By Admin on Fri 10 February 2017 in Troubleshooting
A step by step guide to maintaining your solenoid valves
Sometimes, the top expert for proper valve maintenance is the valve’s manufacturer. Many offer replacement part kits, which can include replacement O-rings, springs, a plunger, and possibly diaphragms, pistons and a host of related components. Of course, make sure the replacement kit is appropriate for the particular valve. The valve may have been designed specifically for the manufacturer as a private label and might include parts from various other providers. To be sure, always look for the manufacturer’s name on the valve.
For any valve maintenance regime, there are eight easy steps to follow:
- Safety first. Disconnect the power source and depressurize the system before repairing a valve. Also, be sure to properly and safely handle the unit based on the fluid it controls.
- Clean and inspect all the internal parts and replace them if necessary with type original spare parts available, as indicated in the catalogue.
- Coil. Inspect the coil for cracks. In wet or humid environments, moisture might penetrate the coil and cause valve failure.
- What is the cost for servicing a valve? Include time and resources
- When the coil is removed, the remaining unit is called the pressure vessel. Its sleeve will have a feature that accepts a sleeve removal tool like a wrench. Try to avoid clamping onto the sleeve tube, as this may cause the tube to dent or bend. Once you have removed the sleeve, the valve body will expose the internal components of the valve operator, including the plunger with a seal, the plunger return spring, an O-ring, the sleeve and operator body. Systematically examine each for damage or wear, and replace as needed:
- Take a look at the seal for any signs of swelling, cracking or deterioration.
- The spring should be inspected for worn or broken coils.
- The body orifice itself may have been nicked or the crest worn.
- Remount all the parts, making up the solenoid valve with care, paying great attention to the correct position of each part and protecting the sealing surfaces.
- Once all necessary parts are replaced and the valve is cleaned of build-up and grime, reassemble the pressure vessel according to manufacturer directions and reattach the coil..Check for tightness and correct operation.
- Then, reinstall the newly assembled valve back into the application. Once the valves are accurately installed, power up the valve again.
- When the plunger lifts, it normally makes contact with the sides and stop of the sleeve. As a result, the top of the plunger and the inside of the sleeve may show wear as well. For more complex solenoid valve types utilizing diaphragms, pistons, spools and levers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance