HOMESTEAD^® VALVE

SERVICES

Sealant Maintenance

A) Periodic application of sealant to Homestead plug valves is the only recommended maintenance necessary under normal operating conditions. Sealant is essential to proper operation of the valve. It functions to not only seal the valve but protect the valve metal sealing surfaces from corrosion. As the sealant provides the tight renewable seal, it requires replacement when depleted due to conditions of pressure, temperature and/or frequency of operation. Frequency of servicing depends on the specific application as well as frequency of operation.

Valves which remain in either the open or closed position for a year or so should be re-lubricated at least once every six months so that the sealant in the valve is kept fresh and pliable. Moreover, working the plug, not necessarily the full turn, but partially will aid in keeping the valve in satisfactory operating condition. Compliance with the above will help assure the efficiency of the valve so that when it is time to operate the vale is will operate freely.

Valves which are cycled many times a day may need daily sealant injection. Valves operated only a few times a day may require weekly or semi-weekly sealant injection. Monthly sealant injection may be necessary in applications where valves are cycled several times a week.

Sealant usage of a lubricated plug valve varies widely. Severe service conditions such as high pressure, high temperature or fluid with suspended solids may demand a more frequent sealant injection program. IN addition, actuator cycle time may necessitate a more frequent sealant injection. A slowly actuated valve which spends a lot of time in the intermediate position will use more sealant than service of an actuator which quickly opens and closes the valve. A regular sealant service program will maintain the valve in good operation condition and aid in obtaining optimum valve performance.

If sealing problems occur, check the following:

1. That the valve is properly lubricated, i.e. the valve is fully injected with sealant. Inject the valve with sealant and check for the telltale ring (or movement thereof) of sealant around the vale stem. (Please note that just visually inspecting the valve and observing a pliable telltale ring present is not always a true indication of the valve sealant condition. Sealant may be totally absent in sealant grooves of plug/body with no sealant film present on the valve plug. Therefore, the injection, as mentioned above, is necessary for a proper check of sealant condition.)
2. That the sealant is suitable for the application. Refer to the sealant selection chart for verification. If mixed service conditions apply, consult factory for a recommendation. Generally, select a sealant recommended for the predominant part of the mixture.
3. If the valve has been highly damaged from wear due to lack of periodic sealant injection or chemical dissolution of the sealant itself.
4. That the valve has been properly installed and no damage from nearby piping components, line strain, etc. are evident.

    Stick Service Procedure (Manual Injection)

    Gun Service Procedure