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Golden Maintenance Period for Valves

Release time:

Oct 10,2025

During valve operation, a scientifically sound and reasonable maintenance schedule is paramount to ensuring long-term stable performance and preventing unexpected failures. Maintenance intervals vary according to valve type (such as gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, etc.) and operating conditions (high temperature, high pressure, corrosive media, etc.).

The optimal maintenance schedule for valves requires flexible adjustment based on type, operating conditions, and usage frequency, adhering to the core principle that: 

The core principle is:

High-frequency operation valves：Monthly inspection + comprehensive maintenance every six months. 

Standard industrial valves ：Inspection every 3–6 months + annual dismantling and overhaul. 

Valves in demanding conditions ：Shorten maintenance intervals and implement additional online monitoring. 

一. The Golden Rules of Valve Maintenance 

1. Preventive maintenance > reactive repairs: Regular inspections prove more economical than replacement after failure. 

2. Lubrication is paramount: Lack of oil on moving parts such as valve stems and bearings can cause seizing or accelerated wear. 

3. Seal integrity testing is essential: Conduct pressure tests (e.g., API 598) at least annually. 

4. Maintain maintenance records: Establish valve maintenance files to track replaced components and fault histories.

二. General Maintenance Interval Recommendations for Valves 

(1) Routine Inspections (Daily/Weekly) 

Applicable Scenarios: Critical process valves, high-frequency operation valves (e.g., control valves, on/off valves). 

Inspection Items: 

Check for valve leakage (external or internal). 

Verify smooth operation of valve stems and actuators, ensuring no sticking. 

Inspect for loosening of bolts and flange connections. 

Assess lubrication status (e.g., stem lubrication for manual valves).

(2) Regular Maintenance (3–6 months) 

Applicable Scenarios: General industrial valves (e.g., chemical, power generation, water treatment). 

Maintenance Tasks: 

Clean valves to remove surface dirt and rust. 

Reapply grease (e.g., to ball valve seats and stems). 

Inspect sealing performance (e.g., conduct low-pressure seal tests). 

Tighten bolts to prevent loosening due to vibration.

(3) Comprehensive Overhaul (1–2 years) 

Applicable Scenarios: Valves operating under severe conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, or corrosive media. 

Maintenance Tasks: 

Dismantle the valve to inspect wear on the valve plug, seat, and seals. 

Replace wear parts (e.g., O-rings, graphite packing, valve seats). 

Recalibrate (e.g., control valve stroke, positioner signals). 

Conduct pressure testing (perform seal integrity tests according to API 598 or GB/T 26480).

(4) Maintenance for Valves in Long-Term Disuse 

For valves not in use for extended periods (e.g., standby valves or seasonal equipment), the following measures should be taken: 

Manually operate the valve once every six months to prevent stem seizure. 

Apply rust-preventive oil to avoid corrosion of the valve body interior and sealing surfaces. 

Keep the valve dry to prevent moisture accumulation and subsequent rusting (especially for carbon steel valves).

三. Key Maintenance Focus Areas and Schedules for Different Valves

Valve Type

Key Maintenance Points

Recommended Interval

Gate Valve

Lubricate stem, inspect gate seal surface

3–6 months

Ball Valve

Seat seal, clean ball surface

6–12 months

Butterfly Valve

Lubricate disc bearings, replace seal rings

6–12 months

Globe Valve

Seal disc and seat, inspect stem threads

1 year

Safety Valve

Verify lift pressure, test sealing integrity

1year(mandatory calibration)

Control Valve

Calibrate positioner, inspect diaphragm

3–6 months

四. Common Maintenance Misconceptions 

“If it doesn't leak, it doesn't need attention” → Internal valve wear may have already occurred; periodic disassembly and inspection are required. 

“All valves require maintenance at the same intervals” → Different valves and operating conditions necessitate tailored maintenance approaches. 

“More grease is always better” → Excessive lubrication may cause dust accumulation, ultimately shortening service life. 

 

Scientific maintenance can extend valve lifespan by 3 to 5 times, significantly reducing the risk of unplanned downtime!

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