Hydraulic Valve Repair: Techniques, Tips and Advice
Hydraulic valves are an essential component of any hydraulic system. They regulate the flow of fluid and serve as a control valve for many different types of machines, including construction equipment, heavy machinery, mining equipment, etc. Hydraulic valves can be complex to diagnose due to the vast number of components that they interact with in order to function properly. This article will give you tips on how to identify potential problems with your hydraulic valve and what steps you should take if there is an issue.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A BROKEN HYDRAULIC VALVE
Even the most dependable and well-made hydraulic valves can wear out and break down. A damaged valve may frequently prevent a hydraulic system from functioning properly, resulting in delays and damage to production. Some people are unsure if they need to get their hydraulic valve changed or whether repairing it will suffice. Repairing and replacing valves may be costly. You do not want to spend money on a new valve if it could be repaired for a fraction of the price. It’s also important to remember that you don’t want to keep paying for repairs, which might add up. Replacing the entire valve in the long run may be less expensive than maintaining it.
One of the first things you should do if there is an issue with your hydraulic valve is to inspect it for obvious signs of wear and tear. You can try looking at the body, where there are often openings that will give you some insight into what type of condition your hydraulic valve is in. If there are some obvious signs of wear, then you can try repairing it first to see if that will do the trick before spending money on a replacement valve.
TYPES OF LEAKS IN HYDRAULIC VALVES
Internal and external leaks are the two types of hydraulic system failures. Depending on the flow medium, these may be dangerous to people, as well as to other organisms in the ecosystem.
Internal leaks are more difficult to detect and repair, but can result in significant plant downtime if not detected early. The valve body is the most common area for internal leakage due to age-related wear of components such as threads or packing seals with time and use. Internal leakage is a deliberate problem that may result from improper installation, incorrect valve operation, or wear and tear. Valve seal leakage can be intentional as well as unintentional; it’s possible that the manufacturer intentionally designed such a leak to provide lubrication to valve components like seals, spools, or pistons.
Internal leak symptoms:
Overheated bearings; overheated hydraulic fluid;
Excess air loss causes a drop in operating pressure, which can cause vibration and strain on system components. External leakage can be detected by visual inspection of the system and components in operation. External leaks also result from loose bolts, faulty gaskets, or damaged welds on valve covers and manifolds.
External leak symptoms:
Lower than normal operating pressure; excessive vibration; loss of prime when valves are closed.
It is common to have one of the following problems with your hydraulic valve that might require repair. Leaking fluid, which could be caused by a number of things.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU HAVE A HYDRAULIC VALVE THAT HAS BROKEN DOWN.
Repairs are typically less expensive than replacing a hydraulic valve. Repairs will usually be much less costly than manufacturing and delivering a fresh valve, making it more cost-effective to repair only part of your valve. Things like the age of your machine or how much use it gets, can help determine if repairing is more cost-effective than replacing. Once this decision has been made based on these factors, there are several different ways in which hydraulic valves can be repaired depending on its damage. Repairing a broken down hydraulic valve will save you money and time.
If a hydraulic valve is severely damaged from extensive use or a machine malfunction, fixing the whole thing may be the best alternative. If the damaged valve pieces are prohibitively costly to make separately, it may be more cost-effective to replace the whole valve. In these situations, replacing the entire hydraulic valve is the more cost-effective choice.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST ALTERNATIVE FOR ME?
In most cases, people would opt for the less expensive alternative. This makes sense. The condition of the valve, the sort of valve, the cost of parts compared to replacement, and the availability of valves and parts all influence whether or not repairing or replacing is a good idea. If you’re still unsure which option is best for you is to contact Flotek! One of the leading provider of Hydraulic repair services. Contact us and avoid costly repairs!
