VALVE MAGAZINE Winter 2025

PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR VALVES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

of heat resistance and are generally prescribed for high-temperature applications. These coatings are commonly applied to valves to enhance their wear resistance, hardness and durability. They provide excellent protection against harsh operating conditions. The dense, tough chrome carbide layer signifi cantly improves the valve’s lifespan by reducing friction and preventing material degradation, making it an ideal choice for critical components exposed to extreme environments. This coating ensures the valves maintain optimal perfor mance and reliability over time. These characteristics make chrome carbide an ideal coating for valves, such as ball valves, that are subjected to erosive and corrosive conditions. The need for valve repair and coating

Kelly Songer is a third-generation industrial manufacturer with more than 20 years experience. In 2016, she was featured as a “Legacy Leader” by the National Association of Manufacturers and in 2017 she was honored with the Service Award from the Valve Manufacturers Association.

Many operators choose to repair valves rather than replace them during shut downs and planned maintenance. During the planned period, experienced vendors can be contracted to complete the repairs within a few weeks. Valve repairs are a complex process involving the evaluation of components such as the stem, body and seats on all valves, and components such as the ball in ball valves. Soft goods like packing, gaskets and seals must be replaced, while metal parts can often be repaired through welding or coating to restore functionality. Repairing a valve instead of replacing it can save time and money for operators, especially because downtime is costly. The faster a turnaround happens, the faster the plant is returned to service. HVOF coatings can be an essential part of this repair process, restoring damaged surfaces and enhancing valve compo nents’ resistance to wear and corrosion. A cost-effective solution When operators choose to finish valves with the addition of HVOF chrome carbide coatings, a valve’s lifespan is extended, minimizing the frequency of repairs and reducing long-term operational costs. The ability to modify and improve the valve during the repair process also provides an opportunity for performance optimi zation, making this solution even more attractive for industries that require high reliability. If you are an operator, working with a trusted valve repair service provider can save you not only money but time during crucial shutdowns, and can help prevent unscheduled maintenance and repairs in the future.

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WINTER 2025

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