Large Valves with Horizontally Mounted Stems Experience Packing Leaks and Stem Damage - SealOE
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Large Valves with Horizontally Mounted Stems Experience Packing Leaks and Stem Damage
Problem
Valve manufacturers typically intend that their valves be installed with the stem in the vertical direction, but due to space and location, these valves are installed with stems horizontal. Particularly on large valves (i.e. >12”), the weight of the operator and stem tend to droop, causing not only excessive lateral loading on the valve packing but in severe cases can cause stem galling by contacting on the back seat or gland follower.
Solution
Installation of tight clearance hardened carbon bushings can provide adequate stem support, to relieve the lateral stress on valve packing and insure the stem does not contact metal valve parts (i.e. backseat, gland).
