Exploring the benefits of V-Ring PTFE packing systems for double-offset and concentric resilient-seated butterfly valves.
By Bob Donnelly – Vice President of Business Development – Flo-Tite Valves & Controls
As resources expand and technology continues to advance, innovative solutions and services evolve alongside them. These are perhaps the key criteria that drive positive progress across the flow control industry.
Most traditional concentric butterfly valves do not have stem packing. As a result, when a stem leak occurs, the valve typically needs to be removed for repair or replacement. A highly effective and cost-efficient solution is a V-Ring PTFE packing system. Designed for both double-offset and concentric resilient seated butterfly valves, this innovative technology has a unique design with high performance sealing capabilities.
One of the key benefits of the V-Ring packing system is it has a direct-connect packing gland, which can stop valve stem leaks and eliminate the need to replace the installed valve while in service, thus preventing disruption to process operations. Equipped with a fully adjustable two-piece gland flange, the system ensures that even a packing load of more than 360 degrees is optimal. With an additional O-ring packing, potential stem leaks can be sealed and adjusted from below the mounting pad. This allows the valve to be serviced without disassembling the actuator, saving further valuable time and costs in the field.
Another innovative design is side windows on the valve stem, allowing operators to better monitor leaks. The system even directs any leaks to flow down the side of the valve, rather than into the bottom of the actuator, helping prevent potential damage.
The system has a rated ISO 5211 mounting compatibility, and the valve body design is a standard 316 SS-CF8M. Body options include 316L-CF3M, Duplex 2205, or alloy 20 CN7M. A grease zerk and live-loaded spring washers come standard while sizes range from two to 24.”
With dead-end capabilities in a semi-lug design as standard on all sizes, a semi-lug body is available as a crossover from lug to wafer. All valves have four drilled/tapped lugs to ensure exact alignment, and they are lighter in weight compared to a full lug. All are also available at a lower cost with reduced maintenance.
Additionally, the seat design is field replaceable with a phenolic EPDM bonded cartridge seat that is scratch-resistant and non-collapsible, making it ideal for high velocity and/or vacuum service. Standard seats include BUNA, Viton, or PTFE and offer higher performance than most resilient seat valves.
In conclusion, the adjustable V-Ring packing system is an ideal option when various types of costly and special actuators are part of a direct mount automated valve assembly. It’s available for valves ranging from 14 to 24″ and serve as a significant cost effective solution.