Benefits of Exercising Isolation Valves
Isolation Valves - Copeland Valve

Benefits of Exercising Isolation Valves

Isolation Valves - Copeland Valve
Exercise and inspect isolation valves regularly.

You’ve probably been told all about the benefits of exercise from your doctor, but did you know isolation valves need exercise as well? Exercising valves means completing a full open and close cycle. This helps get valve components moving. If you don’t currently have a valve inspection and exercise program in place, consider implementing one as soon as possible. 

Isolation Valves Need Exercise, Too!

Have your joints ever felt stiff after sitting in one position for too long? The same thing can happen to your valves! When isolation valves sit in one position for an extended period of time, it can increase the risk for malfunctions. This is because they may be more prone to corrosion or mineral and sediment buildup. Any of these issues can affect the function of your valves and lead to leaks or even valve failure. Lack of movement can lead to valves seizing up. 

However, a valve exercise program can help reduce these risks. This is especially important in critical and severe service applications where a quality seal is imperative. Many people choose metal seated ball valves for these applications because they are less prone to corrosion and need less frequent exercising compared to other valves. However, every valve should go through periodic cycle testing. Most people conduct valve exercise programs annually. How often you exercise your valves depends on the type of valve you have. It’s best to follow the maintenance instructions that come with your valve to help maintain peak performance.

Benefits of a Valve Exercise Program 

Periodic inspection and exercising for your isolation valves offers many advantages. Many overlook this important part of valve maintenance because they believe it costs too much in time and labor. However, regular exercising can actually offer long-term savings by keeping your valves in good condition. In addition, regular inspections and cycle testing help you identify issues before they become major problems. The worst time to realize that a valve isn’t working is during an emergency. Instead, if you notice leakage or other issues, you can schedule valve repair or reconditioning to help save costs on replacing isolation valves. 

During valve exercising, you need to make sure your valves go through their full range of motion with little resistance. Beforehand, do a visual inspection to determine if there are any visual signs of deterioration. You may also want to clean debris around the valve casing. While running the cycle test, note any abnormalities and call your valve specialists for service or repair. 

At Copeland Valve, we are a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of metal seated ball valves. Our valves are a cut above the rest when it comes to your severe service applications. We design our valves to withstand heavy duty pressures, from high temperatures and pressures to corrosives and abrasives. For superior sealing power, choose valves from Copeland. In addition to manufacturing and design, we also offer proprietary valve carbide coating in Houston to help extend the life of your valves and increase reliability and performance. Call us today at (713) 926-7481 to learn more and request a quote for your valve needs. Our team is here to serve you.