Shut-off valves are essential components of any engineering system. Their durability directly affects the safety, efficiency, and operating costs of the equipment. To ensure long-lasting performance of valves, gates, and ball valves, it is important to follow several technical requirements. Below are the key factors that influence valve lifespan.

1. Proper Material Selection

The material of the valve must correspond to the working medium. Incorrect material selection can lead to rapid wear and emergency situations:

• Carbon steels are not suitable for aggressive environments.

• Stainless steels may corrode in chloride-containing media.

• Brass components are not designed for high temperatures.

Choosing the right material is the first and most important step toward long service life.

2. Considering Operating Temperature and Pressure

Temperature conditions directly affect the allowable pressure of the valve:

• As temperature increases, the allowable pressure decreases.

• Incorrect evaluation of system parameters can cause overload and premature failure of the valve.

Matching temperature and pressure requirements ensures reliable operation.

3. Professional Installation

Even the highest-quality valve will not perform effectively if installed incorrectly. The most common installation errors include:

• excessive or insufficient tightening of flanges,

• use of poor-quality gaskets,

• misalignment during installation.

All installation work must be carried out by qualified specialists in accordance with standards and proper techniques.

4. Regular Maintenance

To maintain operational performance, seasonal maintenance is required, including:

• leakage checks,

• cleaning of components,

• cycling and testing of the mechanism.

This helps prevent jamming, corrosion, and potential malfunctions.

Conclusion

Following these recommendations ensures stable operation of shut-off valves and extends their service life to 5–10 years or more. Proper selection, professional installation, and regular maintenance are the key to reliable and safe equipment performance.