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Pitting on stainless steel ball valve in gas service  

May 14, 2009

In our gas compressor station, recently we have hydrotested the lines. the ball valves of the line found pitting on stainless steel ball . The pitting cannot be seen by naked eye . The auditor asked to replace all the ball valves. the valve size is about 30" & 24" .

Can some one answer this recommendation is correct?

Do we have alternative?

Sudhakar Panchal
petrochemical services and trading - Muscat, Oman

IN some cases their is a need to replace the valve and in others the valve can be refinished and electropolish to help with the micro pitting.

David Martin
- Austin, Texas