Whether for use in valves or otherwise, whether organic or synthetic, lubricants always serve the same purpose: reduce surface-to-surface friction. In valves, however, proper lubricant use and maintenance is especially important given the extremely tight tolerances to which they are manufactured and the often demanding conditions under which they are operated.
Krytox lubricants for valves
A valve’s most basic function is to control the flow of liquids, gases or slurries. But a properly functioning valve must not only control flow, it must prevent leakage and protect itself from degradation over time. This is where lubricants play a vital role. Even the simplest of check valves—those which contain a hinged flap free to move in one direction and not the other, thus preventing backflows—require the right lubrication for their application and a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance.
Krytox lubricants for Steam Control Valves
Krytox grease meets the need for a continuous lubrication cycle.
Steam control valve application at a geothermal power plant The power plant, located in Iceland, utilizes hot steam from the earth, containing 1–4% gas, mostly carbon dioxide and hydrogen
disulfide, in temperatures ranging from 120–200 ºC (248–392 °F). A standard hydrocarbon-based grease was unsatisfactory for lubricating bushings for valves that control the flow of high temperature steam containing corrosive gases.
The Challenge
The geothermal power plant needed a lubricant that:
- Is able to withstand presence of acidic gases in high temperature steam
- Has low friction for accurate control of the valve position
- Can work in a self-greasing system
The Solution
Krytox™ GPL 206 grease met the challenge for lubrication of the steam valve bushing. It provided the low static friction and no stick-slip that is required for accurate position control. Krytox™ GPL 206, like all Krytox™ oils and greases, can withstand very high temperatures, is nonflammable, inert, and has a low environmental footprint. The power plant now enjoys reduced maintenance, thanks to high performance Krytox™ lubricants—standing up to tough conditions .
Krytox lubricants for Other Valve Applications
Any valve-handling that could react with, degrade, or dissolve standard lubricants. Examples include:
- Steam
- Aggressive/reactive gases
- Chemicals
Fluorinated lubricants from Chemours can also be used successfully in other types of applications. These synthetic oils and greases are ideal for many conditions, such as:
- Continuous high temperatures up to 288 ºC (550 °F)
- Use around hazardous chemicals
- Need for low friction coefficient
- Where flammability is a concern, including reactive gases and oxygen service
Krytox lubricants for Pilot-Type Solenoid Valve Applications
Krytox™ fluoropolymer lubricants reduced damage claims for a Korean valve manufacturer
A 5-Port Pilot-Type Solenoid Valve Application Electromagnetic force causes the spools in the solenoid assembly to move to the left and right, reciprocally. The fast movement creates friction. Pressure is gauged at 0.1–0.7 MPa (1–7.1 kgf), and the response time is less than 12–38 ms.
The Challenge
The valve manufacturer had the following requirements:
- Guarantee cycle operation of 3,000,000 for one year
- Resist water and oil that enter an air port from other processes and attack the greases on the spools and seals, causing failure of the cycle
- Must operate at room temperature and withstand atmospheric pressure
The Solution
High performance Krytox™ oils and greases stand up to tough conditions. Applying Krytox™ oil to the solenoid coil in the assembly helped to reduce the friction and heat, allowing for longer cycles. Coating the spools and seals with Krytox™ grease helped to extend the life of these components, while enabling them to resist the environmental effects of water and other oils.
Success Factors
- Water and oil resistance: immiscible with water or oil in air and not subject to water wash-off
- Durability proven in a 3,000,000 operation cycle of opening and closing
- Compatibility with aluminum spool and EPDM spool seal
Benefits of Krytox™ Oils and Greases
Synthetic fluorinated lubricants from Chemours can also be used successfully in other manufacturing applications.
These oils and greases are ideal for many conditions, such as:
- Continuous high temperatures up to 288 ºC (550 °F)
- Use around hazardous chemicals
- Plastics, elastomer, or metal applications
- Where flammability is a concern, including reactive gases and oxygen service
