• PACKIN_GS AND GASKETS

Power Plant Basics

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r STUFFING
.. BOX

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by Bechtel Power Corporation

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I PACKINGS AND GASKETS

POWER PLANT BASICS

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BECHTEL POWER CORPORATION
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I This document is provided for the express use of training power plant
personnel. Any other use of this document requires the prior concurrence of
r Bechtel Power Corporation.
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PACK!NGS AND GASKETS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION l

II. DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS 2

A. Motion 2
B. Packing Designs 6
C. Gland Tightening Procedure 10
D. Packing Inspection 11
E. · Stuffing Box Design 12

III. PACKING CHARACTERISTICS 16

A. Types of Packing 16
B. Packing Design 21
c. Combining Packings for Results 23
D. Loose Fill Packing 27
E. Automatic Packing 31
F. 0-ring Seals 37

IV. PACKING INSTALLATION 41

A. Packing a Pump 41
B. Packing a Valve 47

v. GASKET INSTALLATION 48

A. Gasket Materials 48
B. Gasket Procedures 49
C. Prolonging Gasket Life 50

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 . II. DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

A. MOfION

The four forms of motion are: reciprocating motion, rotary motion, helical
motion, and swinging-rotary motion. This lesson will concentrate on the two
most common forms of motion encountered in the power industry, reciprocating
motion and rotary motion. Figure II-1 illustrates these two forms of
motion.

- RECIPROCATING MOTION ROTARY MOTION

FIGURE 11-1 FORMS OF MOTION

Packing must seal a moving part. The ideal condition for any seal is to
have a perfectly round shaft with a fine surface finish and running true.
In practice, this can be difficult to achieve in machinery that has been in
service for a period of time. Shafts usually run out at least a few
thousandths of an inch and can be grooved by over-tightened and hardened
packing. These conditions will not provide a good seal, regardless of the
packing condition.

Many operators ·are not aware that the packing in a centrifugal or

reciprocating pump must throttle leakage -- not stop it completely. This is
because the packing in the gland acts like a bearing and must be lubricated
as one. The packing contains a saturant which seeps out and helps lubricate
the shaft. When this is not practical, lubrication occurs from slight
leakage of fluid from inside the pump. When neither of these forms is
practical (as in the case of · pumps with zero leakage) another external
source of lubrication must be found. If packing is allowed to dry out, it
will run hot, harden, and then score the shaft - as would any other type of
bearing. As long as g~and leakage is not excessive in a pump, it should be
left alone. The technical manual should provide details about the amount of
leakage that should be permitted. The follow~ng instruction is co11D110nly
used, "The leak should not exceed the thickness of pencil lead." However,
this ip.struction should not be regarded as the rule. The correct procedure
is to adjust the gland nuts one flat, wait for a period of time, and observe
the gland carefully to ensure that there is no buildup of heat due to
friction from over-compressed packing. Repeat this procedure until there is
just sufficient leakage to guarantee no buildup of heat.

Recommended standards for the stuffing box of a reciprocating rod and a

rotating shaft· are illustrated in Figures II-2 and II-3 respectively.

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I SHAFT RANGE
5/8" To and Including 1 1/8" Shaft 5/16"
w

1 1/8° To and Including 1 7 /8" Shaft 2/8"

I 1 7/8" To and Including 3" Shaft

3" To and Including 4 3/4" Shaft
1/2"
5/8"
4 3/4" To and including 12" Shaft 3/4"
I Request sales engineers aid for packing on
shafts unde~ 5/S" diameter.

I The total depth of packing and

lantern gland is shown as
dimension "A". A standard depth
I of 7W (7 times packing space) is
used when lantern gland is in-
cluded or SW when lantern gland

11 is not included.

I LOCATING LANTERN GLAND: The dimension of 3W

(max.) is shown on the pressure side of the
GLAND ENTRANCE: A minimum of-1 W should be main-
tained to minimize the possibility of gland cocking
·Iantem gland and a dimension of 2W for the gland and for allowance of general varieties of packing.

I end of the stuffing box. In order to approximate a

balance of compression and sealing effort, due to
the initial compression taking place on the gland
CLEARANCES: Accepted machining practices should
be used to calculate clearances. Allowance for
thermal expansion and contraction of metals
side, this ratio was used.
should also be considered.
I GLAND TAKE-UP: In order to include those packings
which have the largest volume loss, the gland
SHAFT FINISHES: E_xpected packing life is directly re•
lated to shaft smoothness. Therefore, the finish of
take-up is limited to 40% of the packing. To
prevent galling of the shaft, take-up beyond 40% the shaft exterior should be the best economically
If is not recommended. Most damage is done during
the latter running life of packing. In this case,
possible.
PRESSURES: The dimensions given are interchange-
complete take-up will have taken place before able for use of both seals and soft packings up to
equipment is damaged and replacement of 200 psi. The ratio can go as high as 1 500 psi
packing would be indicated. when only soft packings are used. Please request
space requirements for seals above 200 psi from
LANTERN GLAND: Width of lantern gland is shown as
our sales engineers.
2W. Although 1 ½Wis adequate, it is felt that with
11 the effect of compression and loss of travel within
the range of the grease port, there is justification
(Recommendation for speed limits were not con-
sidered. Performance of the packing is directly
for the 2W width. In effect, the compression will related to the rotation of the shaft versus grade

ll partially take up the travel of the gland past the

lubricating port resulting in an actual dimension of
1½W.
and style of packing. High speed problems should
be referred to sales engineers for recommenda-
tions on specific requirements.)
CHAMFER DEPTH AND ANGLE: To allow free entrance
11 of packing, a minimum of 1/8" depth and 15° to
30° angle is recommended.

11 FIGURE 11-2 RECOMMENDED STANDARDS OF ROTATING

SHAFT STUFFING BOX DIMENSIONS

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 The total depth of packing is
shown as dimension "A". A
standard depth of 3W to SW (3
to 5 times packing space) is used
for reciprocating rods, rams and
plungers.

LANTERN GLAND: Specialized problems are en- CLEARANCE: Sealing gland clearances and minute
countered with the intended U$e of lantern glands holes shall be such as to prevent undue extrusion
on reciprocating rods. Therefore, their location of the sealing material. Cylinder bores with fitted
and use is not shown. Consult sales engineers for pistons shall have a finish consistent with the type
specific requirements. of service intended and be free of all defects.
GLAND TAKE-UP: In order to include those packings SURFACE FINISHES: The surface of the moving part
which have the largest volume loss, the gland should not have any sharp edges which could
take-up is limited to 33 1/3% of the packing. To damage the packing surfaces. A finish of 16 micro
prevent galling of the shaft, take-up beyond 33 inches rms should be the maximum for moving
1/3% is not recommended. Most damage is done elements and a finish of 32 micro inches rms
during the latter running life of packing. In this maximum is the limit for static seal installations.
case, complete take-up will have taken place PRESSURES: The dimensions on the illustration above
before equipment is damaged and replacement of will accommodate compression (Jam) or auto-
packing would be indicated. matic molded type packings in the pressure range
CHAMFER DEPTH AND ANGLE: To allow free entrance for which the packings are designed.
of packing, a minimum of 1/8" depth and 1 5° to (Recommendation for feet per minute were not
30° angle is recommended. considered. Performance of the packing is
GLAND ENTRANCE: A maximum of 1W should be main- directly related to the speed of the rod or plunger
tained to minimize the possibility of gland cocking versus grade and style of packing. High speed
and for allowance of general varieties of packing. problems should be referred to sales engineers
for recommendation on specific requirements.)

