Butterfly Valve Troubleshooting: Installation, Leak Testing & Maintenance Guide
1. Pre-Installation Testing & Actuator Adjustment
All valves undergo strict factory calibration before shipment. To verify field performance:
Secure both flange sides evenly before pressurization.
Close the disc and apply pressure from the inlet side only.
Observe the outlet side for any signs of leakage.
Important: Always open the disc during hydrostatic pipeline testing to prevent damage to the soft seal.
For electric valves: Before first power-on, manually rotate the valve to the half-open position. Briefly press the electric switch to verify that the indicator direction matches the actual opening and closing movement.The main Butterfly Valve product names of China Butterfly Valve Network include:Electric Hard-sealed Flange Butterfly Valve,Manual Soft-sealed Wafer Butterfly Valve,Pneumatic Ventilation Butterfly Valve,Flange Soft-sealed Butterfly Valve,Worm Gear Hard-sealed Flange Butterfly Valve,Lug Butterfly Valve,High Temperature Butterfly Valve,Fire Signal Butterfly Valve.
2. Correct Installation Procedures
Cleaning: Always flush the pipeline and clean the valve cavity. Never close the disc if debris or welding slag is present.
Flange Compatibility: Use standard-matching flanges (such as HGJ54-91) designed for butterfly valves to ensure proper fit.
Orientation: Vertical installation is recommended. Do not install upside down.
End-of-Pipeline Caution: Metal-seated butterfly valves require an outlet support flange if installed at the end of a line to prevent seal deformation.
3. Common Failure Modes and Corrective Actions
A. Leakage at the Sealing Surface
Possible Causes:
Foreign matter stuck between the disc and seal.
Disc not closing to the correct position.
Outlet flange bolts tightened unevenly.
Test pressure applied from the wrong side.
Solutions:
Remove debris and clean the valve interior.
Adjust the worm gear or electric limiter screws to achieve full closure.
Tighten flange bolts evenly in a cross pattern.
Always pressurize from the inlet side as indicated by the flow arrow.
B. Leakage at Valve Ends (Body to Pipe)
Possible Causes:
Damaged or aged gaskets.
Insufficient or uneven bolt torque on pipe flanges.
Failure of the upper/lower gasket under the seal ring.
Solutions:
Replace the sealing gaskets.
Re-torque flange bolts to spec.
Remove the press ring and replace the seal ring and its backing gaskets.
4. Maintenance for Long Service Life
Lubrication: For valves cycled frequently, inspect the grease inside the worm gearbox every two months. Replenish as needed.
Inspection: Periodically check all connections for tightness. Ensure the stem rotates smoothly without binding.
Timely Repair: Address small leaks immediately to prevent escalation and system downtime.
Do you still need to know or purchase the following Butterfly Valve products:
