What does the packing gland do in a service valve?

The packing gland in a service valve serves a critical function by preventing refrigerant from escaping the system. It serves as a seal around the valve stem, ensuring that when the valve is closed, no refrigerant can leak out. This is essential for maintaining system integrity, efficiency, and safety, as any refrigerant loss can lead to reduced performance, increased operational costs, and potential environmental hazards.

Additionally, the packing gland provides the necessary mechanical support to allow the valve to operate effectively, but its primary role is to create a tight seal to contain the refrigerant. This functionality is crucial in any refrigeration or air conditioning system to ensure that the refrigerant cycle can operate as intended, thus contributing to the overall efficiency of the system.