Flowserve valves are widely installed in operations where reliability is essential under extreme conditions—such as mining, chemical processing, power generation, and oil and gas. While these valves are engineered for performance, longevity depends heavily on how well they’re maintained, especially in aggressive environments involving abrasive media, pressure cycling, or corrosive fluids.
This guide outlines key strategies to help ensure reliable operation and extended service life of Flowserve valves, backed by maintenance practices applicable to Australian plant conditions.
What Defines a Harsh Operating Environment?
In industrial settings, the term “harsh” may refer to one or more of the following:
- High temperatures or cryogenic exposure
- Corrosive or chemically active media (e.g., acids, brines, solvents)
- High-cycle operation or rapid actuation sequences
- Fluids with abrasive solids, such as slurries
- Intermittent service involving pressure surges
These factors accelerate degradation in valve internals such as seals, stem packing, actuators, and trims.
For more information on sourcing Flowserve valves designed for these conditions, visit the Flowserve product overview
Practical Maintenance Strategies for Flowserve Valves
1. Routine Inspection and Visual Monitoring
Develop a scheduled inspection program based on process severity. Technicians should check for:
- Surface corrosion or pitting
- Fluid leakage near the bonnet or stem area
- Signs of heat stress or mechanical fatigue
- Flange wear or misalignment
Teams already managing pumps like Tsurumi HS2.75S or LB-480A will recognise similar wear patterns and operating risks.
2. Cleaning and Lubrication of Moving Components
Clean valve stems, handwheel pivots, and actuator couplings to remove dust, grit, and any chemical residue. Use only Flowserve-recommended lubricants and avoid over-application.
Focus points include:
- Manual actuator bearings
- Stem threads and packing glands
- Pneumatic or electric actuator pivots
3. Monitoring Valve Actuation and Response
For manual and automated valves, ensure actuation is smooth and predictable. Irregular movement or delayed response may indicate:
- Seal hardening or loss of elasticity
- Pneumatic line obstruction or pressure imbalance
- Electric actuator signal loss or gearbox damage
For automated processes, consider test-cycling the valve under low-load conditions to catch failures early without disrupting production.
4. Proactive Replacement of Critical Soft Components
Soft internals—such as diaphragms, seats, and packing—deteriorate over time, particularly in abrasive or corrosive duties. Operators should stock replacement kits and inspect wear-prone parts during every shutdown.
Visit our spares catalogue to source appropriate Flowserve-approved parts for ongoing maintenance.
5. Internal Material Upgrades for Corrosive Applications
If your site handles caustics, acids, or abrasive slurries, upgrading trim or seat materials can extend valve life significantly. Options include:
- PTFE or ceramic for chemical resistance
- Hastelloy and Monel for high-strength corrosion resistance
- Elastomer-lined bonnets for brine and solvent applications
Speak with your supplier or consult Flowserve selection support for material compatibility guidance.
Documenting Maintenance for Predictive Planning
Effective valve lifecycle planning requires proper recordkeeping. Each valve in your system should have an entry that includes:
- Valve type and serial number
- Maintenance actions and component changes
- Operating environment (temperature, pressure, chemical exposure)
- Service intervals and failure trends (if applicable)
These logs support predictive maintenance and are often required for warranty claims or audits.
Related Equipment Cross-Maintenance
For sites operating Tsurumi pumps alongside Flowserve valves, similar maintenance standards should be upheld. For example:
- The Tsurumi HSZ-2.75S offers float-switch automation and requires periodic float and seal checks.
- Submersibles like the LB-480 or LSC 1.4S benefit from the same cleaning and inspection intervals used for valve bonnet seals.
- Tsurumi HS2.4S and LSP 1.4S models share maintenance crossover points, such as gasket condition and fluid compatibility reviews.
Need Help Maintaining or Sourcing Flowserve Components?
NFS Australia supplies a range of Flowserve valves, actuators, and spare parts, backed by technical advice and fast dispatch from our NSW warehouse. Whether you’re working in water treatment, mining, or chemical manufacturing, our team can help you assess system conditions and recommend the right maintenance strategy.Contact us today or browse our Flowserve product range to get started.