Tech Talk - Stationary Equipment Sealing

Disc Springs — How long do they last?

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL LIFESPAN OF A DISC SPRING ASSEMBLY?
The life of a live load assembly is dependent upon several
factors including but not limited to:
 Spring Material Operating Temperature
 Environmental Conditions Thermal Cycling
 Application Initial Bolt load
 Actuation Spring Loading/unloading
(cycling)
The condition of the disc springs in a disc spring assembly
is the critical factor that determines the effective service life
of the assembly. It is impossible to accurately predict the
service life of an assembly. While not typical, Chesterton is
aware of valve live load assemblies that have been suc-
cessfully utilized in the field for periods of 10 to 15 years!
HOW DO THE FACTORS ABOVE AFFECT DISC SPRINGS?
In harsh environmental conditions, the disc spring material
must be carefully selected to prevent corrosion and spring
cracking. Temperature limits and general corrosion infor-
mation for Chesterton disc springs can be found in the
table below.
The service life of a live load assembly is also affected by
the type of equipment that the assembly is installed on
(valve, pump, flange, heat exchanger, etc.). Live load as-
semblies that are installed on equipment that rotates or
actuates frequently (cyclically) may not last as long as live
load assemblies installed on stationary equipment (static).
Over time, high initial bolt loads, cyclical loading and un-
loading, and thermal cycling will reduce the recoverability
of the disc springs. As the springs slowly yield over time,
the springs will not recover to their original overall height,
thus reducing the springs effective working travel.
Chesterton 5150 5500
Disc Springs (Valves / Pumps) (Flanges)
17-7 PH Stainless 17-7 PH Stainless
Materials
steel steel
CAN A LIVE LOAD ASSEMBLY BE RE-USED?
The working travel of a spring is defined by the following equa-
tion:
Travel = Overall Height - Thickness
Standard 5150 disc springs are designed to be compressed
between 50-75% of their initial height at installation. Flange
disc springs are designed to be compressed completely flat at
installation. In many non-critical applications, live loading as-
semblies can be re-used as long as the springs meet the fol-
lowing general guidelines (it is always recommend to con-
sult with engineering for a professional perspective on
your application):
1. There should be no obvious wear, cracks, corrosion, or
other visible defects on any of the springs in an assembly.
2. Before re-use, determine if the springs overall uncom-
pressed height is within 50% of its original value. If the
spring does not meet this requirement, it should not be re-
used.
3. A standard 5150 disc spring should not be compressed flat
when the recommended torque is applied.
In critical applications (high temperature/pressure, low emis-
sions, safety related, etc.), it is not recommended to re-use a
live load assembly without consulting with Mechanical Packing
Application Engineering who designed the live load assembly.
Additionally, A.W. Chesterton offers a low emission flange war-
ranty, guaranteeing disc spring life for a period of 3 years if
warranty conditions are met.
Figure 1—Cross-sectional view of a disc spring
5500I 5505L 5505H
(Flanges) (Flanges) (Flanges)
FV520B Stainless steel Chromium steel H13
Inconel® 718
alloy with oxide coating

-400°F to 575°F -400°F to 575°F -423°F to 1300°F -148°F to 662°F 32°F to 1100°F
Temperature
(-240°C to 302°C) (-240°C to 302°C) (-253°C to 704°C) (-100°C to 350°C) (0°C to 593°C)

Corrosion Resist. Good Good Very Good Good Average

Table 1—Chesterton Springs, Material, Temperature, & Corrosion Resistance

A.W. Chesterton Company
860 Salem Street, Groveland, MA 01834 USA
Tel: (781) 438-7000 Fax: (781) 438-8971 www.chesterton.com
© A.W. Chesterton Company, 2014 All rights reserved.
® Registered trademark owned and licensed by A.W. Chesterton Company
in USA and other countries, unless otherwise noted.
Technical data reflects results of laboratory tests and is intended to indicate general characteristics only.
A.W. Chesterton Company disclaims all warranties expressed, or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose or use. Liability, if any, is limited to product replacement only. Any images contained herein are for
general illustrative or aesthetic purposes only and are not intended to convey any instructional, safety, handling or usage or
advice respecting any product or equipment. Please refer to relevant Safety/Product Data Sheets, and/or Product Labels for
safe use, storage, handling, and disposal of products, or consult with a local Chesterton sales representative. 10 2015