I keep having ball valves leak. Using a 40/40/20 blend. It’s werid because when I pressure test and let it sit overnight it doesn’t leak. Any suggestions.
Have you tried to tighten the packings? I’ve heard they can loosen up when using cold temps.
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Ya that’s what i had to do first few uses. Havent had any problem for a while
Car to elaborate. No I have not
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If you remove the handle there is a nut behind them typically that can be tightened. There is a spring that push the packing closer to the steel preventing leaks.
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So in the scenario that these leak after that. What would be the best replacement.
Is the same thing true with nailock valves
If you are running cryo temps you need a cryo rated valve. When the solvent passes thru the valve it shrinks the gasket causing it to leave.
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I have only had problems with nailock so far
I’m running room temp solvent
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Get @Killa12345 for some valves that won’t leak on you then. The only time i have my valves leak is when i run -80c solvent thru them.
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What are some good cryo rated valves? The last time I ran, the valves on my yellow solvent tank started to leak from being so cold, so I’m waiting till I can pick up a stainless tank from xtractor depot and I’m going to have to outfit it with valves…
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@Killa12345has the answers you seek. I am but a mere mortal tasked with extracting the nectar given to us by the flowers.
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There is a big difference in cheap Chinese valves and something like superlok or swagelok.
The price difference is ridiculous.
Let me just tell you my perspective as a seller. Typically, I buy cheaper Chinese valves. Until Recently when I got a whole bad batch of valves, I never had a single leaky valve for 2-3 years. Over the last year, I’ve seen a major quality issue with the valves coming out of China.
I don’t buy my valves typically from a Chinese stainless factory. I buy them from a valve distributor which seem to do their own quality control. Even then, a whole box of shitty valves can make it and I’m playing firefighter putting out fires.
I will say. This is a fairly new phenomenon with the 2 and 3 piece ball valves. The clone valves that are nailock, kailock and any bootleg swagelok valves have always known to leak. Even 4-5 years ago when I got into this market space. It’s the reason none of my extractors come with these clone valves. The defect rate on these valves are nearly 20% where the ball valves I see much less near 2-3%. Maybe even less if not for a box of defect valves.
I’m not a fan at all of selling valves. Last week, I had a long conversation with Corlee valve about stocking superlok and swagelok valves for customers that want only the best. A lot of my customers can get away with Chinese valves and never have an issue and then theirs people that can’t afford any down time and only the best will do.
Sorry if this don’t answer your question but this is a very hard subject with the recent quality problems with valves out of China.
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