Packing

John Crane Mechanical Maintenance Training Center

Compiled by John G. Ciffone, Director Mechanical Maintenance Training Center November 1994

Packing
Packing as a seal is the throttling or restriction of leakage between a moving and stationary part. This motion can be rotary, reciprocating, helical or swinging rotary. One or more of these motions occur in pumps, valves, compressors, cylinders, presses, blowers, fans, autoclaves, mixers, condensers, or heat exchangers. In some, the amount of motion is almost imperceptible, such as the movement of a tube within the tube sheet in a heat exchanger. On the other hand, motion in pumps can be fantastically high, as in centrifugal pumps where peripheral speeds of 7000, 8000 and 10,000 fpm are encountered. Add to this factor of speed the problems of temperature, pressure, and possible chemical action of the liquids or gases being handled, shaft runout or gyration, misalignment of shafts and rods, coupled with the possibility of scored or grooved shafts or rods, and an engineering problem is created. John Crane has carefully considered these and other pertinent operating conditions in selecting - from the many available materials and designs - those which will do the best job in a specific application. Packing may be classified either by method of operation or by materials and technique of construction. The terms compression, automatic and floating packings refer to modes of operation. But when discussing construction, a classification by material and technique of manufacture is more convenient. Accordingly, the packings will be classified as fibers, foils and elastomers, with subclassifications dealing with lubricants, binders and strengtheners.

Packing

Compression, Automatic, and Floating Packing

Compression Packing Compression packing gets its name from the fact that to create an effective seal, it must be squeezed between the throat of the stuffing box and the gland. Under these conditions, the packing flows outward to seal against the bore of the stuffing box and inward to seal against the moving shaft or rod. Compression packing requires adjustment to compensate for wear and loss of volume. This type of packing is found mainly in rotary or centrifugal service and valve stems. Under certain conditions compression packing is also used on reciprocating applications, but reciprocating motion is primarily handled by the automatic type of packing. For some pump designs, the packings are not only a sealing device, but additionally considered and engineered to be a load bearing device. Automatic Packing Automatic packing (hydraulic) depends on operating pressures to create a seal and, therefore requires little or no gland adjustment. This design makes use of a flexible lip to seal against one or both surfaces in the stuffing box. With V-rings and U-cups, one lip seals against the stationary bore and the other against the moving part. In the case of a piston cup or flange packing, the lip seals against the moving part only.

Figure 1 - Compression Packing

Braided Packing Rings

Figure 2 - Automatic Packing

O-Ring

V-Rings

O-rings, T-rings, and quad-rings are a form of squeeze type packing. They also utilize pressure to complement their sealing ability and therefore their inclusion in the automatic category. These types of rings are usually found on reciprocating applications or valve stem applications. While the automatic type packings such as V-rings are occasionally used on rotary or centrifugal applications, they are not normally recommended because of their inability to withstand centrifugal speeds. They do not offer support of a shaft which is many times necessary. Floating Packing The third type of packing is the floating type which includes piston rings and segmental rod packings. All of these work in grooves, usually individually. They work by some means of external force, either by metal or rubber springs. These are found often in compressors and turbines rather than in pumps or cylinders.

