What maintenance action is recommended for check valves and control valves on a flotation unit?

• A. cleaned to prevent failure
• B. replaced on schedule
• C. inspected annually
• D. repainted

Answer: (A)

Regular preventive maintenance to keep valve internals clear of deposits is crucial for reliable valve performance. In a flotation unit, check valves and control valves can accumulate scale, sediment, and slurry-related buildup inside the body and on seats. This buildup can hinder movement, prevent full seating, or cause leaks, leading to unexpected flow changes or process upsets.

Cleaning removes these deposits and restores smooth operation of stems, seats, and seals, reducing the risk of sticking or partial closure and extending valve life. In processes like flotation, where precise flow control matters for froth and separation behavior, maintaining clean valves helps keep the system running steady and prevents costly downtime.

Other maintenance actions are less effective for preventing failure in this context: replacing on a fixed schedule may be unnecessary and wasteful; routine inspections are essential but do not by themselves eliminate buildup between checks; repainting protects the exterior but doesn’t address internal cleanliness or function.