Why a Sanitary Valve Could Leak and How To Repair It

Leaks usually happen at the seal or connection points. One of the common reasons is that the seal wears off. It may be due to continuous use or because fluids are corrosive in nature. The solution is to replace the seal. Use wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials. EPDM or PTFE are some examples. Inspect the seals regularly too.

Loose bolts are another reason. If the bolts are loose, the valve may leak. Tighten the bolts evenly. Criss-cross pattern tightening. Check if the gasket is in good shape.

Sometimes, the internal components or valve body is damaged. This is possible if the fluid has solid particles in it. Or if the pressure was just too high. To fix this, clear out the pipe and get dirt out of it. Repair or replace any damaged parts. You may need a more durable material valve.

If pressure or temperature is too high, the valve leaks. Make sure to operate the valve within its capacity. If needed, apply a higher pressure or heat capacity valve.

Why a Sanitary Valve Gets Stuck and How to Fix It

The stuck valve can’t be opened or closed. Often, this is caused by restriction in the valve. Sugar or protein-containing liquids can deposit. The valve has to be cleaned regularly. Clean with CIP cleaning or remove the valve and clean. Some valves have in-built self-cleaning properties.

Rust or lack of lubrication also causes sticking. Add food-grade lubricant to moving parts. For stainless steel valves, the protective coating needs regular inspections.

Sometimes, dirt or shavings of metal clog the valve. Or the inner part may be bent. Take apart the valve and remove the dirt. If a part is bent, replace the part.

If the valve is electric or air power driven, inspect the source of power. Verify that the voltage or air pressure is stable. If the actuator is broken, repair it with a professional.

Prevention is less expensive than repair. Keep the valves in good condition by cleaning and lubricating them on a regular basis. Document valve conditions.

Choose the appropriate valve for the application. Take into account the type of fluid, temperature, and pressure.

Well train the operators. They need to know how the valve operates. They shouldn’t open or close the valve too fast or too hard.

If it is a complex problem, call a professional. Don’t fix it yourself.

In Summary

Sanitary valves need proper maintenance. Simple precautions will prevent leaks and sticking. This will keep the system running smoothly and safely. For further information, please contact Adamant Valves.

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4 Core Requirements for Bio-Pharmaceutical Sanitary Valves

1. Aseptic Design

Sanitary valves must be free of dead legs. The flow path inside must be smooth and continuous with no gaps, pits, or areas of stagnation. There are to be no blind areas where cleaning and sterilizing agents cannot reach the contact areas with the product. This avoids cross-contamination, microbial infection, and the development of residue. Valves are typically installed at a 2° to 5° angle to drain liquid off the valve body and piping entirely under gravity.

2. High Surface Finish

Roughness of the inner surface directly affects cleaning efficiency. It is easy for impurities to get trapped in rough surfaces. Therefore, all product-contact surfaces must be highly polished.

3. Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Biopharmaceutical processes contain corrosive liquids and gases quite frequently. Due to that, sanitary valves are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials such as 316L stainless steel, PTFE, or titanium alloys. Of course, these materials must be non-toxic and safe as well.

4. Aseptic Sealing

Valves must provide absolutely reliable sealing. They must exclude both internal and external leakage when in the closed position. This avoids fluid mixing or external contamination. Valve design should be aseptically connectable and easily disassembled, e.g., clamp-type connections (e.g., Tri-Clamp) instead of threaded ones.

Main Types of Sanitary Valves for Biopharmaceuticals

As per the needs of different biopharmaceutical processes, sanitary valves are of different kinds. Some common ones include diaphragm valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, and control valves.

• Sanitary diaphragm valves are widely used for the regulation of corrosive fluids as they seal well and are corrosion-resistant.
• Sanitary ball valves have a simple design and fast action and are therefore appropriate for high-frequency switching.
• Sanitary butterfly valves are compact, light, and easy to operate, appropriate for certain fluid control operations.
• Sanitary control valves allow precise adjustment of pressure and fluid flow, ensuring stable production processes.

Conclusion

With the advancement of biopharmaceutical technology, the specifications for valve performance will be even higher. Valves will become more precise, resistant to corrosion, and easier to clean and maintain in the future.

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By the phrase “regular butterfly valve,” we’re typically talking about manual butterfly valves. These are completely reliant on manual labor to operate. You will have a hand lever or a wheel. Someone has to be around in order to turn it by hand to open or close the valve. They’re cost-effective, reliable, and perfect for easy shut-off applications where you don’t need to use them very often, like maintenance

Conversely, a pneumatic butterfly valve is like having a manual valve and giving it muscles—a pneumatic actuator, that is. Instead of using human effort, it is powered by compressed air. When the control room sends an electric signal, a solenoid valve governs compressed air into the actuator, which rapidly rotates the valve disc.

This change in the mode of powering the valve has some real benefits:

• Automation and remote control: A big one. Pneumatic valves can simply be added to PLC or DCS systems. So you operate them remotely—automate processes en masse. Click a mouse in the control room to operate hundreds of valves plant-wide.
• Speed and efficiency: Since frequent switching or quick shut-off is needed, pneumatics are much faster than manual action. They can be opened or closed within seconds. This increases efficiency and renders operations safe.
• Greater power: In large pipes or high-pressure situations, it may be hard—or impossible—for a person to operate a manual valve. Pneumatic actuators deliver firm, consistent torque and endure brutal conditions without difficulty.
• Safety and flexibility: Pneumatic valves can be installed in hard-to-reach areas, too hot to touch, or where there are hazardous substances. That makes them a good choice for tough environments.

True, pneumatic valves do need extra equipment—such as an air compressor for energy and wiring for control signals. That’s more expensive upfront than manual valves.

So how do you choose? It’s relatively easy. If you just need a simple valve that will only be used occasionally, a manual valve is convenient and cheap. But if your use involves automation, remote control, high usage, or safety interlocking, then a pneumatic valve is the way to go. The benefits of increased efficiency and safety are definitely worth the expenditure.

We don’t just provide superior manual and pneumatic butterfly valves at Adamant Valves—we also help you choose the right solution based on your automation and process needs. We are even able to provide the matched pneumatic actuators and accessories. Our technical engineers are always ready to consult you.

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