Blush buildup is a thin film caused by oxidation on valve components due to high temperatures of liquids. It can weaken valves and cause industrial accidents. Regular inspection and removal of blush is important to avoid valve failure and potential danger to human life. Removal methods should not damage valve components.
Also known as blush buildup, blush is a type of deposit that can develop on different types of valve components. The origin of this thin film on various types of valves and other components is normally due to the maintenance of high temperatures of liquids and other materials passing through the valves over a period of time. The heat causes a certain degree of oxidation which gradually builds up and can interfere with the normal operation of the valve system. Left untreated, oxidation can weaken valve components over time, making the possibility of some sort of industrial accident more likely.
The development of blush due to oxidation is a gradual process. As the thin layer begins to develop, it appears as a film on the valve components. Over time, this concentration of oxidized material can lead to the degradation of the valves themselves, to the point of failure. In order to minimize the chances of this type of occurrence, it is not unusual for valves to be checked regularly and steps taken to remove the blue redness from the surface of valve components.
Blush removal normally involves the use of methods designed to remove oxidized material without causing damage to valve components. In some cases, this can be done by hand using materials such as specially designed stones that help pierce the surface of the blush without damaging the underlying metal. If the buildup is thicker, it may be necessary to shut off that section of the line and temporarily remove the valves for treatment in an alkaline bath. In general, approaches such as sandblasting are not recommended, as the risk of damaging valve components is quite high.
Managing blush incidence is very important to protect the integrity of the metal valves. If redness is allowed to build up over time, it can compromise components and eventually cause them to fail. Since the degree or pressure normally handled with valves is quite high, valve failure can have serious consequences, both in terms of system damage and potential danger to human life. For this reason, periodic inspection and blush removal not only helps minimize the possibility of shutting down the valves, but also helps avoid the possibility of serious industrial accidents.
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