How to Maintain a Globe Valve During Long-Term Storage?
On this page
In industrial applications, globe valves are essential components used to regulate or shut off fluid flow.
However, when left idle for long periods without proper maintenance, they can suffer from corrosion, sticking, or seized stems, making operation difficult or even rendering the valve unusable.
This article outlines the key maintenance practices for globe valves during long-term storage, focusing on anti-corrosion and anti-seizing measures.
In humid environments, the metal surface of the valve body—especially for carbon steel or cast iron—is susceptible to oxidation and rust.
Residual Medium
If water or corrosive fluid remains inside the valve cavity, it can corrode the sealing surface and cause stem rusting.
Dried Lubrication
Long periods of inactivity can cause the lubricant between the stem and packing to dry out, increasing friction and leading to sticking.
Tight Sealing Surface Contact
When a valve is stored in the fully closed position for an extended time, the disc and seat may bond together, making operation difficult once reactivated.
Before storage, thoroughly remove any residual medium or debris from the valve cavity, and dry it with compressed air or nitrogen.
Apply Anti-Rust Protection
Coat the valve body exterior with anti-rust oil or paint.
Spray rust inhibitor inside the cavity—especially for carbon steel valves.
For stainless steel valves, apply a passivation film to slow oxidation.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply high-temperature grease evenly on the stem threads and bearing areas to maintain lubrication and prevent sticking.
Keep the Valve Open or Partially Open
Avoid storing globe valves in a fully closed position. Keep them slightly open to prevent the disc and seat from sticking together.
Seal and Protect from Dust
Cover all flange ends with blind flanges or plastic caps to keep out dust and moisture.
Storage Environment
Store valves in a dry, well-ventilated area free from corrosive gases.
If stored outdoors, provide rain protection or waterproof packaging.
Check the valve surface for rust and ensure the oil film remains intact.
Operate the Valve Stem Periodically
Gently turn the stem several times to keep internal components flexible and prevent seizing.
Reapply Lubrication
If the grease has dried out, clean the stem and reapply fresh lubricant.
Pre-Operation Testing
Before reusing the valve, inspect the sealing surfaces and perform an air or hydrostatic test to verify tightness.
Stainless Steel Globe Valves — Protect from dust and mechanical impact.
Brass or Bronze Valves — Avoid contact with ammonia or sulfur-containing environments to prevent dezincification.
By following key steps such as cleaning, rust prevention, lubrication, and regular inspection, these risks can be effectively avoided—ensuring reliable performance when the valve is put back into service.
Consistent maintenance practices are essential for long-term valve reliability.
Not recommended. Keep the valve slightly open to prevent the disc from sticking to the seat.
Q2: Can regular engine oil be used instead of rust preventive oil?
No. Ordinary oil offers limited protection. Use specialized rust-preventive oil or grease for better results.
Q3: What should be done before using a valve stored for over a year?
Inspect the valve body and sealing surfaces, then perform air or hydrostatic testing to confirm no leakage.
Q4: Does outdoor storage require unsealing the valve?
If the valve is professionally packed and tightly sealed, unsealing is unnecessary. However, check the packaging condition every six months to ensure waterproofing.
However, when left idle for long periods without proper maintenance, they can suffer from corrosion, sticking, or seized stems, making operation difficult or even rendering the valve unusable.
This article outlines the key maintenance practices for globe valves during long-term storage, focusing on anti-corrosion and anti-seizing measures.
1. Why Idle Globe Valves Are Prone to Damage
Moisture and OxidationIn humid environments, the metal surface of the valve body—especially for carbon steel or cast iron—is susceptible to oxidation and rust.
Residual Medium
If water or corrosive fluid remains inside the valve cavity, it can corrode the sealing surface and cause stem rusting.
Dried Lubrication
Long periods of inactivity can cause the lubricant between the stem and packing to dry out, increasing friction and leading to sticking.
Tight Sealing Surface Contact
When a valve is stored in the fully closed position for an extended time, the disc and seat may bond together, making operation difficult once reactivated.
2. Proper Maintenance Before Long-Term Storage
Clean the InteriorBefore storage, thoroughly remove any residual medium or debris from the valve cavity, and dry it with compressed air or nitrogen.
Apply Anti-Rust Protection
Coat the valve body exterior with anti-rust oil or paint.
Spray rust inhibitor inside the cavity—especially for carbon steel valves.
For stainless steel valves, apply a passivation film to slow oxidation.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply high-temperature grease evenly on the stem threads and bearing areas to maintain lubrication and prevent sticking.
Keep the Valve Open or Partially Open
Avoid storing globe valves in a fully closed position. Keep them slightly open to prevent the disc and seat from sticking together.
Seal and Protect from Dust
Cover all flange ends with blind flanges or plastic caps to keep out dust and moisture.
Storage Environment
Store valves in a dry, well-ventilated area free from corrosive gases.
If stored outdoors, provide rain protection or waterproof packaging.
3. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Inspection Every 3–6 MonthsCheck the valve surface for rust and ensure the oil film remains intact.
Operate the Valve Stem Periodically
Gently turn the stem several times to keep internal components flexible and prevent seizing.
Reapply Lubrication
If the grease has dried out, clean the stem and reapply fresh lubricant.
Pre-Operation Testing
Before reusing the valve, inspect the sealing surfaces and perform an air or hydrostatic test to verify tightness.
4. Maintenance by Valve Material
Carbon Steel Globe Valves — Focus on rust and moisture prevention.Stainless Steel Globe Valves — Protect from dust and mechanical impact.
Brass or Bronze Valves — Avoid contact with ammonia or sulfur-containing environments to prevent dezincification.
5. Summary
If a globe valve remains unused for a long period without proper maintenance, it may suffer from corrosion, leakage, or operational failure.By following key steps such as cleaning, rust prevention, lubrication, and regular inspection, these risks can be effectively avoided—ensuring reliable performance when the valve is put back into service.
Consistent maintenance practices are essential for long-term valve reliability.
Q&A: Common Questions About Idle Globe Valves
Q1: Should a stored globe valve be fully closed?Not recommended. Keep the valve slightly open to prevent the disc from sticking to the seat.
Q2: Can regular engine oil be used instead of rust preventive oil?
No. Ordinary oil offers limited protection. Use specialized rust-preventive oil or grease for better results.
Q3: What should be done before using a valve stored for over a year?
Inspect the valve body and sealing surfaces, then perform air or hydrostatic testing to confirm no leakage.
Q4: Does outdoor storage require unsealing the valve?
If the valve is professionally packed and tightly sealed, unsealing is unnecessary. However, check the packaging condition every six months to ensure waterproofing.
