Did you know that there are over 1,200 valve manufacturing businesses operating in the US? An industrial valve is crucial to many types of equipment, and a valve seal helps protect them from leaks.
Do you know what valve sealants are and why they’re used? Are you looking for the best valve sealant to protect your equipment?
The following guide will explain what sealants are, their benefits, and the different types available. Read on to learn everything you need to know about protecting valves using sealants.
What Is a Valve Seal?
Valve sealants help seal gate valves in the field that have moderate to severe damage. Gate valves leak if there is damage around the sealing surfaces of the seats or gates. Possible damages include galling or cutting.
Using a valve sealer offers full resistance to different fluids and gases. Non-hardening sealants keep the valve operating during high differential pressure.
When the sealant is transported through a series of passageways by the valve port, it creates the seal.
Benefits of Sealants
Sealants work to create a drop-tight seal between the valve’s sealing surfaces.
Sealants also act as excellent lubricants to prevent metal-to-metal contact. They form a protective film of sealant over the bearing area to stop metals from rubbing together.
Sealing lubricated valves gives a flexible and renewable seat. Sealants must have proper plasticity and resistance to line fluids like chemicals and solvents to accomplish this.
Sealants offer plug jacking capabilities. Plugs are hydraulicly lifted when under pressure created by the sealant injection. This is important to force a plug from its tapered seat when needed.
Sealants help prevent corrosion on the inside of valves. They help reduce costly repairs and replacements because of this benefit.
Injectable Sealants
Injectable sealants are created from milled fiber particles like graphite, aramid, and other synthetic materials. High-temperature lubricants get added to help the sealant flow and fill all crevices.
Injectable sealant is often pumped into the stuffing box using an injection gun. It’s applied between the inside and outside rings of braided or molded packing.
It’s great for high temperatures like those in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Threaded Sealants
A thread sealant stops leakage by filling the area between the female and male threaded connections. They’re great for fluid power systems used in the automotive industry.
They also work as a lubricant when the threads get forced together. Tape and liquid are the two main types of thread sealants.
High-Temperature Silicone Sealants
High-temperature silicone sealants are able to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re resistant to aging, shock, and vibrations. They are made specifically to seal and encapsulate heating elements.
Ready To Use Valve Sealant?
Now you why it’s important to use a valve seal and its benefits. You also know several types of sealants and what situations they’re commonly used in. Remember this guide and select the right sealant for your equipment.
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