FIGURE 11-3 RECOMMENDED STANDARDS OF RECIPROCATING

ROD STUFFING BOX DIMENSIONS

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 B. PACKING DESIGNS

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There are three main categories of packings:

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o Jam
o Automatic
I o Floating

I Packing types are illustrated in Figure II-4.

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I JAM TYPES LIP TYPES SQUEEZE TYPES FLOATING TYPES

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SQUARE

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-•-- =J-- ::::~= ---==-=
' SEGMENTAL RINGS

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* ~= =--
WEDGE U-RING C-RING

I PISTON RINGS

T-!ING
I CONICAL FLANGE M-RING

I FIGURE 11-4 PACKING TYPES

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 Jam packing includes any packing that is jammed into a stuffing box and
periodically adjusted by tightening nuts down onto a gland. These packings
can be twisted, braided, woven, or laminated, and are made of rubber, hemp,
fiber, leather, etc. The materials are usually saturated with a lubricant
before being woven together.

The automatic types of packing usually require no gland adjustment. The

fluid sealed supplies the required pressure necessary to force the packing
segments against the wearing face. These packings are divided into the lip
and squeeze categories. The most familiar lip types are the cup, the
flange, and the U. The most familiar squeeze type is the simple O-ring.
Interference is built into the ring and is thus squeezed into an annular
groove.

The floating types of packing are the segmental rings of carbon, plastic,
and metal. These are held around the shaft or against the cylinder by

I springs.
classification.
Piston rings with their in-built tension fall in this

I Having described the three general classifications of packing, we will learn

how the jam types seal, and the importance of packing volume.

I When packing volume is overlooked, far-reaching consequences can be the

I result.
result
Glands are more commonly overpacked than underpacked, usually the
of an over-zealous mechanic who believes in quantity rather than
quality. When the gland follower does not compress the packing enough to
I enter the stuffing box, the packing may be forced, causing the gland seal to
start deteriorating. In addition to the premature failure of packing, the

I studs and nuts of the gland suffer undue stress and the packing binds on the
valve stem, or pump shaft, causing surface deterioration. This kind of

I mutilation can cause heavy financial loss (particularly in power stations)

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 and the complete overhaul or replacement of a unit. The mechanic who
originated the damage may be unaware of the havoc that he has caused. Thus,
correct packing volume is of extreme importance.

In Figure II-5, the sketch on the left sqows a stuffing box filled with four
rings of packing. This new packing is saturated with a lubricant and coated
with graphite. It occupies approximately 9 cubic inches of stuffing box

I space. The gland nuts are only handtight due to the new packing being just
installed.

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I . ~ 9 CU. INS--i ~5.4CU. INS-i
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I NEW PACKING SATURANT SQUEEZED OUT

FIGURE 11-5 PACKING VOLUME

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I The sketch on the right shows the same packing after it has been completely
compressed. It now occupies only 5.4 cubic inches since the lubricant has
been completely squeezed, melted, or washed out of the box. The packing has
I now reached its limit of compressibility; it has no more useful life, and it
must be replaced. It is poor economics and bad engineering to assume that

I it can be left until it leaks. At this point, particularly in a pump, it

will start to overheat and burn up, causing the shaft to score. The cost of

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I a new shaft far outweighs the cost of new packing.
never occur if good preventive maintenance is observed; therefore,
This situation should
it is
imperative that both operators and maintenance personnel work together to
I achieve this end.

I During the manufacture of packing, lubricant-impregnated

braided or twisted together to form the finished article.
materials
These lubricants
are

I are principally high temperature oil, flake graphite, and Tekrafluoro-ethyl-

. ene (TFE). This narrowed section can meet the needs of both stations and
industrial plants.
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As previously stated, the packing acts like a bearing and requires

I lubrication as any other bearing does.

happen in overtight packing.
Figure II-6 illustrates what can

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A. NEW PACKING . B. NO FLUID LEAKAGE C. FLUID LUBRICATES D. NO SATURANT LEFT

I SATU RANT OOZES OUT

FIGURE 11-6 SATURANT ACTING AS EMERGENCY LUBRICANT, SAVING OVERTIGHT PACKING

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Figure II--6a shows new packing before the gland has been tightened. When

I the pump is running, some of the saturant in the packing is lost due to
wash-out or squeeze-out, causing the packing to shrink slightly away from

I the shaft from volume loss. This action causes leakage of fluid from the
pump, and the gland is tightened to stop the fluid flow. At this point,

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 there is no lubrication from fluid flow, so the shaft begins to heat up from

I friction,
rise
and the temperature of the packing increases accordingly.
in temperature causes the lub.ricant to flow from the packing
The
(see
Figure II-6b). This lubricant is an emergency source only and as it is
squeezed out, the volume of the packing is further reduced. Fluid flow is
resumed which lubricates the shaft and removes the built-up heat as in
I Figure II-6c.

I At this point, the trouble can really begin. The operator will,
cases, attempt to tighten the gland to stop the leakage and, therefore, the
in most

I fluid flow. The temperature will build up again, melting more lubricant,
reducing volume, and starting flow from the pump as before. This process
continues until the saturant is exhausted and the maximum compressibility of
I the packing is reached. When the gland is tightened, the packing will burn
up and score .the shaft as shown in Figure II-6d.

I It should be apparent from this discussion that the packing volume taken up

I by a lubricant is most important.. How much saturant is considered correct?

Certain institutions will not accept a packing that contains more than 30

I percent of saturant by weight. Usually,

percent in most woven or braided packings.
saturant is much less
If a packing is over lubricated,
than 30

excess lubricant will wash out, or will be squeezed out, after it has been
I operating for some time. Too much saturant does not really do any good.
Due to the weight and volume taken up by the excess saturant, there is less

I fiber in the body to effectively seal the gland.

I Every mechanic who tightens a gland must understand this basic process or he
will score shafts, waste packing, and create more damage in outage and
maintenance expenditures.
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C. GLAND TIGHTENING PROCEDURE

I There is only one way to tighten a packing gland. If the gland leaks too

I much, tighten each nut a flat and no more. This represents a sixth of a

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turn. Wait for 10 minutes to allow the packing to adjust itself and reduce
11 the leakage. If there is still some excess leakage after the adjustment
period, repeat the procedure until the desired result is achieved.
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If glands have been tightened down on a pump or a piece of equipment that is

normally shut down overnight to prevent leakage, the glands should be
loosened before starting the unit. Failure to do so can result in packing
failure and damaged shafts.
I Repacking and adjusting glands should be done by experienced personnel

I only. Other personnel

pressure on the gland.
should be cautioned against applying
It should be made clear that excessive leakage is
too much

I not as hamful as too little. Do not attempt to reduce leakage to the

dripping state; it must be a steady flow in order to carry away the packing
friction heat. Unless the heat is carried off, the packing will burn up and
I sc·ore the shaft or sleeve.

