Valve packing access

[donf]

I'm looking for an Industry standard/specification/guideline/practice (U.S.) that addresses access to valve packing adjustment for actuated quarter-turn valves. I seem to recall seeing such a standard some years ago (I think it was an ASTM Specification), but have been unable to find it.

The issue has to do with some actuated ball valves that we recently installed. One of the technicians pointed out that because of the design of the mounting brackets, it would take a very special wrench to adjust the packing.

There's not much I can do this time. But in the future, I would like to be more specific. Perhaps a note requiring that packing adjustments can be made with standard tools.............. Or ideally - reference to an established industry standard. Hence - my question.

Your help is appreciated,

donf

 

[Danlap]

Hi donf,

Try ISO 17292. Quote "Adjustable packing glands shall be accessible for tightening stem seals without the disassembly of either the valve or operator parts." Unquote.

But then again, accessible by means of what? Special tools or standard spanner? It should be specified in the technical requisition.
If the Valve and its Actuated device e.g. actuator, etc. were ordered from different manufacturer. In addition to spatial constraint (height of the valve top to bottom) specified by the End user. Also sometimes the bracket supplier is different (however approved by both valve and actuator supplier). Normally they don't look at standard spanner aspect.

However, from the positive point of view, The tightening process (shall required) only to be done by knowledgeable personnel under restricted measurement (not commonly done by any Operator equipped with standard spanner). The End user should have the IOM (with Gland bolts' torque value) and good workmanship.
Tightening can be as simple as it sound but it does have some risk, especially in live situation.

Regards,
MR

All valves will last for years, except the ones that were poorly manufactured; are still wrongly operated and or were wrongly selected

 

[donf]

Hello Danlap,

Thank you. Section 5.2.11.11 is spot on. As you point out, in order to eliminate future problems with interpretation, it will be up to the purchaser (me) to more clearly define the requirements. You also bring up a very interesting point about requiring special tools/procedures. By controlling who can make adjustments, what was originally perceived as a problem might actually be viewed an an advantage.

Thank you for the reference and your insight.