Industrial Valve Lubrication with MOLYKOTE® Solutions Distributed by Samaro
In the gas, hydrocarbon, petrochemical, and refining industries, valves play a critical role in safety and operational continuity. They are constantly exposed to severe conditions: high pressure variations, extreme temperatures, contact with corrosive fluids, and repeated opening/closing cycles.
The performance and durability of valves depend largely on the quality of the lubricants used — whether for seals, stems, internal mechanisms, or corrosion protection.
As the official distributor of MOLYKOTE® lubricants, Samaro provides a comprehensive range of greases, compounds, anti-friction coatings (AFC), pastes, and corrosion inhibitors designed to meet these demanding environments.
This article highlights the key MOLYKOTE® Smart Lubrication™ products for valve lubrication, their technical benefits, best practices for use, and includes an expert testimonial from Manon Marty, Brand Manager for Specialty Lubrication at Samaro.
Lubricants for Valve Seals
MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound
MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound is a highly versatile silicone compound, widely used for its dual function: lubrication and sealing.
Key benefits:
- Excellent sealing performance under severe conditions (pressure, temperature, aggressive environments)
- High resistance to water washout
- Compatible with plastics and elastomers
- Suitable for vacuum applications
- Does not harden, long service life
Typical applications: sealing of valve gaskets, industrial fittings, gas valves, and pressure equipment.
MOLYKOTE® G-5511 Compound
MOLYKOTE® G-5511 Compound builds upon the properties of 111 but is enhanced with PTFE for a lower coefficient of friction.
Key benefits:
- Silicone/PTFE lubricant with reduced friction
- Certified DVGW for gas applications
- NSF H1 and WRAS certified for drinking water and food industry use
- Compatible with elastomers and plastic seals
With its wide range of certifications, G-5511 is the ideal solution for valves in direct contact with natural gas or potable water, ensuring both safety and compliance.
Anti-Friction Coatings (AFC) for Metal Components
MOLYKOTE® D-321R AFC
MOLYKOTE® D-321R is an anti-friction coating containing 29% MoS₂, forming a solid dry film after application and curing.
Key benefits:
- Clean, dry, and durable lubrication
- Reduces friction and wear on valve stems and metallic components
- Easy spray application
- Fast curing at room temperature (≈ 15 min)
- High load-carrying capacity and resistance in corrosive environments
It is particularly suited for valve stems exposed to repeated mechanical cycles and harsh conditions.
MOLYKOTE® 3400A LF RAF
MOLYKOTE® 3400A LF is designed for critical environments, including direct contact with gases or hydrocarbons.
Key benefits:
- Very low coefficient of friction
- Excellent adhesion and corrosion protection
- High chemical resistance
- Requires heat curing (200 °C / 30 min)
This coating is ideal for petrochemical and gas applications where maximum durability and safety are essential.
Surface Cleaning and Preparation
MOLYKOTE® Metal Cleaner
An anti-friction coating can only perform effectively if applied to a perfectly clean substrate. That’s the role of MOLYKOTE® Metal Cleaner.
Key benefits:
- Rapid cleaning of metal surfaces
- Formulated with fast-evaporating organic solvents
- Leaves no residue or corrosion traces
- Easy spray application
It is recommended to use Metal Cleaner before applying coatings such as D-321R or 3400A LF, ensuring optimum adhesion and long-lasting performance.
Lubricants for Stick-Slip Problems
Stick-slip (adhesion–slip) is a common issue in valve stems, causing vibration, noise, and premature wear. MOLYKOTE® offers several tailored solutions depending on material combinations:
- MOLYKOTE® D-321R: dry lubrication, effective friction reduction
- MOLYKOTE® G-N Plus Paste: high-load lubricating paste
- MOLYKOTE® DX(s) PFAS Free
- A sustainable, PFAS-free alternative
- White, clean, water-resistant lubrication
- Excellent compatibility with metal/plastic combinations
- MOLYKOTE® PG-21: dedicated to metal–plastic pairs, eliminates stick-slip and extends service life
With MOLYKOTE® DX(s) PFAS Free, DuPont provides a modern and responsible alternative that meets environmental and regulatory requirements while delivering the same performance as the conventional DX paste.
Protection anticorrosion des pièces métalliques
Corrosion Protection for Metal Parts
MOLYKOTE® Metal Protector Plus
Metal components exposed to long-term storage or transport require robust corrosion protection. MOLYKOTE® Metal Protector Plus offers exactly that.
Key benefits:
- High-performance anticorrosion film
- Withstands more than 500 hours in salt spray testing
- Available in spray cans or liquid drums (for brush or dip application)
- Prevents oxidation and corrosion on all metal parts
It is particularly useful for valve components awaiting assembly or stored for extended periods.
The performance and reliability of industrial valves depend not only on their design and the materials used but also on the choice of the right lubricant. With MOLYKOTE® solutions, distributed by Samaro, operators benefit from a complete portfolio: from sealing compounds for gaskets, to high-performance anti-friction coatings, to corrosion protection products and PFAS Free alternatives for more sustainable operations.
By combining technical expertise with certified, field-proven products, Samaro supports professionals in the gas, petrochemical, and refining industries to extend the service life of their valves, reduce unplanned downtime, and comply with new environmental requirements.
Whether it is about ensuring sealing, reducing friction, eliminating stick-slip, or providing long-term anticorrosion protection, there is always a MOLYKOTE® solution to secure and optimize your operations.
❓FAQ on MOLYKOTE® Valve Lubricants
🔹What is the difference between MOLYKOTE® 111 and MOLYKOTE® G-5511?
111 is a universal silicone compound. G-551, enriched with PTFE, offers lower friction and has specific certifications (NSF H1, WRAS, DVGW) for use in gas and drinking water systems.
🔹Why use an anti-friction coating (AFC) like D-321R or 3400A LF?
AFC coatings provide dry, clean, and durable lubrication, ideal for reducing friction and wear on valve stems under severe operating conditions.
🔹How should a surface be prepared before applying a RAF?
Cleaning with MOLYKOTE® Metal Cleaner is recommended to remove oils, greases, and contaminants, ensuring better adhesion and longer-lasting performance.
🔹 What does MOLYKOTE® DX(s) PFAS Free bring to the table?
It is a modern, PFAS-free alternative that maintains the same lubricating performance as the traditional version while meeting new environmental and regulatory standards.
🔹How can metal valve parts be protected during storage?
MOLYKOTE® Metal Protector provides long-lasting corrosion protection, withstanding over 500 hours in salt spray testing, making it ideal for stored or transported parts.