I D. PACKING INSPECTION

I When packing is removed from a gland prior to repacking, all the old rings
should be examined in order to learn as much as possible about the cause of
packing wear. This inspection can turn up many clues that would help to
I correct a deficiency. Some of the more frequently encountered symptoms are
as follows:

I 1. Excessive Wear on Rings Which Are Nearest to The Gland, While

I the Bottom Rings Remain in Good Condition.

I This condition is usually created by the overtightening of

packing in one adjustment or by not inserting the packing rings one
the

at a time; and by pushing each ring home before inserting the

I following ring.

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2. Charring or Glazing of the Inner Circumference of the Rings.
I When this condition occurs, it has probably been caused by

I excessive heat build-up, insufficient lubrication,

packing material for the pressure and temperature conditions.
or inadequate

I 3. Wear and Glazed Marks on the Outer Circumference of the Rings.

I This condition is indicative of rotational movement within the

stuffing box.

I 4. Excessive Wear on One Selective Part of the Inner

I Circumference.

This condition may be caused by badly worn bearings or an

I unbalanced impeller condition.

I 5. Rings Bulge Into Open Spaces.

I This condition may occur if some of the packing rings are cut too
short or shrink excessively.

I At this point, the surface of the shaft or sleeve must be examined for
scratching, scoring, or indentations. If no indentations are apparent, all
I scratchmarks, etc., should be removed prior to installing the new packing.
The gland stuffing box area should be spotlessly clean.

I E. STUFFING BOX DESIGN

I The standard stuffing box design comprises a neck bushing, lantern ring,
sleeve around the shaft, and a gland follower. Figure II--7 illustrates a
I stuffing box design for glands using jam-type packing.

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 SHAFTSLEEV

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STUFFING BOX DETAILS

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I BEVEL END SQUARE END

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I BEVEL END (CONICAL RINGS)

I FIGURE 11-7 BASIC STUFFING BOX DESIGNS

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 The sleeve and neck bushings provide protection against wear for the shaft
I and pump casing. These items are dispensable, since they are less costly to
repair or replace than the items they protect. Nevertheless, good

I installation and maintenance practices ensure a long life of these items,

too. Grooving , of the pump sleeve or shaft is detrimental to packing,

I because the packing adjusts itself to the grooves each time the gland is
tightened, especially when the pump is stopped or started and when the shaft
expands or contracts. Bottom wear of the neck bushing is often apparent and
I is a good indication of bearing wear-down. It is good engineering practice
to ensure that the clearance between the shaft and bushing is uniform all

I around; this also takes a load off the packing.

I The lantern ring or seal cage serves several purposes.

be discussed in the following section.
Some of these will

I When a pump operates with negative suct1on head, the inner end of the
stuffing box is under a vacuum, and air tends to leak into the pump. For
Ii this type of service, the packing is usually divided into two sections by
the lantern ring or seal cage. See Figure II-8.

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I FIGURE 11-8 LANTERN GLAND OR SEAL CAGE

Ii Water or some other sealing fluid is supplied under pressure into the space,
causing flow of sealing fluid in both axial directions. This construction

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 is particularly useful in pumps handling flammable or chemically active and
dangerous liquids since it prevents outflow of the pump liquid. Seal cages
are usually split for insertion convenience.

Another function of the cage is to introduce an external means of

lubrication into the gland area to help protect the packing and increase its
life span. In some applications, the seal cage can be used to supply a
source of forced clean water against an abrasive fluid to save the shaft and
the packing.

Beveled ends in the stuffing box and on the leading face of the gland
follower are the subject of much controversy. The bevel design tends to
force the packing onto the shaft where sealing is needed most, thus giving
better sealing with less gland adjustment. However, this also tends to
cause extrusion of the end rings of packing, resulting in scored shafts and
deterioration of the packing itself. Many manufacturers of packing are
opposed to the bevel design in stuffing boxes, and recommend square ends.
In some designs of valves, the inclusion of a junk ring in the base of the
stuffing box can compensate for the extrusion. The junk ring can be made
from a soft packing and used in conjunction with plastic and metallic
packings. These packings have a tendency to extrude between the shaft and
the neck-bushing, creating contamination within the system. In nuclear
I work, this must be prevented at all costs.

I Clearance at the neck bushing and gland follower is very important.

clearance should be kept to a minimum as this provides less opportunity for
The

I the packing to extrude. It also reduces friction

Clearances will vary depending on the duty of the valve or pump, and also
against the shaft.

I the fluid that the gland is sealing against.

All of the foregoing measures must be considered each time maintenance has
I to be performed on a piece of equipment. If we expect packing to do its job
properly, the condition of the stuffing box, shaft, and clearances around

I the shaft are very important.

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. III. PACKING CHARACTERISTICS

I A. TYPES OF PACKINGS

I The most common and simplest fonn of packing has

packing is·frequently used in smaller valves.
twisted fibers.
An advantage of this type of
This

I packing is that it provides a great deal of flexibility, which is useful if

the valve is small and situated in cramped conditions. One size of packing
can be used for glands of various sizes. According to the requirements of
I the job, a mechanic can untwist enough fibers to suit the gland size or add
to the original strand to enlarge the packing. Do not attempt this

I procedure with braided packings as the fibers will disintegrate and become
useless.

I Braided packings are probably the most commonly used and are available in
cotton, jute, hemp, rayon, nylon, teflon, asbestos, and a wide range of
I metallic substances. Braidings can be one of three fonns: ~quare,
braid-over-braid, and interlocking. Illustrations of twisted and braided
I packings have been included in Figure
packings are described in the following sections.
III-1. These and other types of

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I TWISTED SQUARE BRAID-OVER-BRAID INTERLOCKING

I FIGURE 111-1 FORMS OF TWISTED AND BRAIDED PACKINGS

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I . III. PACKING CHARACTERISTICS

I A. TYPES OF PACKINGS

I The most common and simplest form of packing has

packing is·frequently used in smaller valves.
twisted fibers.
An advantage of this type of
This

I packing is that it provides a great deal of flexibility, which is useful if

the valve is small and situated in cramped conditions. One size of packing
can be used for glands of various sizes. According to the requirements of
I the job, a mechanic can untwist enough fibers to suit the gland size or add
to the original strand to enlarge the packing. Do not attempt this

I procedure with braided packings as the fibers will disintegrate and become
useless.

