Australian Pipeline Valve - Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
17
SIDE ENTRY 3P TRUNNION BALL VALVES API6D STANDARD - BVF100 SERIES
8.2 LUBRICATION
a- Ball valves require no lubrication for normal operation. If required, it’s possible to lubricate the stem
and the seats through emergency sealant injection grease-check valve where required when these
nipples are provided. This is only in the event of leakage or if the valve is difficult to open. The stem
injection nipple can be optionally greased with molybdenum sulphide anti-seize grease to ensure ease
of operation especially for automated valves. If no leakage, it’s not required or advisable to lubricate
seat sealant injection nipples as the grease may attract debris which could damage the seats longer
term. See 8.2b below if seat lubrication is desired or required. Never unscrew complete sealant
injection nipples from body as they are under line pressure. Always replace protective caps where
fitted to sealant nipples after use.
b- Some end users prefer to lubricate/grease the valve seats at injection points on the seats of the valve
located on the valve body. Quantity of grease required can very greatly depending on the valve size,
cycle frequency and service condition. As a general guideline use 30 ml (1 ounce) of lubricant per inch
size of valve into each seat fitting. Use proper lubricant/grease for you line media application to ensure
resistant and compatibility to media and temperature flowing through the line. See 8.4.1 for emergency
seat sealant if seats leak.
c- Also see 8.4.1 for emergency seat sealant injection procedures.
Exploded view stem
and body sealant injection
8.3 VALVE OPERATING
a- It is advisable, where possible (especially if valve is an actuated ESDV), to move the ball periodically in
order to prevent any hard scale or memory lock between ball and seat.
b- Partial operating (at least about 5% of the total stroke) every 6-12 months will ensure a good life of
seats and ball. This will ensure the valve functions and will prevent seizure/galvanisation of any mating
surfaces. Duration depends on service, criticality, etc. However, it also must be factored in that if there
are impurities or particulates in the line each operation could reduce seat life proportionately. However
immediately fully re-open or fully re-close the valve as partial opening for more than a few minutes
will damage the seat.
c- Before operating with the valve completely open or closed it is advisable to lubricate the internal
components as per point 2.4.3 and 2.6.
