‘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 withFluto 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