I Braided packings are probably the most commonly used and are available in
cotton, jute, hemp, rayon, nylon, teflon, asbestos, and a wide range of
I metallic substances. Braidings can- be one of three forms: ~quare,
braid-over-braid, and interlocking. Illustrations of twisted and braided
I packings have been included in Figure
packings are described in the following sections.
III-1. These and other types of

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I TWISTED SQUARE BRAID-OVER-BRAID INTERLOCKING

I FIGURE 111-1 FORMS OF TWISTED ANO BRAIDED PACKINGS

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1. SQUARE BRAID PACKING

I In square braid packing each strand passes under and over other
strands that run in the same direction. As no single strand is
linked to another, the strands are free to move and readjust to
uneven shaft movement, especially when the saturant is in good
condition.

2. BRAID-OVER-BRAID PACKING

I Braid-over-braid packing is a collection of braided tubes that are

built up, one on top of the other. .Each of the tubes is separate
I from the other, with the internal tube braided over a core of
twisted or braided fibers. This type of packing is round in shape
I as a result of the tubed construction,
square.
but is often calendared
This packing is rather dense, which makes it ideal for

I severe pressure. jobs, / but it must be used where the shaft is in

good condition.

I Interlocking braid provides packing with good survival capabilities

as wear does not loosen any strands. Each braided strand passes
I diagonally through the main body of the packing at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees. Since the packing is braided all the way

I through, it is extremely sturdy.

less prone to deformation when formed into rings.
Larger sizes of this packing are
Binders that are

I used with this packing include natural or synthetic rubber, mineral

or fatty oils, wax, shellac, and castor oil. Others have
chlorinated or fluorinated lubricants, high-flash mineral oil,
I glycerin, soap, or mixtures.

I When choosing a packing, the service of the system that it will go

into must be taken into consideration. Materials like jute,

I cotton, flax, rayon, or hemp are commonly used in water systems.

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I 1. SQUARE BRAID PACKING

In square braid packing each strand passes under and over other
strands that run in the same direction. As no single strand is
linked to another, the strands are free to move and readjust to
I uneven shaft movement, especially when the saturant is in good
condition.

I 2. BRAI:O-OVER-BRAID PACKING

I Braid-over-braid packing is a collection of braided tubes that are

built up, one on top of the other. .Each of the tubes is separate
I from the other, with the internal tube braided over a core of
twisted or braided fibers. This type of packing is round in shape
I as a result of the
square.
tubed construction, but is often calendared
This packing is rather dense, which makes it ideal for

I severe pressure. jobs, 'but it must be used where the shaft is in

good condition.

I Interlocking braid provides packing with good survival capabilities

as wear does not loosen any strands. Each braided strand passes
I diagonally through the main body of the packing at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees. Since the packing is braided all the way

I through, it is extremely sturdy.

less prone to deformation when formed into rings.
Larger sizes of this packing are
Binders that are

I used with this packing include natural or synthetic rubber, mineral

or fatty oils, wax, shellac, and castor oil. Others have
chlorinated or fluorinated lubricants, high-flash mineral oil,
I glycerin, soap, or mixtures.

I When choosing a packing, the service of the system that it will go

into must be taken into consideration. Materials like jute,

I cotton, flax, rayon, or hemp are commonly used in water systems.

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Materials with long, strong natural fibers have good wet strength

t characteristics,
reciprocating water pumps.
making them ideal packings for use in

I White asbestos is a good choice for use in alkaline and neutral or

weak acid solutions. Asbestos can be used in both reciprocating
t and rotary shaft pumps. The asbestos is mixed with approximately
20-percent cotton fibers for weaving purposes.

' Blue asbestos, as is all asbestos,

acids.
is highly resistant to strong
Its one disadvantage due to its natural coarseness is that
it can cause much wear on shafts. It is good engineering design to
include a lantern ring in the gland stuffing box of a pump which
pumps acid. This helps to prevent fluid leak.age in the gland
follower area.

Metallic-braided packings are naturally tough, so good lubrication

is a necessity. The shaft must run true because metallic packings
do not have any resiliency and cannot cope with shaft whip or
gyration. Under certain high-temperature conditions, metallic
packings may be the only solution because certain metals wear
shafts less than some fiber packings do.

Teflon-braided packings have long life expectancy in highly

corrosive fluids, but do not stand up to high-temperature
operations because of their high capacity for expansion.

3. WOVEN FIBER PACKING

This type of packing is made of fibers which are woven into cloth
and •reinforced with cotton, brass, or monel wire. Due to the
porosity of the materials, they are often impregnated with rubber
or compound which also helps to hold the wrapped folds together.

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- JL •··. JL,. .........L.

a. Crimped Packing

This type of packing is manufactured from continuous thin

ribbons of foil spirally and loosely wrapped, crinkled, and
folded, then squared to the required size. Each layer of foil
is lubricant saturated with oil and graphite. This not only
provides a seal, but also serves as a· lubricated metallic
bearing.
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b. Spiral Wound Packing
J
This type of packing is made from spirally-wrapped thin ribbons

I of soft metallic foil in a layer-over-layer

layer is lubricated with oil and graphite, which doubles as a
fashion. Each

I seal and a lubricated metallic bearing.

c. Lead Core Packing

I
This type of packing has an external fabric cover and a lead

I core, and provides good sealing and bearing lubrication at high

temperatures.

I 5. LEATHER PACKING

I Leather packing is probably one of the oldest used materials. It

is a natural product of interwoven fibers forming a fabric that is
I pliable, tough, and highly resistant to abrasion and wear.
packing is used on low temperature systems,
Leather
approximately

I 170 degrees, and many be used in either oil or water systems.

Leather packings are shown in Figure III-4.

I
I
I 20

I
I
I
I
I TRIPE U-COIL STITCHED WEDGES

I FIGURE 111-4 LEATHER PACKINGS

I The packing is made. up of opposing wedges of tallow-impregnated, oil-tanned

I leather, bound with linen-thread stitching and encased in a braided cotton

jacket. Thus the long-wearing properties of leather are combined with a low
coefficient of friction.
I
B. PACKING DESIGN
I If a packing is difficult to move against the shaft when tightened, it will

I be difficult to effectively control leakage with the gland.

to use the packing correctly, i.e., for the application for which it was
It is e~sential

I originally designed.
should be the most
Many people believe that the best material for the job
expensive. This is untrue as far as packing is
concerned, and should be completely eradicated from your thinking.
I Extensive research has been completed on the application and combinations of
certain materials in order to produce the best and most economical product

I for the job.

I The following sections review the designs and the application of the packing
forms shown in Figure III-5.

I
I
HOLLOW
CENTER • • SOFT
CORE
SOFT CORE,
ACCORDION
• •
SOFT CORE,
WRAPPED
BRAIDED CORE
AND,

=•
WEAVE WEAVE WRAPPED WEAVE

I BRAIDED WITH
SOFT BACK
LAMINATED
CROSS
EXPANSION
LAMINATED
WEDGE
WEDGE
AND
SOFT CORE

I FIGURE 111-5 VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION FORMS

I 21
I
I
I 1. HOLLOW-CENTER PACKING

Hollow-center packing is fabricated by taking a stiff fabric

I and forming it into rolls, leaving the core of the packing
hollow. The hollow space helps the packing to compress and

I expand.

