The Problem
At a chemical plant, a critical component – the butterfly valve responsible for controlling fluid flow – was underperforming. Years of abrasion and impact damage had taken their toll, significantly reducing the valve’s efficiency. The plant needed a cost-effective and time-efficient solution to refurbish the butterfly valve and restore its functionality without a prolonged service interruption.
The Substrate
The butterfly valve was primarily made of rubber, a material chosen for its flexibility and ability to provide a tight seal. However, rubber can be susceptible to wear and damage, especially in a harsh chemical environment.
The Solution
To address the wear and restore the valve’s functionality, a specialized repair process was implemented to refurbish this butterfly valve:
- Surface Preparation: The valve was first cleaned and prepared for refurbishment.
- Use of RESIFLEX 406 GP 85 Putty: This flexible repair putty, known for its impact and abrasion resistance, was chosen for the repair. RESIFLEX 406 GP 85 Putty is specifically designed to withstand aggressive abrasive operating conditions, making it an ideal choice for the demanding environment of the chemical plant.
- Application of 3M Scotchkote Release Agent 035: To ensure that the butterfly disc within the valve remained operational and did not adhere to the RESIFLEX 406 GP 85 Putty on the valve’s sides, 3M Scotchkote Release Agent 035 was applied. This step was crucial in maintaining the operational integrity of the valve.
- Priming with RESIFLEX 402 Multi-Surface Primer: Before applying the putty, the valve surface was primed with RESIFLEX 402 Multi-Surface Primer to ensure optimal adhesion and effectiveness of the repair.
Products Used
- 3M Scotchkote Release Agent 035: Ensured the operational movement of the butterfly disc post-repair.
- RESIFLEX 402 Multi-Surface Primer: Prepared the rubber surface for the repair.
- RESIFLEX 406 GP 85 Putty: Used for its high resistance to abrasion and impact, providing a durable repair solution.
