Which maintenance practice is correctly matched to its valve type?

Which maintenance practice is correctly matched to its valve type?

• A. Butterfly valves require periodic lubrication and exercise.
• B. Check valves require periodic replacement after use.
• C. Gate or Globe valves require periodic lubrication and exercise.
• D. PRVs require no maintenance.

Answer: (C)

Periodically lubricating moving parts and exercising the valve helps prevent sticking and keeps the sealing surfaces in good condition. Gate and globe valves have stems and packing that can seize or creep if left unused, and their seating surfaces benefit from lubrication and being cycled through their full range to distribute lubricant and verify smooth operation. This makes periodic lubrication and operation the appropriate maintenance match for these valve types. In contrast, butterfly valves are not typically described as needing routine lubrication and exercise as a standard practice, check valves are not routinely replaced after each use (they’re inspected and replaced as needed if worn or damaged), and pressure-reducing valves require regular maintenance and calibration rather than being maintenance-free.

Periodically lubricating moving parts and exercising the valve helps prevent sticking and keeps the sealing surfaces in good condition. Gate and globe valves have stems and packing that can seize or creep if left unused, and their seating surfaces benefit from lubrication and being cycled through their full range to distribute lubricant and verify smooth operation. This makes periodic lubrication and operation the appropriate maintenance match for these valve types.

In contrast, butterfly valves are not typically described as needing routine lubrication and exercise as a standard practice, check valves are not routinely replaced after each use (they’re inspected and replaced as needed if worn or damaged), and pressure-reducing valves require regular maintenance and calibration rather than being maintenance-free.