I 2. SOFT-CORE PACKING

Soft core packing is made in the same manner as the hollow-core

I packing, but the fabric is wrapped around a soft rubber core.
The rubber core gives the packing resilience and some life, but
I it is not useful in high temperature applications.
temperatures, the rubber core will harden, causing
With high
rapid

I deterioration of the packing.

I a. Soft-Core, Accordion-Weave Packing

In soft-core, accordion-weave packing, the soft-core is placed

I above
potential
the accordion-weave
heat sources and
to keep
subsequent
it farthest
deterioration.
away from
This

I design enables
resilient capability.
the packing to last longer
Care should be taken to ensure that the
and retain its

I soft core is always kept to the outside of the stuffing box

wall.

I b. Soft-Core, Braided Packing

I Braided
soft-~ack
packing
should
with
be
soft-core
treated with
and
the
braided
same
packing
care as
with
other

I soft-core packings.
applications.
They should be kept for low temperature

I
I 22

I
 3. LAMINATED CROSS-EXPANSION PACKING

Laminated cross-expansion packing has more lateral movement than

the same material placed with the grain running at 90 degrees to
the shaft. However, when a turn of packing is made of two pieces
of laminated packing to form a wedge, the outer. half wedges the
inner half against the shaft to effect the seal.

4. CORE-AND-WEDGE PACKING

Core-and-wedge construction provides even more lateral movement

than its laminated counterpart. A combination of a full turn of
braid-over-braid packing with a full turn of wedge-cut laminated
paeking is usually more resilient than the laminated type on its

I own.
alone.
Laminated packing gives more stiffness than braid with core

I There are many other types of packings available. Usually the more
resilient packings are best for rods or shafts that run out, have
I shoulders and grooves, or cannot be shut down for major repairs.

I C. COMBINING PACKINGS FOR RESULTS

I We have looked at most of the major jam-type packings.

these, there are combination sets that can be made up
In addition to
for particular
applications.
I
Figure III-6 shows a combination set of packing rings made up from different
I types of packing. The set contains:

I o Two rings of all-metallic, spirally-wound, babbitt foil

I o One ring of dry-braided asbestos and crinkled babbitt foil

I 23

I
I]
I
I 0 Three semi-metallic rings with metallic-wearing faces

o One ring loose filled with asbestos, soft metal, particles and
I graphite

I
I
I FIGURE 111-6 COMBINATION SET OF PACKING RINGS

I This combination is particularly useful for systems carrying naptha and

lighter hyd~o-carbons up to 450 Fon reciprocating plungers or rods. Figure

I III-7 shows a combination set which consists of five leather wedge rings set
between end rings of braided copper. These copper rings serve as neck
bushings which provide large clearances and are suitable for high
I pressures. When the shafts are bronze or brass, the copper rings can be
substituted by laminated fabric rings. This combination can be ideally used
I for cold or lukewarm triplex pumps, hydraulic presses, and accumulators.

I
I
I FIGURE 111-7 COMBINATION SET OF LEATHER WEDGE
RINGS SET BETWEEN BRAIDED COPPER END RINGS

I Figure III-8 depicts a combination of diagonally-shaped rings

molded from shredded composition lead foil, and bonded with compound and
that are

I graphite. Babbitt separator rings are inserted between the composition

rings to improve the sliding wedge action and serve as fluid dam rings. The

I
I 24

I
I
t
lantern ring in this set is for lubrication purposes from an external

t source. This combination set can be used on rotary compressors pumping

Freon, ammonia, co 2 , and other gases.

r
J
I FIGURE 111-8 COMBINATION SET OF DIAGONALLY-SHAPED RINGS

f Figure III-9 depicts a combination set of duck-and rubber hollow-center

rings ·with alternate rings of braided flax inserted and bound on three sides
I by a duck-and-rubber channel. The duck-and-rubber material acts as a wiper
on the shaft and serves to protect the flax insert. From low to high
I pressure hydraulic service in.hot or cold water systems, this combination is
ideal for efficient and long service applications. It also adjusts very

f well to misalignment in shafts. As the flax is flexible, it retains the

lubricant in the set and helps to do an efficient job.

I
I
l FIGURE 111-9 COMBINATION SET Of DUCK AND
RUBBER HOLLOW-CENTER RINGS

r Figure III-10 depicts a combination set of metallic rings having flexible

fiber backing rings with laminated duck--and--rubber end rings to keep the
r metal from extruding. The backing rings give the metal the needed
resilience to move with shaft movements. This makes a low-friction shaft
f packing set that adjusts to the shaft with little gland pressure. Metal is
molded to the shaft size and grooved to assist the lubricant or fluid being

I
I 25

I
II
II
Ir
II',
FIGURE 111-12 MOLDED RUBBER RINGS

ll
I! D. LOOSE FILL PACKING

E There are two basic types of loose fill packings'available:

m o Loose asbestos

11 o Separate pellets, shreds, or particles of lead

II Both types are classified as plastic sine~ the ingredients are not bonded
and the mass of the packing conforms easily to the shape of the shaft.
Loose fiil materials are illustrated in Figure III-13.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I 27

I
 LOOSE FILL (BULK) LOOSE FILL (MOLDED)

LOOSE FILL (STICK)

LOOSE FILL (ENCASED) WOOD AND METAL SHREDDED METAL (BULK)

FIGURE 111-13 LOOSE Fill MATERIALS

Ii Various materials and their uses are described in the following sections.

If l. ASBESTOS FIBER PACKING

1, Packings that contain a high percentage of asbestos fibers can be

used effectively under high temperature working conditions without

11

11
28

Ii
I
I
I fear of hardening or disintegration of the bonding.
filter packing has no cotton binding to worry about.
This type of
Since it is
well saturated with graphite and powdered mica for lubrication, it
I is ideal for work in high temperature conditions.

I 2. METAL TYPE PACKING

I This type of packing is mostly lead,

chemical resistance characteristics.
and has low frictional and
Metal type packing should not
be used on soft brass or bronze shafts under 450 Brinel l because
I lead has a tendency to stick to this shaft material. The shredded
or pellet forms have space in them for high temperature grease and
I graphite to provide lubrication.

I 3. WOOD AND METAL TYPE PACKING

This type of packing utilizes combinations of redwood

diamond-shaped chips and metal, or white pine bits and equal parts
of lead. The wood is soaked and saturated with lubricant and mixed
with graphite. The metal does most of the sealing and the wood
retains the lubricant.

I When compressed 1.n the stuffing box, the material forms a tight

I ring.

