Photographs and video as evidence: what to capture

1. Why a photo record matters

A valve maintenance photo record lets an engineer assess a problem before anyone travels. A nameplate photograph identifies the valve. A fitting photograph shows whether in-service treatment is even possible.

Photographs are screening evidence. A leak on video suggests a leak path, but does not prove seat condition. The confirming step remains a seat-leak test under agreed conditions.

Good records also build history, so repeated problems become visible over time. When selecting a supplier, ask how they handle photographic records. Our guide to choosing an online valve maintenance provider lists the questions worth asking.

2. Start with the nameplate

The nameplate is the first photograph, because it fixes the identity of the valve. Shoot it straight on and close enough for every line to stay readable. Wipe away dust and grease first, and hold a torch at an angle for stamped letters.

If the plate is missing or painted over, photograph the cast body markings instead. These often show size, pressure class and the flow direction. Our article on reading valve nameplates before maintenance explains what each field means.

Identity matters because treatment depends on design. A sealant that suits one seat material may suit another poorly. The nameplate is where that judgement starts.

3. Fittings and gauges in frame

Photograph every injection fitting, including the buttonhead caps. Show whether caps are present, threads are clean and each fitting sits square. Damaged or blocked fittings change what treatment is possible.

In-service injection needs fittings in sound condition, a valve design that suits injection, and a permit that allows the work. Where maker documents exist, consult them for limits and warranty terms.

Then photograph the gauges face on, with the needle sharp. Include upstream and downstream readings where both exist. If the stem or body shows a leak, film a short clip with sound.

Dated and timed gauge photographs become evidence of condition on the day. Our valve condition surveys follow the same discipline on site. Every valve gets an identity photograph, a fitting check and a recorded reading.

4. Film the test setup

Photograph the test setup before any measurement begins. Show the gauge connections, the isolation arrangement and the vent points. A viewer should be able to rebuild the test from the images alone.

For a seat-leak check, film the arrangement used, such as double block and bleed monitoring. Record the conditions agreed on site, because API 598 and ISO 5208 are factory references. They describe acceptance testing, not a field result.

Short video suits moving evidence. Film the valve being operated, or a bubble check on a joint, holding each shot steady. Bubbles indicate a leak; they do not confirm one. Our article on witnessing acceptance tests covers what the record should contain.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

Weak records often share the same few faults. Check your set against this list before sending it.

• Dark or blurred images where markings cannot be read.
• Wide shots only, with no close-up of the fitting or dial.
• No date, time or tag number linking the photo to the valve.
• Video that pans quickly, so the symptom is never steady.
• Gloves or tools blocking the nameplate.

A tag number in the frame ties each image to the right valve. On plants with many similar valves, this small habit prevents costly confusion later.

6. Sending records that get a useful reply

A short, complete set of images speeds the first reply when you contact us. Include the following:

1. The nameplate and body markings, readable in full.
2. Each injection fitting, caps on and off where possible.
3. Gauge readings, dated and timed.
4. A short video of the symptom, with sound.

An engineer reviews the record and replies within 24 hours, by WhatsApp or the contact form. Where images suggest severe damage, we will say so plainly. The right answer may be a full assessment or replacement, not treatment.

If a cleaner or sealant was already tried, say what was used and when. Our article on when a trial fails explains what that record tells you.

If the record points to a site job, our field teams travel worldwide from India. Request the product guide through an enquiry when you want product detail first.