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Wax element thermostatic valves are exposed to various flow conditions, with pressure and temperature variations. Additives or contaminants can lead to a build up of a film or deposits on surfaces. The active elements inside the valve can also be subjected to 1000s of temperature cycles which eventually reduce the functional stroke length. Over extended periods of time these numerous factors can lead to a reduction in performance of the internal element assemblies, affecting the flow and temperature control of the application. It should also be noted that exposure to chemicals, particulate matter, electrolytic corrosion, cavitation, or prolonged operation at extreme conditions can reduce the life of the element assemblies.
Valves and their element assemblies contain rubber seals and components, which will naturally degrade over time, whether unused in storage, or at a higher rate when the valve is in use. Periodic inspection, cleaning and maintenance of the valve is good practice to maximize service life and ensure temperature control to the designed set point.
Is Your Temperature Control Optimal?
The flow rates and temperature set points of your engine’s charge air, jacket water and lubricating oil are carefully specified by engine manufacturer to optimize a number or parameters such as power output, fuel efficiency, emissions and service life.
Adding the valves to your preventative maintenance programs will ensure the valves continue to regulate at the designed temperature and minimize the risk of unwanted downtime.
Recommended service interval for TCVs
4-year service interval for direct-acting thermostatic valves. Service every 4 years is recommended for direct-acting thermostatic valves which are installed and operated in accordance with current recommendations documented in the `Installation, user and maintenance manuals.
A 2-year service interval is recommended when one or more of the following conditions occur
• Actual flow, pressure or temperature is higher than the recommended maximum values.
• The liquid in the system has a very high or low PH, or other demanding chemistry.
• Salt water is generally very aggressive and corrosive, which is exacerbated by high temperatures.
• Errors and deficiencies in the system´s design can result in demanding working conditions for the valve, and lead to the need for more frequent service. Examples of such conditions are that the pipe bend is mounted close to the valve and that the frequency-controlled circulation pump is temperature-controlled in parallel with the thermostat valve. Then the system temperature can continue to chase continuously up and down because the circulation pump and valve work against each other.
A 6-year service interval is recommended when one or more of the following conditions occur
• Actual flow, pressure or temperature is significantly lower than the recommended maximum values for the valve.
• The liquid in the system has a PH close to 7 and there is an absence of other demanding chemistry.
• Gear oil and fresh water with glycol are examples of fluids that are beneficial in terms of service intervals.
• Good systemdesign prevents frequent temperature fluctuations and reduces the risk of cavitation.