4. SHREDDED TEFLON PACKING

I
This type of packing is effective against strong concentrated acids

I such as sulfuric,
caustic solutions.
chromic, nitric, and hydrofluoric,
It can also be used successfully on gaseous
and most

I systems. Teflon, a plastic type material, will melt if used in

high temperature applications. The recommended temperature limits

I
I 29

I
E
ti -·
I are 40 to 450 F (-40 to +232 C).
surfaces (2 to 4 microinches RMS)
Teflon requires extremely smooth
on shafts or stems to seal
properly. 'lbe seal will leak if the stem or packing surface is
I damaged. Teflon has an inherent ability to minimize
Teflon packings with spacers are illustrated in Figure ·III-14;
friction.

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I TEFLON LOOSE-Fl LL

I FIGURE 111-14 LOOSE-fill PACKINGS WITH SPACERS

I
5. GASKETS AND PACKING

I Figure III-14 shows Teflon gaskets being used as barriers or dams

I to prevent fluid from leaking through. These gaskets must be a

perfect fit in the stuffing box and around the shaft, each gasket

I
I 30

I
I
I
I staggered 180 degrees from its predecessor. Each gasket must be
firmly tamped down on its ring, very carefully so that it does not

I foul-up in the box.

E. AUTOMATIC PACKING
I 1. CUP PACKING

I Cups are both a dynamic and a static seal. Cup packing has a

I pressure gradient along the sidewall or lip. Inside the cup, on

the fluid side, there is full fluid pressure which exerts maximum
pressure at the lip, decreasing to zero at the base. To ensure lip
I contact, the cup has an outward flare. For low pressure loads, an
expander ring is placed around the inside lip to force it agains·t

I the cylinder.
contact.
Excessive leakage can be heavy if the lip looses
To ensure good sealing qualities, the piston must be

I properly supported and the cup must be in good condition.·

Keep clearance small between the piston and cylinder in order to

I prevent extrusion at the heel of the cup. Figure III-15 shows cup
packing details.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I 31

I
I
I
I
I CUP

I
I ASSEMBLY
I!
I
I
DETAILS
1. FIGURE 111-15 CUP PACKING DETAILS

I
I 2. FLANGE PACKING

I Flange packings are really inverted cups and work in the same way

I as cup packings. They a~e used on shafts or plungers with small

cross-sectional widths where a U- or V-type is not practical.

I The flange area forms a gasket (static seal) when the follower is
tightened, thus forming a mechanical seal around the shaft. A

I flange packing is illustrated in Figure III-16.

I
I 32

I
I"
I'.·
r:,,
!··
•.••.•·

FLANGE

I FIGURE 111-16 FLANGE PACKING

I
I 3. U-RING PACKING

I U-ring packing is a combination of cup and flange designs.

·U-ring is pressure .driven both against the supporting wall and the
The

shaft.
I
The main advantage of this type of packing is that its flexible

I lips provide
friction.
good sealing capabilities with very
This means that some harder materials can be used and
little added

I diametral tolerances do not need to be very close.

an important consideration when machinery must run for long periods
This factor is

of time.
I
Friction is very low under no-load conditions due to the clearance
I between the heel of the ring and the cylinder.
brings the heel into contact with the cylinder and causes it to
Increasing pressure

I press against it. While no-load friction is small,

friction is much the same as for rectangular packing of equal width
high-load

I and material. U-ring packing is illustrated in Figure III-17.

I 33

I
ll
J

It
I LIP INTERFERENCE

I
THIS PACKING

I U-RING
SEALS ~HAFT AND
THE BOX BORE.

I FIGURE 111-17 U-RING PACKING

I
I
I 4. AUTOMATIC AND SEMIAUTOMATIC TYPE PACKING

Figure III-18 shows some of the semiautomatic lip-type packings

I that are available. All of these designs indicate that some
adjustment is required. The adjustment is dependent on the sealing
I sensitivity
specialized
required
claims that
for
are
correct
made
operation.
by manufacturers
Whatever
for
the
their

I products, all designs require header and follower rings as support

and actuating elements. Certain designs specify spring-loaded

I devices to provide continuous and equal adjustment forces at all

times, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the gland.

I
I
I
I 34

I
-----------------------
(1

fl
ll
11
ll
I
I
I V-RING

I
I
I
I A B

I
I SOFT RINGS
D

I FIGURE 111-18 SEMIAUTOMATIC LIP-TYPE PACKINGS

I
I 35

I
I V-rings
U-rings.
generally require more rings in
This feature provides many advantages such as sturdy
the stuffing box than

I construction, gradual pressure breakdown, and more sealing edges.

In addition, the gland can be packed without tearing the unit down;
as the rings form a nest, the tightening of the gland spreads the
rings throughout the set; different materials can be utilized in
the same set, and if one ring fails the next ring will take over,

I thus preventing premature shutdown of the unit.

I.·.•
l
In excess of 3000 psi,
2
(211 Kg/cm ) , metal separators should be
used to stiffen up the seal and prevent distortion. As the entire
fluid load acts on the bottom against the top female adapter, the
top rings will carry most of the load. Top rings, therefore, tend
to-fail first. For extreme pressures, top female adapters of metal
I should be used to prevent rings underneath from deforming.

I! To ensure initial interference and immediate sealing, tapered lips

should be used. The male bottom adapter is grooved and drilled to

I1:ii conduct pressure to lips of succeeding V-rings.

automatic lip action and creates a positive seal under pressure on
This ensures

each side of the ring because of ports cut in the top of the
I'·•. \.
(c/

(i
rings.

Referring again to Figure III-18, sketch A_ shows M-type packing.

This type of packing is really a U-type with a built-in

I;.·· .'
:H

.d
load-bearing pedestal underneath
performs as a unit automatic lip-sealing ring.
each ring. Each ring
The gland should be
thus

I.•_u·.•
fj
[} kept in a slightly tightened condition, because gland pressure is
not required due to the sealing effect of the materials used in the
packing and system pressures. Followers prevent distortion of

Ii support elements in the rings.

II
II 36

I
 In sketch B, Figure III-18, the packing combines features of low
frictional contact with the shaft and sealing action against the
entire stuffing-box area. The pressure within the gland firmly
seats the packing in the stuffing box without increasing friction
between the moving parts. This is a combination lip- and
solid-type packing. The solid part takes the gland pressure which
leaves the flexible lips free to seal.

f
Sketch C, Figure III-18, shows a combination. of positive,
non-yielding properties of solid packing with automatic sealing of
the lip ring. The soft rubber cushion between the rings squeezes
against the rough wall of the stuffing box and stops the leakage.
I This form of packing cannot roll or ride along the shaft.

I Sketch D, Figure III-18, uses

forced back against the shaft by the fluid pressure.
packing which has flexible
This friction
lips

I is reduced slightly on the return stroke of the shaft.

F. 0-RING SEALS
I
The 0-ring is a packing seal that has been used for nearly 100 years.

I However,
0-rings
it has only become
are compact and double-acting;
really popular
that is,
during the last
they seal effectively
20 years.
in

I both directions. Their compactness is an important trait.

