In control valves, gland packing is applied chiefly in checking leakage of the controlled fluid round the valve stem.
Here are some of the primary uses that explain why valve packing is used on control valves.
- Leak Prevention
- Main
- Environmental Protection
- Operational Safety
- Extending Valve Life
- Consistent Performance
Leak Prevention
The primary objective of applying valve packing is to eliminate the leakage of process fluid between the valve stem and the bonnet.
Maintaining Pressure Integrity
The packing installed in the valve play an important role in maintaining the pressure integrity of the valve so that the valve can operate under different pressure conditions if it is correctly installed and properly maintained.
Environmental Protection
Housing of fluids within areas that are contaminated through the valve can also be prevented by valve packing thus strictly managing the kind of fluids present in the environment to those that are not hazardous.
Operational Safety
Elimination of leaks helps to improve the conditions of the working area and save workers and equipment from contact with high-pressure fluids or corrosive substances, as well as many others potentially hazardous chemicals.
Extending Valve Life
By packing well, some parts such as the valve stem are protected, and this helps in reducing their wear and tear hence making the general service and maintenance of the entire valve cheaper.
Consistent Performance
Keeping a proper seal around the stem also generates steady control, which is essential for valves in many purposes.
Summary
Valve packing materials depend on application, and blogging materials include PTFE, graphite, and various synthetic mixes; each material boasts of
- Temperature resistance,
- Chemical compatibility, and
- Sturdiness as special features.