‘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value, Nuts and studs should be well lubricated, unless other- wise specified. In ether ease, the torque felror measured ean be incorrect because of the condition of the nut and stud threads and/or operator error. Corrosion, solid contaminants, nicks, burs or otherwise damaged ehreads give an inaccurate feel or measurement when determining the applied torque Dise springs offer che user the advantage thatthe proper torque can be set by s height measurement of the spring set. “This method simplifies and removes potential errors that can occur during torqucing ofthe gland nuts Torque Calculation “The bole torque is dependent upon packing cross section, gland, bole diameter, packing style, sealed pressure and the number of boles. The fallowing equation can be used to determine appro: priate bole rorque. Torque = wDF/2N Where: |= Coefficient of fiexion between che nut and the stud D = Stud diameter in inches F = Packing Area x Pressure Packing area = (OD? ~ ID?) x x/4 in square inches. P= Minimum manufaccurer recommended pres- sure, or System Pressure x Safery Factor (eg 1.75) determined by packing manufacturer in PSI; whichever is greater N = Number of Bolts v the conversion from inches to fe Best Practices Generally accepted practices can minimire the chances of improperly torqucing the gland nurs: + Clean and inspect the nut and bolts threads for corrosion and chread damage. The nucshould be able to smoothly ‘eave the length of the bolt. Test by finger tightening the ‘nut onthe bok prior o installation. + Always use hardened Rat washers under the gland nuts to evenly distribute the torque tothe gland. + Ensure che nose of che packing gland can be inserted freely into the stuffing box without interference or hang-up. ‘Make sure the nose of the gland is seated evenly against che packing and prevent gland and bore interference that could affec the rorque fee or measurement. During packing installations, finger tighten che gland nuts evenly. Then apply torque o tighten each nut evenly, alter- nating beoween the nuts by a pereencage of the tora consoli- dation recommended by the manufacturer. This should be done at least three times to achieve the desired compressed height ofthe packing. + When using torque wrench, make sue iis properly cali- brated to get accurate readings. + Apply a smooth, even force and avoid “jerking” che wrench, *+ Measure the distance between the gland and box face © censure evenness. Stroking the valve stem during this process ensures minimal consolidation in-service and consistent long-term sealing, + Readjust gland nus after the valve has been actuated a rmininvur of five times with the vale in the closed stroke Maintaining proper gland load under all service condi- necessary to ensure effective sealing. However, the gland force on the packing continually relaxes under service conditions. Seem actuation, packing wear and thermal cycling of the system causes consolidation ofthe packing, which leads to in-scrvce leakage. To prevent leakage, readjustments of the bole torque are traditionally performed. However, new research shows that reapplying the same torque value may be ineffec- tive at maintaining sealing of the packing set, and measured gland or spring set heights are more appropriate. Proper torque practices are as important during readjustment as during ‘ial installation to atain maximum performance reliability of| valve packings Conclusion Application and maintenance of the manufactures’ ecom- mended torque to valve packing is critical «0 meeting emis- sions requirements and long service life. While approaches to the application of torque for braided and dle-formed packing may be ferent, the generally accepted practices are important to all valve packing. Consultation with the packing manufac- turer on specifics of the application ean help to ensure reliable performance, Next Month: Are you playing ofinse or defense with your leak detection and repair? We invite your questions on sealing issues and will provide best efforts ansioers based on FSA publications, Pease direct your ques ions to: sealingentequestions@afuidieaing cons 52. SePTENaeR 2008 ‘eanw.pump-zane.com PUMPS & SYSTEMS.