Common Problems

Common Problems

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How to maintain electric valves when temperatures are cold

Release time:

Nov 03,2025

As the weather turns cooler and temperatures drop, particularly in regions experiencing significant diurnal temperature variations or where temperatures may fall below freezing, the maintenance of electric valves becomes paramount. The key focus lies in preventing freezing, moisture ingress, and condensation, ensuring the mechanism remains flexible and reliable. This safeguards against valve sticking, seal damage, or electrical component failure caused by low temperatures.

The following are detailed maintenance points and procedures, which may be adjusted according to the valve's installation environment (indoor/outdoor) and the type of medium (whether prone to freezing):

一、Mechanical Component Maintenance (Valve Body, Actuator)

1.Insulation and Heat Tracing (Most Critical Measures)

For valves conveying water or media prone to solidification: Where valves are installed outdoors or in unheated workshops, insulation must be fitted to the valve body and associated pipework (e.g., rock wool, glass wool, polyurethane foam shells).

For severely cold regions: Install heating cables only within the insulation layer. Heating cables provide continuous heat to prevent medium freezing, thereby avoiding risks of frozen valve plugs or valve body expansion and cracking.

Checkpoints: Regularly inspect insulation integrity and verify heating cable functionality.

2.Drainage and Frost Protection

During system shutdown or maintenance, ensure all water is drained from valves and pipelines, particularly those valves not in use for extended periods. Open the drain ports or valves to thoroughly remove any residual liquid.

For pneumatic actuators (if your electric valve is an electro-pneumatic type), ensure the air line filters and dryers are functioning correctly. Drain condensate from the air receiver and oil-water separator to prevent freezing within the piping.

3.Lubrication

Low temperatures can increase grease viscosity or cause it to solidify, making valve operation difficult.

Prior to winter, inspect and replace grease with a low-temperature grade suitable for cold conditions (such as low-temperature lithium-based grease). Lubricate moving components including valve stems and bearings. Take care not to apply excessively, to prevent attracting dust.

4.Seal Inspection

Low temperatures may cause certain rubber sealing materials (such as NBR) to harden, become brittle, and lose elasticity, leading to leakage.

Inspect sealing areas such as valve stem packing glands and flange gaskets for signs of leakage. If the valve operates under critical conditions, consider replacing seals with low-temperature resistant materials, such as fluorocarbon rubber (FKM/Viton) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

二.Electrical Component Maintenance (Electric Actuators, Positioners, Limit Switches)

1. Moisture and Condensation Prevention

Significant diurnal temperature variations may cause condensation within electrical enclosures, leading to circuit short-circuits and component corrosion.

Install electric heaters: Within the electrical control box of electric actuators, low-power anti-condensation heaters may be fitted to activate automatically during low temperatures, maintaining internal dryness.

Inspect Seals: Ensure all gaskets and sealing strips are intact, with cover bolts securely fastened to prevent moisture ingress.

Employ Desiccants: Place silica gel desiccant packets within the enclosure and replace them periodically.

2. Wiring Inspection

Check all power, signal, and control wiring for tightness, ensuring terminals are secure. Thermal expansion and contraction may cause connections to loosen.

Verify the integrity of waterproof seals at cable interfaces.

3. Actuator Function Test

At the onset of cooler weather, conduct regular full-stroke opening and closing tests on valves. This helps to:

Identify sticking issues caused by low temperatures.

Ensure even distribution of lubricant.

Prevent the mechanism from becoming ‘stuck’ due to prolonged positioning.

Caution: If the medium has frozen, never force the electric actuator to operate. Doing so may burn out the motor or damage the gearbox.

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