Sealing Sense
 Updates to FSA’s KnowledgeBase
Fluid Sealing Association has more than 230 files on mechanical seals and more
Jason Ferris
December 2019
 The Danger of Complacency in Equipment Selection & Installation 
One wrong pick could be fatal.
Ron Frisard
November 2019
 How To Prevent Galvanic Corrosion of Valve Stems 
Learn how different metals react, and how corrosion inhibitors can help avoid downtime.
Brittany Kelley
October 2019
 The Importance of Liberal Lubrication 
Extra energy transmitted can produce larger sealing stress on the gasket.
Randy A. Wacker, P.E.
September 2019
 FSA Technical Director Henri Azibert Retires
 How to Choose Best Materials Based on Chemistry 
Strong oxidizers can damage metal, causing pitting or rust and creating possible safety concerns.
Mark Freeman
August 2019
 Custom Rubber Expansion Joints
A flexible choice can adapt to permanent misalignment, preventing future damage.
Brandon Phillips
July 2019
 Sealing High-Speed Shafts in Turbomachinery 
Understand implications involved with using gas film seals in this application.
Richard G. Albery
June 2019
 API 622: Valve Packing for Fugitive Emissions 
Most emissions escape through the valve stem.
Mark Freeman
May 2019
 Temperature & Pressure Considerations for Nonmetallic Piping Expansion Joints 
Size will have a major impact on all essential parameters.
Paul E. (Bud) Baltzer Jr.
April 2019
 Q&A: FSA President Rob Coffee on Tariffs & the Seals Industry 
Coffee also discusses need for training, optimism for coming year and more.
Drew Champlin
 What Are the Best Practices for Ensuring Reliability of API Piping Plan 53C?
Methods for pressurized seal systems
Mark Savage
March 2019
 Fluid Sealing Association Releases Latest ‘Compression Packing Technical Manual’
Several new sections have been added.
Carl Jones
February 2019
 Unusual Mechanical Seal Applications 
Problematic tasks can require improved performance in extreme operating conditions.
Bassem Gabra, FSA Member, Flowserve Corporation; Bob Viloria, FSA Member, Ergoseal, Inc.; Steven Bullen, FSA Member, A.W. Chesterton Co
January 2019
 A User’s Guide to Expansion Joint Control Units 
Plus the Top 4 anomalies to look for when performing a field inspection.
Brandon Phillips
December 2018
 Subsea Oil & Gas Recovery Requires Specialized Sealing
Rigorous temperature, pressure and exposure conditions must be met.
Andrew Longdon
December 2018
 How to Use IoT to Improve Mechanical Seal Reliability
Predictive maintenance programs can increase the longevity of wear parts.
Justin Bass
November 2018
 A Guide to Elastomer Technology in Mechanical Seals 
Evaluate properties of rubber during installation & seal life.
Ryan Neris
October 2018
 How to Investigate Compression Packing Failure Modes 
Over-tightening, excessive speed and improper installation can cause a system to falter.
Chris Boss
September 2018
 The Importance of Using Thread Lubricants in Bolted Connections 
Learn how K factor affects this choice.
Phil Mahoney
August 2018
 Static Seals for Extreme Cold Conditions 
Flexible graphite and PTFE are commonly used in cryogenic sealing.
Chett Norton, Triangle Fluid Controls Ltd. and Ron Frisard, A.W. Chesterton
July 2018
 Best Practices for Sealing in Extreme Cold
How to seal rotating shafts for low temperature to cryogenic fluids.
Mark Savage
June 2018
 Isolation of Noise & Vibration in HVAC & Plumbing Piping Systems 
Why rubber is the best choice for reducing problems.
Marty Rogin
May 2018
 Troubleshooting Gasket Failure
Low torqueing loads, inadequate equipment selection or faulty installation could be to blame.
Guillermo San Martín
April 2018
 Compression Packing: A Look Beyond the Standard Stuffing Box 
How this application fits as a versatile solution
Mark Freeman
March 2018
 Test Methods to Qualify Quarter-Turn Valves for Low Emissions Service 
Learn the distinctions between ISO 15848-1 and API 641
Phil Mahoney
February 2018
 Determine the Best Piping Plan for Supporting Mechanical Seals in Vertical Pumps 
Understand how different pump types impact seal chamber pressure.