0-rings are so named because they form a complete circle around the shaft.
I They can be either round, square, T-shaped, or triangular. Failure from
faulty installation is rare because the a-ring can be installed only one
I way, unless it is inadvertently twisted during installation. They also need
no adjustment as they are compressible from both the pressure of the system

I and of that between the wall

adapting an 0-ring to a stuffing box.
and the shaft. Figure III-19 illustrates

I
I 37

I
 BORE SEAT

ADAPTER - - - •

SHAFT SEAL

FIGURE 111-19 ADAPTING O-RING TO STUFFING BOX

A certain amount of interference is built into an 0-ring which causes it to

be squeezed· against sliding and static surfaces without the added pressure
from the gland.

A drawback of the 0-ring is extrusion, which is caused by pressure.

Pressure deforms the rubber to the extent that it flows into clearances in a
direction away from the pressure. The amount of extrusion is determined by
the pressure, the material's hardness, and the mechanical clearance between
the stationary and moving parts of the equipment. Different designs of
backing rings are used to prevent extrusion, and may be made from materials
such as thermo-setting plastics or Teflon.

Rubber 0-rings should not be used in oil systems. Oil causes a chemical
reaction when it interacts with rubber, breaking it down and causing
leakage. However, 0-rings can be used in oil systems as long as they are
made of materials that will not disintegrate when they come into contact
with oil. Before installing an 0-ring, it is advisable to check the
technical manual to find the correct material for use in the system.

38
 Figure III-20 shows how pressure affects the 0-ring. Under static
conditions, the internal pressure of the 0-ring tends to squeeze lubricant
film out, leaving rubber-to-metal contact. When motion starts, the O-ring
will roll slighty, permitting a film of fluid to form between the ring and
the metal. Later, the rolling action changes to sliding motion. This
rolling actions reduces starting friction.

/INTERFERENCE

ZERO PRESSURE

AT REST

I
TI
O-RING
_...,
•oo~,
I RING MOVES OVER

I BACK-UP RING

I FLATTENS MORE

I 1500 PSI

I BACK-UP RINGS EXTRUDES

......... EXTRUSION

I 3000 PSI

HIGHLY COMPRESSED

I FIGURE 111-20 HOW 0-RINGS ARE AFFECTED BY PRESSURE

I
I 39

I
I
1i

Figure III-21 illustrates T-shaped ring application. At zero pressure,

there is clearance between the flanges of the resilient T.-ring and back-up
rings. The clearance helps to minimize friction at low pressure. As
pressure increases, the T-ring deforms and swells radially under the back-up
rings at the back end. This _action forces the rings against the cylinder,
thus closing piston clearance space. Under full pressure, the back-up rings
are held firmly against the cylinder wall. The resilient T-ring is held
IiI? tightly against the back-up rings, thus preventing the softer material from
extruding into the clearance. The design is such that the back-up rings
move automatically, but gradually, and form a seal under increasing
pressure.

ZERO PRESSURE PRESSURE MORE PRESSURE

PISTON

SHAFT

FIGURE 111-21 T-SHAPED RING APPLICATION

40
 IV. PACKING INSTALLATION

A. PACKING A PUMP

The following step-by-step illustrations show how to pack a pump.

PREPARE THE EQUIPMENT

Wl1h 1he motor and pr•ure off, re-
move all 1he old packing wi1h packing
hooks, being c:areful not to damage
1hl shaft or slaew. This maani all rings,
ewn 1he lantern ring and rings below
1hel111t1m,

Clean 1he stuffing box. Exemine 1he

shift and/or slnw. If scorld or deeply
grooved, replace and dun the bore.

FIGURE IV-1 STEP 1: PREPARATION

CHECK RUN-OUT OF SHAFT OR STEM-sTEP 2

--=-~::::::::• \I
FIGURE IV-2 STEP 2: CHECK RUN-OUT OF SHAFT OR STEM

41
A. Cut the first ring on the
pump shaft. Then, using a
prepared maple cutting
board, cut each additional
ring.

OR:

B. Cut each ring on the

pump shaft,making sure
you DO NOT nick or
score the shaft.
CUTTING BOARD
·The board is made by in•
scribing 45° angle lines
in ½" increments across
a maple board.

RIGHT WRONG

FIGURE IV-5b STEP 5: Al TERNATE METHODS OF CUTTING RINGS

44
~.'.
'.

A. Install one ring at a time.

B. Make sure the ring is clean.
C. Where compatible, lubricate lightly
on ID and OD with a suitable lubricant.
D. Use split bushings to install each
ring.

h PACKING SPLIT PACKING

FOLLOWER BUSHING

n A tamping stick may be used, if

split bushings are not available.

tt DO NOT USE A SCREWDRIVER.

n
n

E. Stagger joints 90° apart.

If only two rings are used,
stagger joints 180° apart.

F. When putting rings around

I the shaft use an "S" twist.

DO NOT BEND OPEN.

I "S" TWIST
WRONG

I FIGURE IV-6 STEP 6: METHOD OF INSTALLATION

I '45

I
I..
G. When the last ring has been installed,
.
there should be enough room to insert
; the gland follower 1/8" to 3/16".

I
I
I:

I.,
,(
H. Take up the gland bolts with a wrench to seat and form the packing to the stuffing box and

I;
shaft. loosen gland unuts, and let packing expand. Rotate shaft by hand to get running
i
clearance. Then re-tighten gland nuts finger tight only. Again rotate shaft by hand to make
sure packing is not too tight.

I;i I. Start the pump, allowing the stuffing

box to leak freely, then take up on the
J. To insure long service life, allow ad-
equate break in time for a set of new
gland· bolts one flat at a time until the packings.

I l
1
desired leakage is obtained, and the
pump is running cool. K. if a lantern ring (seal cage, water cage)
is provided, make sure the latern ring is
installed under the pipe tap hole.
I
I
I
I ------- ----------
I LANTERN RING IN PROPER POSITION. LANTERN RING NOT IN PROPER POSITION.
NOTE: If lubrication is not used, remove lantern ring and replace wi'th packing.

I FIGURE IV-6 STEP 6: METHOD OF INSTALLATION (continued)

I 46

I
 I
I
I
I
GLANI
I

B. PACKING A VALVE I
I
I
I

Figure IV-7 illustrates how to pack a valve.

I
I

I
I

JI
A. Packing a valve is similar to packing a pump.
The object is to prevent leakage, yet maintain
lc;,w friction for easy stem movement.
I
I

B. In packing a valve, follow the first 3 steps in

I
I

packing a pump.
C. With valves, it is preferred that the packing be
I
I

cut at a 45° angle for the best seal under static

conditions.
I
I

D. Each packing ring must be seated individually

with a packing driver.
I
I

E. When all rings are seated, the gland should be

I
I
STUFFING
BOX
tightened to a point where resistance is felt.
· The packing should then be seated. Once "on
line," an adjustment may be necessary.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE A SCREWDRIVER. PACKING

DRIVER

PACKING
RING

FIGURE IV-7 PACKING A VALVE

47
 V. GASKET INSTALLATION

A. GASKET MATERIALS

Until recently, the sealing of fixed steam joints was satisfactorily

performed by gaskets made from compressed asbestos sheet packing. This
packing was composed of approximately 85 percent asbestos fibers and 15
percent rubber compounds. In view of the relatively high rubber content of
the material, the use of this type of gasket has· been limited by modern
temperature considerations. Present-day pressures and temperatures have
prompted the use of new designs and materials that are strong enough to
withstand the conditions imposed on them. These materials range from rubber
for cold water systems to solid iron rings for high-pressure steam joints.
Table V-1 shows some typical materials, uses, and temperature exposures.

