Valve packings conquer fugitive emissions

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:131741

In the early 1990s, when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.) declared its intent to regulate fugitive emissions from valve-stem leakage, much of the chemical process industries (CPI) responded with fear and uncertainty. The biggest fear was that valve packing would not meet the required limits on leak rates and that expensive bellows seals may be required on many applications. The uncertainly was about how much it would cost. Today, for the most part, these concerns have been mitigated. It is estimated that about 80--90% of valves satisfy the emission requirements. The rest need some improvement in their packing systems to meet the regulations. Generally, these valves can be brought within compliance if the packing designers follow a few basic principles: Employ less-pliable outer rings and more-pliable inner rings; and don`t use excessive packing. While interest in valve packing remains high, mechanical seals continue to become more user-friendly. Many of those covered below are designed to run dry, and some can even tolerate high shaft-wobble without damage. Also look for improved flange gaskets and a host of seals to protect bearings. Twenty-one summaries are presented on new products and services.

• OSTI ID: 131741
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 102; ISSN CHEEA3; ISSN 0009-2460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
BEARINGS
COMPLIANCE
CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS
DESIGN
MECHANICAL SHAFTS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
PUMPS
RETROFITTING
SEALING MATERIALS
STEAM SYSTEMS
TEFLON
TURBOMACHINERY
VALVES