SEALING OF Valves.

By
Er. Laxman Singh Sankhla
B.E.Mech., Chartered Engineer
Jodhpur, India
Mail ID: laxman9992001@yahoo.co.in
SEALING OF VALVES.
A common maintenance problem with valves is leakage of system fluid. Leaks can
come up through the stem or where the bonnet meets the main body of the valve.
Valve Packing.
Packing is placed between the valve stem and the valve body to prevent leakage up
the stem. It provides a tight seal but allows the stem to move. When the packing
wears the gland follower or nut is tightened to compress the packing. (see figure 22).

Figure 22.
All packing works in the same way, although some stuffing boxes may be slightly
different. It is rectangular and comes in a roll. The type of packing material will
depend on the fluids in the system. (see figure 23).

Figure 23.
Packing is a rope like material which is impregnated with a lubricant. Lengths equal
to the circumference of the stem are cut from the roll with a sharp knife.
Each length is placed around the stem and pushed into the stuffing box with the
follower. It is very important that the joins of each packing ring are staggered. If the
joins are in a line up the stem, then the valve will leak.
Old packing can be removed from the stuffing box using a flexible packing remover.
The end of the extractor is screwed into the packing. It can then be pulled from the
stuffing box. (see figure 24).

Figure 24.
The packing of Glands for Valves and Pumps is the subject of a separate Unit of
Training and this will be covered in greater detail later in your Training Programme.
Valve Gaskets.
Valve flanges and bolted bonnet flanges should be inspected regularly for leaks. If
tightening the bolts does not stop the leak, then a new gasket is needed. Always
make sure the correct gasket is used. (see figure 25).

Figure 25.
Gaskets for Piping and Valves is the subject of a separate Unit of Training and this
will be covered in greater detail later in your Training Programme.