Garrett Marsala
January 2018
 How to Get Most Out of Flange Gasket Materials
Performance depends on many factors
Laverne Fernandes
December 2017
 Controlling the Seal Chamber Environment 
Sealing Sense
Mark Savage
November 2017
 Valve Packing Friction: the Hidden Factor for Better Plant Performance
Sealing Sense
Ron Frisard
October 2017
 How Carbon Works in Mechanical Sealing
Sealing Sense
Joseph Boylan
September 2017
 Compensating for Oxygen Concentration 
Sealing Sense
Carl Jones
August 2017
 Overview of Multiple Lip Seals
Sealing Sense
Alfred Cooper
July 2017
 Best Practices for Gasket Installation 
How to clean, align, install, lubricate and tighten gaskets for ideal results.
Chett Norton
June 2017
 FSA Introduces the KnowledgeBase Technical Reference 
Sealing Sense
Rob Phillips
May 2017
 Factors for Successful Emissions-Compliant Valve Stem Seals 
Sealing Sense
Chris Boss
April 2017
 Improper Gasketed Joints Can Be Deadly 
Sealing Sense
By Jim Drago & Ron Frisard
March 2017
 FSA Publishes the 8th Edition of the Piping Expansion Joints Handbook
Sealing Sense
Marty Rogin
February 2017
 Back to Basics: Expansion Joints 
Sealing Sense
Paul (Bud) Baltzer Jr. & Stephen Cramb
January 2017
 Back to Basics: Semi-Metallic Gaskets 
Sealing Sense
Antonio Morales
December 2016
 Back to Basics: Soft Gaskets
Sealing Sense
Chett Norton
November 2016
 Back to Basics: Compression Packing 
Sealing Sense - Understanding basic compression packing installation steps
Lee Gillette
October 2016
 Back to Basics: Mechanical Seals
Sealing Sense - Mechanical Seal Basics: How Mechanical Seals Work
Ann Attenasio
September 2016
 Birth of the General-Purpose, High-Performance ePTFE/Graphite Packing Fiber
Sealing Sense
Carl H. Jones
August 2016
 The Dangers of Hot Bolting 
Sealing Sense
Ron Frisard
July 2016
 Analyzing Life-Cycle Costs to Select the Best Sealing Solution
Sealing Sense
Mark Savage, FSA Member
June 2016
 The Necessity of Bolted Flange Connection Training
Sealing Sense
Randy Wacker, P.E.
May 2016
 Manage Rubber Expansion Joints in Piping Systems to Maximize Reliability & Efficiency
Sealing Sense
Lloyd B. Aanonsen, P.E., & Joshua Cocciardi
April 2016
 The Curse of Knowledge & Valve Packing
Ron Frisard, FSA Member
March 2016
 What to Consider When Upgrading or Changing Pre-Specified Gaskets
An important first step in the process is asking the question "Why do I need or want to change my gaskets?"
Mike Shorts (FSA Member & President)
February 2016
 Valve Stem Packing Compression & Installation
By Jeff Bernthisel & Rob Garlock, FSA Member
January 2016
 Material Advances Improve Seal Reliability in Extreme Application Conditions
Diamond technology can also promote safety and provide exceptionally low emission sealing of critical equipment.
 Doug Volden & Sam Ajram, FSA Members
December 2015
 Insulating Over Rubber Expansion Joints: A Good or Bad Idea?
Rob Coffee (FSA Member)
November 2015
 Emissions Valve Packing Technology Evolves to Reduce Methane Leaks
Ron Frisard (FSA Member)
October 2015
 Do Your Mechanical Seals Meet Emissions Requirements?
Ian Lincoln (FSA Member)
September 2015
 Energy Efficiency of Compression Packings in Rotodynamic Pump Applications
Henri Azibert (FSA Technical Director)
August 2015
 What You Need to Know About FSA's 5 New Styles of Rubber Expansion Joints
Lloyd Aanonsen (FSA Member)
July 2015
 New FSA/ESA Gasket Handbook Offers Guidance for Equipment Usage & Troubleshooting
June 2015
 How To Avoid Compression Packing Failure
Waiting to replace packing in centrifugal pump service can lead to downtime and safety issues.
Carl H. Jones (FSA Member)
May 2015
 Rubber Expansion Joints Provide Piping Flexibility
This component can compensate for misalignments up to 1/8 of an inch.
