WKM valve failure
WKM valve failure
(OP)
Trying to do a root cause analysis of a pre 1974 2inch WKM gate valve. Dont really have enough information to help get this completed satfisafcatory.
My question is does any one have any experience with stem failure of this valve and causes.
I have found through research that 2inch valves are made from somekind of brass alloy any reason for that?
My question is does any one have any experience with stem failure of this valve and causes.
I have found through research that 2inch valves are made from somekind of brass alloy any reason for that?





RE: WKM valve failure
Brass alloy components were at that time quite common as metal price was lower, a lot of foundries available, and machine tooling cheaper and more easy at that times technology with limitation in number and availability of automated machine tools with high technology metal-cutting tools.
Gun metal and other bronse and brass alloys were commonly used for valves and had very good properties for corrosive fluids, and were for instance used for ship-valves exposed to sea-water and sea climate.
More specialized valves and altered ship-technology, along with altered prices and better tooling and material technology have changed the picture.
Stem failure can be caused by anything from lacking maintenance (grease, and regular test operation) to wear or abrasion of stem and gate, damaged gate, sticking gat, excessive forces and or repetitive bending (material fatigue) or any combination of this or other causes.
Much can be seen by demounting and inspection. Please bear in mind that there is normally more than one single cause, but that use of excessive force is normally one of them.
RE: WKM valve failure
Petrotrim Services, LLC
www.petrotrim.com
RE: WKM valve failure
RE: WKM valve failure
RE: WKM valve failure
RE: WKM valve failure
RE: WKM valve failure
RE: WKM valve failure
Thanks,
Ehzin