than the replacement of a simple valve.

All in all, stainless steel ball valves are highly durable and reliable but like all mechanical components of a system will benefit immensely from proper oversight and routine maintenance to catch issues before they become real problems.

Though they are simple and affordable valves, unplanned downtime is never a welcome expense. By doing your due diligence and properly cleaning and servicing your system’s valves, you can catch and prevent such issues.

Looking for Replacement Stainless Steel Ball Valves?

From time to time, even stainless steel ball valves may need to be replaced in order to keep a system operating properly. We are proud to carry a wide range of one, two and three piece ball valves, 3-way ball valves and high pressure ball valves, as well as camlock fittings and components of exceptional quality.

Our SS ball valves are made with FNPT threads, are rated to 1000 PSI for use with water, oil and gas, and feature PTFE seals and seats as well as blowout-proof handle stems and handles with locking levers.

For more information on our products, or if you have questions on basic ball valve maintenance, get in touch with us at Sales@ProflowDynamics.com or at 1-888-875-FLOW.