Graphite Pressure Seals Offer Superior Sealing in Pressure Seal Bonnet Type Valves

Problem

The replacement of a pressure seal can be one of the most frustrating maintenance jobs around. The success ratio of a metal pressure seal tends to decline with the age of the valve and can be attributed to the valve condition. With age, valves can experience in-service fatigue. In the aging power plant, where finished surfaces may have minor scratches or washed out areas, where valve body distortion has occurred, metal pressure seals provide questionable results. Achieving a leak-free seal with a metal pressure seal can be very difficult if body/bonnet surfaces are not in “like new” condition.

Solution

Flexible Graphite Pressure Seals with stainless steel caps provide superior performance over metal pressure seals, when sized, installed, and loaded properly. Due to flexible graphite’s unique ability to conform to irregular surfaces, graphite seals can accommodate scratches, worn areas, and out of round situations. They are also quicker to replace, easier to remove, and can be more economical than metal seals.