Work is progressing across the various divisions of ESA.
Packings Division
The ESA packing standard titled “Pumps — Specification for Gland Packings Manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons” has received the EN number “EN 18183”. A foreword for the German translation has been prepared, and the DIS inquiry is ongoing. The ISO WIP 12101, which outlines the classification system and qualification procedures for testing stem seals for valves, is currently in the FDIS inquiry phase until May 13, 2025. If there are minimal comments or changes needed, the new ISO standard could be published a month thereafter. Hydrogen testing of PTFE packing in accordance with ISO 15848 CO1 has commenced at DHBW Mannheim University. A project for an ESA-sponsored student at the university, set to begin in the autumn, was outlined during the AGM meeting in Ljubljana.
Expansion Joints Division
The configurator tool designed for selecting standard fabric expansion joint solutions has encountered some challenges. The “If/then” relationships from the original Excel version are not functioning correctly in the web-based format, necessitating further work. Additionally, the current test version requires review by members to identify any remaining errors. Many members of this small division were unavailable for the AGM meetings; however, they plan to hold an in-person meeting later this year to finalise the training presentation titled “Introduction to Fabric Expansion Joints”.
Mechanical Seals Division
Members of the Mechanical Seals Division are actively participating in working groups to update API 682, with further revisions needed for the standard annexes. The final document is expected to be published by the end of the year. The second online training module focused on containment seals is now available in the training section of the ESA Knowledgebase. A preliminary draft for a training module addressing troubleshooting of mechanical seal failures has been developed, with additional voiceover text and images to be incorporated. Furthermore, two additional modules covering single and double mechanical seals have also been created and were discussed during the AGM meeting.
The article titled “The Role of Carbon-Graphite and Silicon Carbide Seal Ring Wear Faces in the Energy Transition and Efficiency of Pumping Equipment” has been featured in the first quarter issue of Flow magazine. Additional articles will be produced by the members.
Flange Gaskets Division
An article discussing the recycling of gasket waste material has been published in the April issue of Valve World. This edition also features an interview with Sandy van den Broeck, the ESA ESG Director, regarding PFAS chemicals in the sealing industry. The gasket selection training module is now accessible on the ESA Knowledgebase. Furthermore, two subtitled versions of the Gasket video are now available in Spanish and Italian. Members have received 3D printed samples of biodegradable spacers for spiral wound gaskets, which are currently under review. An order for 1,000 injection-moulded samples was placed in preparation for the AGM meetings. Additionally, biodegradable wrapping foil will be sourced as a sustainable alternative to standard plastic shrink-wrap.
Elastomeric & Polymeric Seals Division
The Arrhenius project will continue with an emphasis on incorporating hydrogen testing. Cetim has prepared a comprehensive report detailing the progress made this year. They will also begin conducting compression tests to evaluate the aging of FKM materials in both air and hydrogen environments at varying temperatures. The material specification has been finalised, and samples will be sent for testing. Another item on the AGM agenda addressed the restriction of peroxide use in elastomers intended for food and drinking water applications. The training program titled “Introduction to Elastomeric Seals” has been reviewed, and additional content and voiceover will be incorporated. Work is also ongoing to develop articles for Valve World.
Ralf Vogel,
Technical Director, ESA