Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
(OP)
Does anyone experience problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves seizing or leaking excessively on Steam Application? Is there another style of valve that is more reliable anyone can recommend that I investigate.





RE: Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
good luck,
Rick
RE: Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
Gate valves can stick, especially with solid wedges and thermal cycling. Packing is more likely to leak versus rotary motion ball and butterfly becuase of the amount and direction of stem movement through the packing as wel as thermal gradients along the stem. But that is offset by them being about as inexpensive a metal seated high temperature valve one can purchase.
RE: Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
RE: Problems with Metal Seated Gate Valves on Steam Application
If constructed for steam use and used correctly, any valve will function without problems for a long time. This is however only if the piping is laid out properly and the valves are used correctly. (On-off valves must be closed and opened 100%, and not be used as regulating valves, if not constructed for the purpose.)
For most systems lay-out, use and maitenance will not score at the very top of the scale. The result is that unproper drainage, inside impurities and not properly or already damaged sealing surfaces, will give haircracks and increasing leakage and cavitation over the valves. Possibly also waterhammer by upstart.
In my general experience some choices might give longer-lasting valves: globe-valves with protecting skirts for sealing surfaces, or globevalves moderated for regulating but used as on/off, bellow sealed stems, or ballvalves with carbon-reinforced seat-sealing rings Also some 'upper class' metal- seated butterfly valves with special construction and/or double eccentric construction might be a sensible choice.
For drainage steamtraps,vacuum-breakers, regulating valves/stations,safetyvalves specialists must be contacted for proper lay-out and selection of components.
Your problem indicates that there is a general potential for improvement in your system by checking all layout and components, not only the valves.