Damage to valve sealing surfaces is typically the result of multiple contributing factors, including material selection, operating conditions, operating practices, and maintenance. The following is a categorized summary of the most common causes:   1. Mechanical Damage ●  Wear: Solid particles in the medium (such as sand or welding slag) erode the sealing surface, resulting in scratches or grooves. ●  Abrasive scuffing: Frictional wear caused by relative movement of the sealing surfaces during valve opening and closing, particularly in metal-to-metal sealing pairs. ●  Impact damage: Deformation of the sealing surface caused by high-velocity fluid impingement or rapid valve opening and closing, leading to impact loading.   2. Chemical Corrosion ● Media corrosion: Acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing media directly attack the sealing surface material, such as metal corrosion caused by H₂S or chloride ions. ● Electrochemical corrosion: When sealing pairs made of dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion may occur due to electrochemical cell formation. ● Erosion–corrosion: The combined effect of corrosive media and high-velocity flow accelerates material loss on the sealing surface.   3. Thermal Damage ●Thermal fatigue:Frequent temperature fluctuations cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the sealing surface, leading to cracking or deformation. ●High-temperature oxidation:At elevated temperatures, the sealing surface may undergo oxidation, hardening, or burn-off, as commonly observed in steam valve applications. ●Thermal shock:Sudden exposure to high- or low-temperature media can cause cracking of the sealing surface, such as during rapid condensation or cold media ingress.   4. Improper Installation and Operation ●Installation misalignment: Incorrect valve installation or excessive piping stress can result in uneven loading on the sealing surfaces. ●Over-tightening: Excessive preload applied to the valve stem or bolting may crush or deform the sealing surface, particularly in soft-seated valves or soft sealing gaskets. ●Rough operation: Rapid opening and closing or excessive operating force can cause impact damage to the sealing surfaces.   5. Material Defects ●Improper material selection: The sealing surface material lacks sufficient resistance to process media, high temperature, or wear, such as the use of carbon steel in acidic service. ●Manufacturing defects: Defects in the hardfacing or overlay layer, including porosity, slag inclusions, or improper heat treatment, reduce wear resistance and overall sealing performance.   6. Abnormal Operating Conditions ●Cavitation / flashing: Pressure fluctuations in the fluid generate vapor bubbles that collapse and impact the sealing surface, a phenomenon commonly observed in valves installed downstream of pumps. ●Scaling / deposition: Impurities in the medium accumulate on the sealing surface, impairing tight shutoff, suc...

In 2025, Dervos organized its annual team trip, a five-day journey to Chongzuo, Weizhou Island, and Nanning in Guangxi Province. The trip aimed to provide relaxation and strengthen team communication, offering a well-paced and content-rich experience that combined natural landscapes with local cultural immersion. In Chongzuo, the team focused on nature sightseeing. Bamboo rafting tours allowed close observation of the local ecology and offered opportunities to see rare species such as the white-headed leaf monkey. The group also visited Detian Waterfall, experiencing its scale and flow firsthand. The overall itinerary was designed with a relaxed pace, providing ample time for rest and team bonding. Next, the team traveled to Weizhou Island. The volcanic landforms and coastal scenery added a unique visual dimension to the journey. Beyond sightseeing, participants engaged in local agricultural activities, including dragon fruit picking and banana harvesting, gaining insight into local lifestyles. The team also visited several beaches, fully appreciating the island environment. The final stop was Nanning. Team members explored the night market, sampled local specialties, and experienced the city’s daily life, bringing the Guangxi trip to a relaxed conclusion. This annual trip allowed the Dervos team to foster more natural communication and connection outside of work, recharging energy for the months ahead. Dervos remains committed to its guiding principle: I come, I see, I conquer!

These symptoms typically indicate a mismatch in fluid conditions, valve selection, or system configuration. If left unaddressed over prolonged operation, they can accelerate valve wear and pose safety risks.   Based on field experience, this article outlines the common causes of valve vibration and noise and provides practical guidance for troubleshooting.   1. Basic Manifestations of Valve Vibration and Noise   Valve vibration usually appears as noticeable oscillations of the valve body, stem, or connected piping. Noise may present as humming, whistling, or banging sounds.   These phenomena often occur simultaneously and are primarily related to the following factors: ● Abnormal flow velocity or pressure differential ● Unstable internal forces within the valve ● Mismatch between actual operating conditions and valve design   2. Common Causes Analysis   1. Excessive Flow Velocity or Pressure Differential When the fluid passes through the throttling section of a valve at high speed, strong turbulence and pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, causing periodic impact on internal components. This issue is particularly pronounced when using standard globe valves or ball valves under regulating conditions.   Typical manifestations include: ● Noise increases as the valve opening decreases ● Vibration intensifies under high-pressure-drop conditions   2. Improper Valve Selection Incorrect valve selection is a common root cause of vibration, such as: ● Using on/off valves for prolonged throttling ● Oversized valve operating at small openings for extended periods ● Insufficient pressure rating or structural rigidity of the valve These conditions can cause unstable movement of the valve plug or ball, resulting in vibration and noise.   3. Loose or Worn Internal Components After long-term operation, the following issues are commonly observed: ● Wear of valve plugs or discs ● Increased clearance between the stem and guiding parts ● Loosened fasteners   Non-design clearances amplify fluid impact, leading to persistent noise. If vibration is accompanied by metallic knocking sounds, the condition of internal components should be checked as a priority.   4. Cavitation or Flashing In liquid service, cavitation or flashing occurs when local pressure drops below the saturation vapor pressure. Bubble collapse in high-pressure regions impacts internal components, often accompanied by noise and vibration.   Typical signs include: ● Sand- or gravel-like scraping sounds ● Rapid wear of internal components ● Significant pressure fluctuations   5. Insufficient Piping Support or System Resonance Some vibrations are not directly caused by the valve. When upstream or downstream piping lacks adequate support, or when the piping structure resonates near the fluid pulsation frequency, system resonance may occur, amplifying existing vibrations...