Control Valve Failures

Control valve failures on steam service is a fairly common problem in most plants. Common failures include valves which become stuck in one position, wire drawn valve seats, packing failures, and problems with debris in the valve.

Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide reacts with hot condensate which causes these corrosion type failures.

To eliminate the problem, always install a drip trap ahead of every process control valve to insure dry steam ahead of the valve. This simple addition will eliminate a lot of control valve failure problems. Use a 1/2” or 3/4” bucket, disc, or float and thermostatic trap as the control valve drip trap.

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