Leaking valves can result in contaminated or degraded freight and are a potential environmental or liability risk. For these reasons, routine inspection and basic maintenance of the tank trailer are necessary to expose unsound valves. During service, a simple visual inspection of the valves for physical damage and awareness of any strong chemical odor while the valve is still installed in the tank could help prevent future downtime or even a hazardous situation.
Obvious signs that a tank trailer valve needs repair include product leaking from the valve and visible damage to the valve such as gouges or bent components. Physical damage to the valve may point to an impact significant enough to cause misalignment or even warping of the flange which could affect the integrity of the seal. The presence of a strong chemical odor around the tank may also indicate a faulty valve. To review, look for:
- Leaking around valve closure or flange
- Deep scratches or gouges on or near the valve
- Bent or broken components on the valve
- Strong chemical odor even when the valve is closed
Some shops and end users with more experience may be able to use a repair kit to replace worn internal seals, gaskets, and small springs and bearings in a compromised valve. In other instances, a valve may need resurfacing or thread repair that requires special tooling and expertise.
If the valve core is intact, it can be repaired or remanufactured using quality internal components to get it back into service. This is not only a more economical option, but it is a more sustainable one.
Valve Repair can include:
- Repair Kit parts (Seals, Gaskets, Springs, O-rings, Bearings)
- Resurfacing and Polishing
- Thread Repair
- Stem Repair
- Retrofit Flanges or Plates
- Pressure Testing
Valve repair extends the life of tank trailer valves and creates a safer transportation industry. If you need more information about Valve Repair options including repair kits for specific valves, contact Pelican Worldwide to speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative.