Is there a prescribed preventative maintenance frequency for Steriflow pressure regulators? The answer to this question can vary across the industry between running to failure to changing out seals every 6 months. In this blog we want to let you know when the best time is to perform routine maintenance.
One of the quality manufacturers we represent is Steriflow, who provided in depth information about PM (preventative maintenance) for their pressure regulators. At the bottom of this article, you will find a link to their page with a video. We hope you find this information useful for your applications!
Preventative Maintenance for a Mark 95 Sanitary Back Pressure Regulator
The component parts on the Mark 95 and 96 series regulators are built to last a long time.
Preventative maintenance practices vary across the industry- some change seals out every 6 months to a year, some every two years, and some that will actually run to failure.
Here’s a couple of stories of Steriflow customers that have extended their PM practices:
- One study was conducted on a bioform customer out on the east coast. Steriflow found that out of over a hundred Mark 96 valves that were used by this customer, only one regulator failed over a 9 year period. We like to think of this as a benchmark because these regulators are used on most common bioform services.
- Another bioform customer on the west coast in California has a huge base of control valves in place. They are left in for 4 years right now as their PM cycle, and management is trying to extend the cycle out to 7 years because they have such confidence in the quality of the diaphragm and the wear parts in the 978.
The Diaphragm is the Key to Longevity
The diaphragm is the key to the success of the longevity. It’s the primary wear item in the valve. There are also some O Ring seals in these valves, but generally those are less wear items.
Generally speaking you should be able to extend your PM but do so in the following manner:
- Inspect at your normal PM period (every 6 months, or whenever yours is scheduled.)
- Look at the components like the diaphragm and the O Rings, if they’re not worn, put them back in and run to your next cycle, and then look at them again.
- From there, make a judgement call based on what you’re seeing on the ground. Have confidence in extending you PM’s, as many customers have done so with success.
If you would like more information about pressure regulators, or if you need to place an order, give us a call at 225-756-7092 for direct support! Find all of our products here.
