A gland follower sits on top of the packing set and a gland flange or plate pulls it down through two studs and nuts. Taking up on the gland nuts adds compression to stop a stem leak, until the follower bottoms out in the stuffing box and there is no adjustment left. Fitters talk about tightening the gland or snugging the gland nuts as the first fix for any stem leak.
No more travel on the gland, the follower is bottomed out, so it needs a repack, not more torque.
Also heard as
- gland follower
- packing gland
- gland flange
Related terms
Packing
Compressible rings packed around a valve stem to stop process fluid leaking out to atmosphere.
Stem
The rod that carries motion from the handwheel, lever or actuator through the bonnet to the closure member.
Repack
To pull the old packing out of a valve stuffing box and install a new set of rings.
Weeping
Leaking a drop or wisp at a time from packing, a gasket, a threaded joint or a casting.