Rob Coffee, FSA member
April 2015
 Updates to Industry Standards Offer New Options for Fugitive Emissions Testing
End users should be aware of the latest standards revisions to employ the most up-to-date valve sealing practices.
Philip Mahoney (FSA Member)
March 2015
 FSA Informs Decision Makers About the Role of Sealing Systems in Reducing Emissions
As environmental requirements become more stringent, FSA drives education and advocacy for sealing devices in the public policy arena.
Chris Swonger, FSA Member
February 2015
 Dry Containment Seals Boost Reliability
These seals and their piping plans offer a simpler alternative to wet containment systems.
Mark Savage (FSA member)
January 2015
 Consult the Manufacturer for Gasket Torque Values as Starting Place to Diminish Leaks
 Larry Sheffield (FSA Member)
December 2014
 Expansion Joint Selection Optimizes Piping Systems
Different material and design combinations offer application-specific advantages.
Lloyd Aanonsen (FSA member)
August 2014
 Preformed Packing Rings Outperform Field-Cut Parts
FSA member Alfred Cooper
July 2014
 Prevent Blowout of Bolted Flange Joint Connections
First of a Two-Part Series
FSA member Randy Wacker, P.E.
April 2014
 FSA Celebrates 10 Years of "Sealing Sense"
Pete Petrunich retires as technical director after 17 years but leaves a legacy of education and high quality standards.
Michelle Segrest
April 2014
 Submersible Motor Design Allows for Safe Water & Wastewater Applications Operation
The construction, seals and protective monitoring contribute to the motor’s ability to operate in and under water.
George Weihrauch, Baldor Electric Company
March 2014
 Using a Torque Wrench to Apply Stress to a Gasket
Do I really need to use a torque wrench?
FSA member Michele Lincoln
December 2013
 History, Advantages & Applications of Pressure Seals
What are pressure seals, and how do they work?
FSA members Dick Dudman and Thom Jessup
November 2013
 Extend Braided Pump Packing Life
How do I get maximum performance from my packing?
FSA member Chuck Tanner
September 2013
 Manage & Understand Flange Face Damage
What should I do about flange face damage: accept, repair or replace?
FSA member Randy Wacker
July 2013
 Improved Torque Tension
How does lubrication affect fastener torque and resultant tension?
FSA member Dave Hageman
June 2013
 Sealing Large Swing Check Valves
How can packing solve my difficult sealing problem?
Phil Mahoney, Neil Dickson
May 2013
 Injectable Sealants
How can injectable sealants solve my sealing problems?
This month’s “Sealing Sense” was prepared by FSA members Alfred Cooper and Michael Drotos, Sr.
April 2013
 Gaskets for Rigorous Applications
What are grooved metal gaskets, and where are they applied?
FSA members Darine Aghnim & Dave Burgess
 FSA Sealing Sense: July 2012
Joel Baulch, FSA
12-7-1
 FSA Sealing Sense June 2012
Henri Azibert, FSA
01-06-2012
 FSA Sealing Sense- May 2012
 What should be considered for the selection of expansion joints for pumps?
 Where Mechanical Seals Meet Pumps: What Is the Next Generation?
Fluid Sealing Association
  What are the key steps to cutting packing for optimum performance?
Ron Frisard
 FSA Sealing Sense December 2011
Joel Baulch
 When Should I Use Braided PTFE Packing, and In What Form?
Fluid Sealing Association
 What is the Sealing System Energy Footprint for Controlling Process or Barrier Fluid Temperature?
Fluid Sealing Association
 How can I select mechanical sealing systems using life cycle costs?
 How Can Compression Packing Be Applied in Severe Service?
Phil Mahoney
 What are Bolt Torque Considerations for Valve Packing that Ensure Reliable Performance?
Fluid Sealing Association
September 2008
 How Do I Choose A Gasket for an FDA Application?
Dave Burgess and Charlie Miskell
 If stress analysis can ensure that piping loads are within ASME limits, why are rubber expansion joints needed?
FSA Member Lloyd Aanonsen
 How Do I Prevent Gasket Blow Out?
FSA member Calvin Gillis
 How is Gasket Stress Defined in Industry?
Dave Burgess, Brian Hasha & Kris Kolb
 FSA Sealing Sense - September 2004
How do you determine the primary cause(s) of mechanical seal failure?
FSA
September 2004