1. Correct Selection (Foundation for Reliability)

Even good maintenance can’t compensate for a wrong valve.

• Gas type: Natural gas, LPG, biogas, hydrogen blends → materials and seals must match

• Flow range & control ratio: Ensure the valve operates mostly in 20–80% opening, not always near minimum

• Pressure rating: Inlet pressure within the valve’s design range

• Control signal: 0–10 V, 4–20 mA, PWM, or bus (Modbus/Profibus)

• Safety standards: EN 161 / EN 88 / UL / CSA as required

✔ Oversized valves cause poor low-fire stability and hunting.

2. Proper Installation (Very Important)

Bad installation is a common cause of failure.

Gas Line Requirements

• Install a gas filter (≤50 μm) upstream

• Maintain straight pipe length (≥5D upstream, ≥3D downstream)

• Follow flow direction arrow

• Ensure no pipe stress on valve body

Electrical Installation

• Correct voltage and polarity

• Shielded cables for analog signals

• Good grounding to prevent signal noise

• Separate power cables from ignition/high-voltage lines

3. Clean Gas Supply (Key to Long Life)

Gas contamination damages proportional valves quickly.

• Regularly clean or replace gas filters

• Prevent:

  • Dust and rust particles

  • Oil or compressor condensate

  • Moisture (especially in biogas systems)

📌 Dirty gas = stuck plunger + unstable flame.

4. Stable Control Signal

Unstable signals cause valve wear and poor combustion.

• Verify controller output is:

  • Smooth (no oscillation)

  • Correct range (e.g., 4–20 mA never drops below 4 mA)

• Use signal damping or PID tuning if the valve “hunts”

• Avoid frequent full open–close cycling

5. Regular Inspection & Maintenance

Weekly / Monthly Checks

• Listen for abnormal noise or vibration

• Check valve response at low fire and high fire

• Inspect wiring terminals for looseness

Periodic Maintenance (6–12 months)

• Power off and isolate gas

• Remove valve and:

  • Clean internal parts with dry air (no oil)

  • Inspect seals and diaphragm

• Re-calibrate zero and span if adjustable

⚠ Never use aggressive solvents unless approved by the manufacturer.

6. Environment Control

• Ambient temperature within spec (often –10 to +60 °C)

• Protect from:

  • Water, steam, and condensation

  • Excessive vibration

  • Corrosive gases

For harsh environments, use IP65 / IP67 rated actuators.

7. System-Level Protection

• Always pair with:

  • Gas solenoid safety shut-off valves

  • Pressure regulator upstream

  • Flame supervision system

• Perform annual combustion tuning (O₂, CO, NOx)

A well-tuned burner greatly reduces proportional valve stress.

8. Common Problems & Causes

9. Best Practice Summary

✅ Clean gas
✅ Correct sizing
✅ Stable control signal
✅ Good grounding
✅ Periodic calibration

Phone: 86 185 6630 3837
WhatsApp: 86 185 66303837
Email: ekeilairn@gmail.com
www.http://ekgas.com