‘The Magazine For Pump Users Worldwide PUMPS&SYSTEMS What Are Bolt Torque Considerations for Valve Packing that Ensure Reliable Performance? Originally published September 2008 (@ CHESTERTON. Global Solutions, Local Service. Reprinted withFluto SEALING ASSOCIATION, From the voice ofthe fluid sealing industry SEALING SENSE What are bolt torque considerations for valve packing that ensure reliable performance? T= there are ever increasing economic and envi- ronmental needs to minimize industrial leakage and emissions. Continued developments in valve pack- ing design and materials have greatly improved the abilities ‘of compression packings to provide reliable sealing perfor- mance for years in a wide range of applications and valve types. Proper installation and maintenance are essential t0 achieve optimum performance from these packings. Since the majority of the current emissions come from valves, an “understanding ofthe importance that proper valve packing gland loading has on meeting these needs is essential fen perceived as simply “tightening” the gland co achieve an initial sel, improper torque methods will result in reduced packing life, increased valve maintenance, eak- age and potential system issues when the valve cannot be actuated. Applying Sealing Force Torque, applied co the gland bolt nurs during vale packing installations and readjustment, cretes an ail force on the packing gland. This axial force transfers tothe packing, caus- ing it compress axially and expand radially wich a esuleant force that achieves a seal against the static stuffing box bore and the moveable stem. It also provides the packing mater als with the resseance needed ro contain the system pressire (ee Figure 1). This radial force of the packing agains the stem is ‘major factor in the amoune of fetion chat the valve stem must overcome when actuated. This san extremely impor- tant factor in mechanically operated valves. When torqued properly, che packing se can create a tight scl with the least amount of fection, The gland nuts should not be overtorqued or under torqued. When over-torqued, the resultant stem friction can bye high enough to prevent the valve from operating prop- ctly, resulting in reduced plant efficiencies and safety. Over- torgueing results in increased packing consolidation, which seduces gland adjustment travel and shortens the service life Ras Leng TC tks radial load of the packing. ‘The potential for packing material degra- dation and extrusion also increases when excess torque is applied. Under-torqueing may resule in immediate leakage and possible loss of the packing due to under consolidation Packing material blow out is possible under this condition. Ie is important, particularly with the number of packing manufacturers and packings available, fully follow che manufacture’ instructions for proper torque requirements and gland loading. For the radial force to be evenly distributed through the packing, che axial force must be applied evenly from che sland nus. Use of a packing gland with a beveled nose will result in uneven application of torque. Uneven radial load ing may result in development ofa leak path(s) within che vake. 50 SEPTEMBER 2008 ‘worw.pump-zone.com PUMPS & SYSTEMS.Even when propery torqued, the ability ofthe packing ro maintain an effective seal over its life can be adversely affected service conditions that compromise the gland loading. In conditions where temperature eycles cause the expansion and. contraction ofthe dissimilar materials comprising the sealing system, gland reorgues become common. Engineered. die springs can reduce the rate of load loss on the packing gland and set. The stored energy from the disc springs can compen sate forthe expansion and contraction that aceues during tem- perature cycling and improve sealing life of the packing set. These washer-shaped springs are added to dhe bot, under che rut, and then tightened ro the manufacturer’ recommended torque value (se Figure 2). Methods of Applying Torque There are generally two methods of applying torque based on packing construction, Braided packings are most common and tational, Dieformed rings are engineered and readily available for higher performance requirements. The method. oF applying torque for brad packing is to tighten the gland rus unl heavy resistance to wrenching is felt, The method. Fluid Sealing Association Seating Seme is produced by the Fluid Sealing Association as part of our commitment to industry consensus technical edu- cation for pump users, contractors, distributors, OEMs and reps. This months Sealing Sense was prepared by FSA Member Walter Moguin. Asa source of technical information on sealing systems and deviees, and in cooperation with che European, Sealing Association, the FSA also supports development of harmonized standards in all areas of fluid sealing technology. “The education is provided in the public interest co enable a balanced assessment of the most effective solutions to pump technology issues on rational toxal Life Cycle Cost (LCC) principles “The Compression Packing division of the FSA is one of five with a specific product technology focus. As part of their mission they develop publications such as the joint FSA/ESA, Guidelines Jor the Use of Compresion Puckings and Pump & the Valve Pucking Installation Procedures pamphlet. These ate primers intended to complement the more detailed manutie- ‘ures’ documents produced by the member companies. Ln addition to English, they are available in a number of other languages, including Spanish and German. ‘The following members of the Compression Packing, sponsor this Saling Sense series: fee eee for dic-formed rings is to use a calibrated corque wrench. The glind nuts are torqued to the manufacturers’ recommended Carbon Ete. A.W, Chesterton Co, Daikin America, In DuPont Performance Elastomers LLC. Empak Spirotallic Mexicana SA de CV Garlock Sealing Technologies Wi. Gore & Associates, Ine. Grafech International Holdings, Ine. Greene, Fveed &¢ Co, /Palmetto, Inc. John Crane KC Ametica Latty Intemational S.A Leader Global Technologies Leming Plastics GmbH ‘Manufaccuras Multiples Industiles SA [Nippon Pillar Corporation of America SEPCO - Sealing Equipment Products Co. SGI Technic Polycarbon Division Slade, Ine. “Teadit International ‘Teijin Aramid USA, Ine YMTHInettech, Ine UNIS & SYSTEMS ‘wun pump-zone.com ‘SEPTEMBER 2008 51