how to properly store and maintain backup gate valves ?
A Complete Guide for Long-Term Performance and Reliability.
Table of Contents
01 Introduction: Why Proper Gate Valve Storage & Maintenance Matters
Backup gate valves are essential safety components in industrial piping systems. Although they are not in regular use, improper storage or neglected maintenance can lead to failure when they are needed the most. If you’re not yet familiar with what a gate valve is and how it functions, check out our comprehensive guide on gate valves. This guide explains how to properly store and maintain gate valves, especially backup gate valves, to ensure long-term performance.
02 Proper Storage Techniques for Backup Gate Valves
Storing a gate valve correctly is the first step in extending its service life. Follow these principles:
Keep in a dry, dust-free environment to avoid corrosion on the valve body or stem.
Cover flanged ends or ports to prevent foreign particle entry.
Support the valve body horizontally, especially for large sizes, to avoid warping.
Store away from direct sunlight or temperature extremes.
Tip: For flanged gate valves, ensure the gasket faces are protected with plastic covers.
03 Maintenance Tips for Gate Valves in Standby Mode
Maintenance of backup gate valves should follow a scheduled checklist:
Visual Inspection: Look for rust, leaks, or body cracks every 3–6 months.
Lubrication: Apply stem grease where applicable to prevent seizing.
Exercise the Valve: Turn it fully open and closed periodically to prevent jamming.
Check for Stuck Gate Valve Issues: If the valve is stuck, never force it. Investigate debris, corrosion, or internal damage.
Many stuck gate valve issues stem from lack of usage or poor storage conditions.
04 Common Problems and How to Repair a Gate Valve
Even stored valves can develop issues like stem rusting or stuck gates. Here’s how to address them:
Gate Not Moving: Try loosening the packing nut and applying penetrating oil.
Leakage at Bonnet: Tighten the bolts or replace the gasket if needed.
Valve Won’t Fully Close: Check for sediment or internal corrosion.
If the valve is beyond simple repair, consider gate valve replacement using the same size and pressure rating.
05 Know the Parts of a Gate Valve
Resilient-seated gate valves are essential in fluid control systems, and a thorough understanding of their gate valve components is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Below are the primary gate valve parts, each contributing to its functionality and efficiency in various applications.
Wedge Gate
The wedge gate is wrapped in rubber to create a tight seal against the valve body. The gate valve operates by moving vertically upwards or downwards, facilitating the opening or closing of the valve. This movement ensures the efficient control of fluid flow within the system.Valve Body
Typically made from ductile iron, the valve body contains the flow path and guides the wedge gate. It is the foundation of the gate valve, providing structure and support for the other components while allowing fluid to flow smoothly through the system.Seating Area
The seating area is the surface where the wedge gate seals against when the valve is closed. This critical gate valve component ensures a leak-tight seal when the valve is in the closed position, preventing the passage of fluid through the valve.Stem/Spindle
The stem/spindle connects the operating handle to the wedge gate. It rotates to raise and lower the gate, allowing for the opening and closing of the valve. This gate valve part plays a vital role in controlling the movement of the wedge gate, ensuring the valve operates efficiently.Spindle Bearing
The spindle bearing supports and aligns the spindle where it enters the valve body. It reduces friction and ensures smooth operation, maintaining the longevity of the gate valve parts and preventing unnecessary wear.Bonnet
The bonnet covers the top of the valve body and is bolted on for easy maintenance access. It serves as a protective cover for the valve’s internal components and allows for convenient servicing when needed.Packing
The packing seals around the spindle to prevent leakage. This gate valve component plays an important role in ensuring the valve remains leak-free by tightly sealing around the spindle, preventing fluid from escaping.
As the operating handle turns the spindle, the wedge gate moves up and down within the valve body. When the valve is open, the gate allows full bore flow. When closing, the wedge descends, and the rubber seals firmly against the seating surface, ensuring a complete shutoff. The straightforward and dependable action of rising and lowering makes gate valve components like the wedge gate essential for reliable flow control.
Resilient-seated gate valves, equipped with a full port, robust body, detachable bonnet, and a gate that rises and lowers, actively serve as cost-effective and versatile flow control devices. Their simplicity, durability, and efficiency make them one of the most common gate valve parts in service today.
This versatile design has solidified gate valve components as integral to many industries due to their reliability and ease of maintenance.
O-ring
A gate valve O-ring refers to a circular rubber sealing ring typically made of materials such as nitrile, Viton, or EPDM. It is used to create a tight seal between the gate and the valve body, preventing any leakage when the valve is closed.
Gland
The gate valve gland is an important component of a gate valve that helps to provide a secure seal around the stem and prevent leakage. It is typically located at the top of the valve body and encloses the stem.
Stem
The stem is made of Stainless steel .When the valve handle or actuator is turned or rotated, it causes the stem to move up or down, which in turn raises or lowers the gate. This movement of the gate allows for the flow to be either shut off completely or allowed to pass through the valve.
Wedge Disc
The disc is shaped like a wedge, hence the name.When the gate valve is in the fully open position, the wedge disc is raised completely out of the fluid or gas flow path, allowing unrestricted flow. When the valve is closed, the disc is brought down to seal against the valve seat, preventing any flow through the valve.
Coating
≥ 250μm FBE coating, WRAS approved,safe and non-toxic.
Plastic seal
SS bolts used to seoure bonnet to valve body are further protected with plastic seal to provide extra sealing and protection.
Full bore design
Full bore design with flat and smooth surface,better protecting for rubber seat,longer valve life service.
06 FAQs About Gate Valve Maintenance
Q1: How often should I check a backup gate valve?
A: At least once every 3–6 months depending on environment and system pressure.
Q2: What type of grease should be used?
A: Use valve-specific silicone or lithium-based greases.
Q3: Is it better to store gate valves open or closed?
A: Store partially open to prevent tension on the stem and gate.
07 Where to Find Reliable Gate Valve Suppliers?
If your backup valves are old or beyond repair, consider replacing them.
Xhy Group is a trusted gate valve manufacturer and supplier, offering high-quality cast iron and ductile iron valves for waterworks, fire protection, and industrial use.
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