Damage to valve sealing surfaces is typically the result of multiple contributing factors, including material selection, operating conditions, operating practices, and maintenance. The following is a categorized summary of the most common causes:   1. Mechanical Damage ●  Wear: Solid particles in the medium (such as sand or welding slag) erode the sealing surface, resulting in scratches or grooves. ●  Abrasive scuffing: Frictional wear caused by relative movement of the sealing surfaces during valve opening and closing, particularly in metal-to-metal sealing pairs. ●  Impact damage: Deformation of the sealing surface caused by high-velocity fluid impingement or rapid valve opening and closing, leading to impact loading.   2. Chemical Corrosion ● Media corrosion: Acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing media directly attack the sealing surface material, such as metal corrosion caused by H₂S or chloride ions. ● Electrochemical corrosion: When sealing pairs made of dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion may occur due to electrochemical cell formation. ● Erosion–corrosion: The combined effect of corrosive media and high-velocity flow accelerates material loss on the sealing surface.   3. Thermal Damage ●Thermal fatigue:Frequent temperature fluctuations cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the sealing surface, leading to cracking or deformation. ●High-temperature oxidation:At elevated temperatures, the sealing surface may undergo oxidation, hardening, or burn-off, as commonly observed in steam valve applications. ●Thermal shock:Sudden exposure to high- or low-temperature media can cause cracking of the sealing surface, such as during rapid condensation or cold media ingress.   4. Improper Installation and Operation ●Installation misalignment: Incorrect valve installation or excessive piping stress can result in uneven loading on the sealing surfaces. ●Over-tightening: Excessive preload applied to the valve stem or bolting may crush or deform the sealing surface, particularly in soft-seated valves or soft sealing gaskets. ●Rough operation: Rapid opening and closing or excessive operating force can cause impact damage to the sealing surfaces.   5. Material Defects ●Improper material selection: The sealing surface material lacks sufficient resistance to process media, high temperature, or wear, such as the use of carbon steel in acidic service. ●Manufacturing defects: Defects in the hardfacing or overlay layer, including porosity, slag inclusions, or improper heat treatment, reduce wear resistance and overall sealing performance.   6. Abnormal Operating Conditions ●Cavitation / flashing: Pressure fluctuations in the fluid generate vapor bubbles that collapse and impact the sealing surface, a phenomenon commonly observed in valves installed downstream of pumps. ●Scaling / deposition: Impurities in the medium accumulate on the sealing surface, impairing tight shutoff, suc...

These symptoms typically indicate a mismatch in fluid conditions, valve selection, or system configuration. If left unaddressed over prolonged operation, they can accelerate valve wear and pose safety risks.   Based on field experience, this article outlines the common causes of valve vibration and noise and provides practical guidance for troubleshooting.   1. Basic Manifestations of Valve Vibration and Noise   Valve vibration usually appears as noticeable oscillations of the valve body, stem, or connected piping. Noise may present as humming, whistling, or banging sounds.   These phenomena often occur simultaneously and are primarily related to the following factors: ● Abnormal flow velocity or pressure differential ● Unstable internal forces within the valve ● Mismatch between actual operating conditions and valve design   2. Common Causes Analysis   1. Excessive Flow Velocity or Pressure Differential When the fluid passes through the throttling section of a valve at high speed, strong turbulence and pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, causing periodic impact on internal components. This issue is particularly pronounced when using standard globe valves or ball valves under regulating conditions.   Typical manifestations include: ● Noise increases as the valve opening decreases ● Vibration intensifies under high-pressure-drop conditions   2. Improper Valve Selection Incorrect valve selection is a common root cause of vibration, such as: ● Using on/off valves for prolonged throttling ● Oversized valve operating at small openings for extended periods ● Insufficient pressure rating or structural rigidity of the valve These conditions can cause unstable movement of the valve plug or ball, resulting in vibration and noise.   3. Loose or Worn Internal Components After long-term operation, the following issues are commonly observed: ● Wear of valve plugs or discs ● Increased clearance between the stem and guiding parts ● Loosened fasteners   Non-design clearances amplify fluid impact, leading to persistent noise. If vibration is accompanied by metallic knocking sounds, the condition of internal components should be checked as a priority.   4. Cavitation or Flashing In liquid service, cavitation or flashing occurs when local pressure drops below the saturation vapor pressure. Bubble collapse in high-pressure regions impacts internal components, often accompanied by noise and vibration.   Typical signs include: ● Sand- or gravel-like scraping sounds ● Rapid wear of internal components ● Significant pressure fluctuations   5. Insufficient Piping Support or System Resonance Some vibrations are not directly caused by the valve. When upstream or downstream piping lacks adequate support, or when the piping structure resonates near the fluid pulsation frequency, system resonance may occur, amplifying existing vibrations...

In industrial piping systems, safety is always a top priority. A Fire Safe Ball Valve is a specialized type of ball valve designed to maintain sealing and prevent leakage under high temperatures or fire conditions. Although it looks similar to a standard ball valve, its structure and functionality are significantly different. This article provides a detailed analysis of the working principle, applicable scenarios, and selection guidelines for Fire Safe Ball Valves.   1. Introduction to Fire Safe Ball Valves   A Fire Safe Ball Valve is designed for fire or extreme high-temperature conditions. Its core feature is the ability to maintain metal-to-metal sealing contact between the ball and the seat even if the valve seats or sealing elements are damaged by high heat, thereby preventing leakage of the medium.   Features: ● High-Temperature Sealing Protection: Even if soft sealing materials melt or burn, the metal seal continues to function. ● Compliance with International Standards: Common standards include API 607 and ISO 10497. ● High Durability: Suitable for harsh operating conditions and flammable or explosive media.   Working Principle: At normal temperatures, the soft valve seat ensures zero leakage. When the temperature rises to the soft seal failure point, a spring or preloading mechanism pushes the ball against the metal seat, achieving metal-to-metal sealing and preventing medium leakage under high temperatures or fire conditions.   2. Applicable Scenarios for Fire Safe Ball Valves   ● Petrochemical and Natural Gas: In pipelines carrying flammable or explosive media, a Fire Safe Ball Valve can effectively prevent fire from spreading through the valve. ● High-Temperature Process Systems: In steam, hot oil, or high-temperature gas pipelines, even if soft sealing materials fail due to heat, the metal seal ensures system safety. ● High Safety Requirement Applications:   In facilities such as refineries, chemical plants, and offshore platforms where safety standards are strict, using Fire Safe Ball Valves helps reduce the risk of leakage.   3. Differences Between Fire Safe Ball Valves and Standard Ball Valves   ● Sealing Materials: Standard ball valves typically use PTFE or other flexible materials for sealing, which can fail at high temperatures. Fire Safe Ball Valves engage a metal-to-metal seal when the soft seal fails. ● Design Standards: Fire Safe Ball Valves must comply with fire test standards, such as API 607, whereas standard ball valves do not have this requirement. ● Applicable Operating Conditions: Fire Safe Ball Valves are mainly used for high-temperature, high-pressure, or flammable/explosive media. Standard ball valves are suitable for conventional low- to medium-pressure, ambient-temperature media.   4. Selection Recommendations   Based on Medium Characteristics: ● For flammable, explosive, or high-temperature media, Fire Safe ...