Your Kunkle pressure relief valves are the key to protecting your system, equipment, and personnel from damage related to overpressure. Here are 10 dos and 10 don’ts for installing and operating Kunkle valves.

Dos

  • DO handle your valve with care. Some parts of the valve are easily damaged.
  • DO wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes safety glasses and ear protection.
  • DO adhere to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements. Not doing so can result in your valve being tagged by inspectors, which will increase your downtime.
  • DO install the valve in a vertical position. This is essential for proper drainage. Also, a valve installed horizontally or at an angle may be against code and may not achieve the expected seat tightness or set pressure.
  • DO keep the inlet piping as short as possible. Ideally, there should be no elbows. The goal is to keep the inlet pressure drop below 3% when the valve is relieving.
  • DO support the discharge piping. To avoid putting stress on the valve, the discharge piping should support its own weight.
  • DO use new gaskets when installing flange valves. New gaskets require less maintenance and will help extend the life of your valve.
  • DO remove the gag screw, if there is one, before operation. Gag screws are used to prevent a valve from opening during system testing. They should always be removed prior to operation.
  • DO test your valve regularly. We recommend testing once a year to identify and repair any small problems before they become big ones.
  • DO perform regular preventative maintenance on your valve. A regular preventative maintenance program will keep your valves working properly, which will extend the life of your valves, reduce your downtime, and save you money.

Don’ts

  • DON’T expose the valve to contaminants. They can enter the valve and prevent proper functioning.
  • DON’T allow the lifting straps to contact the valve lift lever during hoisting. Lifting straps allow you to lift a valve out of the shipping container and into position. To prevent damage to the valve, ensure that the lifting straps don’t accidentally wrap around the valve lift lever, tubing, or other accessories.
  • DON’T plug the valve bonnet vent openings unless required. For some PRVs, the valve bonnet should be plugged, while for others, plugging can cause damage. Ensure you know what type of valve you have before plugging the bonnet.
  • DON’T connect the valve to pressure-containing discharge piping. Also don’t connect the valve to any pipe that has pressure build-up of more than 10% of the set pressure.
  • DON’T allow sealing compound to enter the valve. This will cause leakage.
  • DON’T overtighten the valve. This will also cause leakage.
  • DON’T paint any moving parts of the valve. This will introduce contaminants and prevent the valve from working properly.
  • DON’T operate your system too close to the set pressure of the valve. A lower operating pressure will actually increase the life of the valve.
  • DON’T use a safety valve to regulate system operating pressure. Use a control valve instead.
  • DON’T allow non-VR Certified personnel to work on your valve. This will void the warranty and may cause damage.
Reference: Kunkle Valve Pressure Relief Valve Installation and Operating Instructions

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