A REPORT ON THE REPAIR OF LUBES MPSH FAILED VALVE.

The MPSH (Medium Pressure Steam Header) gear-operated valve in area 6 utility service
steam header facility Failed in service.

At about 8.00 hrs, 02/09/2010, a MWR was raised to Lubes machinery maintenance crew
mandating it to carry out repairs on the stuck/failed valve. Our first visit to the site for job
inspection (9.00 hrs, 02/09/2010) did not give much result as we were told by the
operator that the steam header had not been isolated. We were finally called for the
repairs at 14.00hrs. The task force was not only limited to lubes machinery maintenance
but also had other stakeholders (Workshop crane, lubes plant maintenance and safety
personnel) in attendance.

Management attempts at resolving the issue gave rise to a number of options which
involved total replacement of the valve with an improvised one in the event that the
defective one could not be repaired.
A careful inspection of the valve condition by the crack team brought the following
observations:
• That the valve spindle (a left thread type) had been turned beyond the permissible
range.
• That the gear was still in good condition and could be used to enhance a positive
drive in order to free the stuck valve.

With some concerted efforts and the benefit of some hand tools coupled with an element
of luck, the stuck valve finally gave in and we handed over the valve, coupled,
commissioned and delivered at about 16.00hrs.

Lawal Oladipo.O

Engr. Trainee,
Lubes Maintenance department.
02/09/2010