Usual temperature
Gasket Material Fluid ~F (Maximum)

Red rubber Steam, air, water 250

Asbestos composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steam, water, oil 750
Fiber and paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . Oil 200
Synthetic rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . Oil 200
Copper, corrugated or plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steam or water 600
Steel, corrugated or plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . Steam or water 1000
Stainless steel, 12-14% chromium, corrugated ............ . Steam or water 1000
Hydrogen-annealed furniture iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steam or water 1000
Monel, corrugated or plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steam or water 1000
Ingot iron, special gasket for ring-type joint ..•............ Steam, water, oil 1000

TABLE V-1 GASKET MATERIALS

48
 B. GASKET PROCEDURES

Hand-cut gaskets for raised-face flanges should fit nearly inside the bolts
and extend to, but not beyond, the edge of the pipe opening. See Figure
[]
V-1.

FIGURE V-1 RAISED-FACE FLANGE AND GASKET

If the joint is frequently broken, it is advisable to coat at least one side

of the gasket with graphite to prevent it sticking to the flange face. It
is a good practice when using a soft material gasket to take up on the bolts
periodically, especially if the pipe is in hot service.

The ideal joint is one that relies on face-to-face contact. In order to

achieve this, both mating faces must be absolutely flat and true to each
face. This type of joint is expensive in terms of time to achieve, but it
provides only one source for leakage to occur. A gasketed joint provides
two potential sources of leakage, one on each side of the gasket. The joint
with the gasket is still the least expensive to maintain.

49
I
I
C. PROLONGING GASKET LIFE
I Procedures that will prolong gasket life are listed below.

I 1. Remove corrosion and burrs from seal surface. Make flanges as

they should be
I parallel as possible. If flanges are warped,
refaced to ensure that the gasket will compress evenly over the
area of the flange.
I 2. Ensure that the correct material specified for the gasket is

I being used.

I 3. Always use the thinnest gasket possible. If flange surfaces

are rough and cannot be refaced, use a thicker gasket.

I 4. Use a metal spacer with a gasket on either side if the flanges

are too far apart.

I (~: With a high pressure system, it is considerably safer

than using a very thick gasket.)

I s. Where practical, always use· a good quality gasket cutter.

Where possible, avoid cutting a gasket out by hammering on the
I material against the flange. The hammer action tends to cause
lumps in the gasket material which may prevent the flanges from
I seating properly.

I 6. Always cut the bolt holes slightly larger than the bolt size.
This ensures that the gasket will not bulge around the bolts

I 7.
and prevent the joint from seating properly.

Ensure that the gasket is correctly sized. This will help

I minimize the possibility of having to machine the faces of the

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I 50

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I flange next time the joint is opened up. Incorrect sizing may

I lead to the erosion of exposed flange faces.

I 8. In order to keep hydrostatic end force to a minimum and to

ensure that there will be no internal obstruction to flow, the
internal diameter of the gasket should always exceed the
I internal diameter of the pipe.

I 9. If the joint is to be broken at frequent intervals,

advisable to.graphite one or both sides of the gasket to enable
it is

I the joint to break free without tearing the gasket.

-
(Note: Never use oil. Oil can very easily contaminate a
system, and it attacks any rubber which may be in the gasket.)
I
10; Always run a die-nut down the bolt threads and a tap through

I the nuts before reusing them in the joint. It is good practice

and common sense to smear the threads with graphite pastes or

I some similar compound to prevent thread seizure.

11. Figures V-2 through V-9 show standard sequence procedure for
I tightening up a joint without the possibility of "cocking" the
joint. Torque bolts to ensure that all of them have been
I tightened evenly.
subsequent breakages.
This helps reduce unnecessary stress and

I 12. Minimize inventory by standardizing gasket materials and

I thickness. Determine grades for the various jobs within the

station and do not deviate from them.

I
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I 51

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I used on crankcase doors or strainers,
13. On gaskets which are

I etc., shellac the gasket to the main housing if they are to

frequently opened for cleaning or inspection. Smear a little
be

I grease on the other side of the gasket.

14. Where indentations or scratch marks exist across the face(s) of

the flange, always interrupt the potential flow path of fluid
by machining a circular V-groove in both flanges.

If these procedures are followed, there should be no problems in servicing

and maintaining the equipment for which you are responsible. By doing the
job correctly the first time, you will hava contributed greatly to your own
success, and you will save your company needless time and money for
repairs.

I
I
I!
I
I
I
I
I
I
I 52

I
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I
I
I
I
I FIGURE V-2 STEP 1

I Alway open drain to relieve pressure before breaking any

pressure-vessel joint. Remove all bolts if flanges are sealed
with a full gesket. If gesket is ring-tYpe, remove only enough
bolts to slip old gasket out and to in11rt new gasket.

I
I
I
I FIGURE V-3 STEP 2
A flange spreader should be used to open joint. It may be

I FIGURE V-4 STEP 3

necenary to u11 two spreaders on some joints-depending
on circumference of joint.

I If a flange spreader is not accessible, steel wedges, driven in

at opposite edgas, may be used. Scrape out and remove any
particles of old gasket that may remain. Extreme care should
be used so as not to scratch face of flange.

I
FIGURE V-6 STEP 4
The bolt circle (diameter to center of hole) is found by
measuring from extreme opposite tops or bottoms of holes.
Radius of bolt circle is equal to half the diameter.

53
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I
I
I
I
I FIGURE V-6 STEP 5

I Draw a line through circle's center 10 locate opposite holes.

On a six hole flenge, the radius is the distance between bolt
hole centers on the bolt circle.
FIGURE V-7 STEP 6

I it the flange is accessible, tracing a gaskets form on the flange

is often faster. To accomplish this process, graphite the
flange, press gasket material against the flange and remove
gasket material. The graphite will leave an impression on the

I material and gasket can then be cut to exact dimensions.

I FIGURE V-8 STEP 7 -

Either type of gasket cutter illustrated can be used to cut

I gesket. Use of a tin snip is the next best way. Never hammer
out gasket as this causes lumps. Place material on a piece of
hard wood before punching out holes. This will protect the
punch edge and giw a cleaner cut.

I
I
I FIGURE V-9 STEP 8
Leave one corner on gasket so that it can be held in place

I during installation. Insert one bolt through flanges and

gasket. Rotate gasket in place and insert remaining bolts
and nuts. Tighten nuts and trim off excess gasketing material.
Release pressure through line and when line is under full

I pressure, ratighten all nuts in the sequence shown.

I·
• 54