The Ultimate Guide to Low Emission Valve
Poor-quality valves will eventually begin to leak, especially if they are often used but not well maintained. The "stem" or shaft connecting the handle to the ball, butterfly, or diaphragm is where they typically leak. There is packaging all around that stem. This prevents the controlled gas or liquid from escaping. With gas, leaks are far more likely. A housing or "bonnet" around the stem is filled with packing in a large industrial low emission valve . The packing is a part of the valve body in smaller valves. Regular use of a valve causes the packing surrounding the stem to begin to deteriorate. If the stem becomes soiled, twisting it might force the dirt into the packing and hasten packing wear. Fugitive emissions, which are described as "emissions which could not reasonably travel through a stack, chimney, vent, or other functionally equivalent openings," are leaks from valves. Gases are the key issue, especially those that can be dangerous. One s