How to Rig a Valve

Rigging and lifting valves—especially large industrial ones—is a critical process in pipeline construction, plant maintenance, and equipment installation. Improper rigging can result in equipment damage, serious injury, or even fatality. As a professional valve manufacturer, we not only design and deliver robust valves but also believe in empowering our customers with essential technical knowledge.

This article provides a comprehensive, practical, and safety-focused guide to help you answer the question: How to rig a valve properly?

1. Why Proper Valve Rigging Matters

Valves are heavy, irregularly shaped, and often have sensitive internal parts. Lifting them incorrectly can damage sealing surfaces, bend shafts, or misalign actuators. In severe cases, accidents from improper rigging can halt entire operations.

Proper rigging ensures:

• Safety of personnel

• Protection of valve integrity

• Smooth and damage-free installation

• Compliance with OSHA and industry regulations

2. Understand Your Valve Before Rigging

Before lifting any valve, take time to inspect and understand:

• Size and weight: Check technical data sheets or nameplates

• Center of gravity: Especially for valves with large actuators

• Attachment points: Look for dedicated lifting lugs or eye bolts

• Valve type and materials: Some components (e.g., handwheels, electric actuators) should never be used for lifting

Tip: Avoid lifting valves by the flange holes or sealing faces—they are not designed to handle such stress.

3. Equipment Needed for Rigging a Valve

Select proper lifting and rigging equipment, including:

• Lifting lugs or eye bolts (factory-provided)

• Synthetic slings or nylon straps (non-abrasive and valve-friendly)

• Shackles, spreader bars, and hooks

• Forklifts or cranes, depending on valve size and access

• Tag lines to guide and stabilize during lifting

Use slings rated for the valve’s full weight. Never assume—always check the rated capacity.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Rig a Valve Safely

Step 1: Plan the Lift

• Read the valve manufacturer’s rigging instructions

• Determine the valve's weight and center of gravity

• Check headroom and lifting angles

Step 2: Attach Rigging Equipment

• Use eye bolts or lifting lugs only

• Attach slings with proper angles (preferably less than 60 degrees)

• Use spreader bars to avoid compressing actuator or body

Step 3: Lift Slowly and Evenly

• Apply tension gradually to take up slack

• Watch for shifting loads

• Use tag lines to prevent swinging or rotation

Step 4: Position and Lower

• Guide the valve into place

• Avoid hard contact with floor or pipeline

• Remove rigging once the valve is securely supported

Step 5: Inspect After Lifting

• Check for damage to flange faces, body, or actuator

• Ensure mounting surfaces are clean and undamaged

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lifting a valve by its actuator, handwheel, or stem

• Inserting hooks or shackles into flange bolt holes

• Using chains or wire ropes that scratch the valve

• Ignoring the valve's center of gravity

• Not using tag lines on large valves

6. Additional Considerations for Large Valves

Larger valves (e.g., 12" and above) require extra care:

• Always use certified rigging professionals

• Use multiple lifting points to distribute weight

• Protect critical surfaces with padding

Consider weather conditions—rain, wind, or snow can all affect lifting safety.

7. Choose the Right Valve for Your Application

Rigging is just one part of the lifecycle of a valve. Choosing a high-quality valve from a trusted manufacturer ensures smoother installation and longer service life.

As a global valve manufacturer, we offer:

• Durable and precisely engineered valves

• Built-in lifting lugs for safe handling

• Comprehensive rigging and installation instructions

• Technical support every step of the way

Whether you need butterfly valves, ball valves, or custom-designed solutions, we can help.

Conclusion

Learning how to rig a valve safely is essential for protecting both personnel and equipment. By following proper procedures—like understanding the valve’s weight and balance, using the right equipment, and avoiding common mistakes—you ensure a smooth and safe operation.

Need reliable valves built for easy and safe rigging? Contact our team today to learn more about our valve solutions.