Figure 3 - Floating Packing

Segmented Rod Packing

Packing

Figure 4 - Packing Types

Compression

Automatic

Floating

Braided Fabrics

V-Ring
3 2

Rod Packing

Plastic

U-Cup

Metal Foil

Piston Cup

Piston Ring

Ribbon Foil

T-Ring

O-Ring

Packing

Packing Materials
Mechanical packings are required to operate in a wide variety of conditions: acids, alkalies, cryogenics, food service, hydrocarbons, steam, any fluid or gas that can be compressed, controlled, or pumped. Combined with other application factors such as fpm and pressure, the required list of materials is lengthy. Materials are classified by their source and duty. Animal fibers such as hair and wool are often used for low pressure viscous service. Leather is often impregnated with elastomers, oils, and waxes to be used as gasketing or automatic packing. Cotton, flax, jute and ramie are vegetable fibers used in water service because of their high wet strength. Another vegetable fiber, paper, is often used as gasketing since it may be cut into detailed shapes. Mineral fibers such as carbon, glass, and graphite have been proven effective under extreme pressure and temperature applications. Packings of asbestos are not available from John Crane Inc. A wide variety of metallic foils in twisted or wrapped form are used. Foils are often used in extreme abrasive, corrosive, pressure, temperature, and viscous conditions. Synthetic materials such as aramid, acrylic and PTFE offer resiliency along with resistance to pH extremes. Many of the synthetics can be used in temperature extremes. With a wide range of capability, the synthetic packings are becoming universal service packings. In the manufacturing process a variety of lubricants are added to packing. As with any lubricant, its primary purpose is material separation and heat removal. In specific applications, the selected lubricant must also be insoluble, non-corrosive, non-contaminating and non-solidifying. Lubricants are classified by their source: animal, vegetable, mineral, and synthetic. Lubricants that are dry, in powder form, are also used. Just as the base material of the packing must be matched with an application, so too must the lubricant. Zinc powder is applied to some packing styles for use as a sacrificial metal inhibitor to retard damage to valve stems. Passive inhibitors such as phosphorous or barium may be also added to packings to retard corrosion. Binders such as grease, PTFE, and waxes help maintain construction integrity and prevent fiber dispersal. To add strength to a packing, wires are inserted during the manufacturing process. Matching the application, wires of brass, copper, Inconel, Monel, and steel can be selected. Wire proves to be a significant aid in high pressure and temperature situations. Elastomers are common materials for both compression and automatic packings. They are often mixed with another material or are homogenous. Elastomers add strength, and chemical and temperature resistance. Elastomeric automatic packings such as U-cups, V-rings and O-rings are common mechanical seal components.

Compression Packing Construction Designs

The construction of packings is also a reference to its manufacturing technique. Perhaps the most common construction form is the braid. The interwoven braid offers the most strength. The number of strands used determines strength. The plaited braid uses few strands and is, therefore, a loose braid and not as strong as the interwoven braid. Plastic packings are loose fibers combined with binders. This form will deform and take shape in the stuffing box to fill any incongruities. Compressed graphite foils are also plastic in nature and will also deform. Construction involving the wrapping of a material around a core is for resiliency and strength. Metallic foils are often twisted around a core for strength and hardness. Packing rings with angular shapes such as wedges, cups and cones compensate for any shaft or stem deflection. These rings are typically dieformed rings.

Packing

Figure 5 - Packing Materials

Fibers
Animal
hair leather wool

Lubricants
Animal
beeswax fish oil glycerol lanolin lard oil soap tallow

Dry Lubricants
Powder
carbon graphite mica moly PTFE talc

Binders
Vegetable
cork cotton flax jute paper ramie wood

Vegetable
castor oil cottonseed oil linseed oil palm oil

Plastic

elastomers grease PTFE resins waxes

Synthetic

acrylic aramid fiberglass polyimide PTFE rayon

Synthetic
fluorolubes oils silicones waxes

Strengtheners
Wire
brass copper Inconel Monel stainless steel zinc

Mineral

asbestos* carbon glass graphite fiberfrax metal

Mineral

greases mineral oil paraffin petrolatum petroleum oil waxes

Inhibitors
Powder
barium molybdate phosphorus zinc

Metals
Foil
aluminum babbitt bronze copper Inconel iron lead Monel nickel silver stainless steel zinc

Elastomers
Elastomers
chloroprene ethylene propylene fluorocarbon nitrile perfluoroelastomer silicone styrene butadine

* Not available from John Crane Inc.

Packing

Figure 6 - Compression Packing Designs

Wedge

Cup and Core

Conical

Hollow Center

Soft Core

Soft Core Accordion Weave

Soft Core Wrapped Weave

Braided Core Wrapped Weave

Soft Back with Braid

Laminated Cross Expansion

Laminated Wedge

Soft Core and Wedge

Interwoven Braid

Square Wrapped Foil

Mesh Core Foil Wrapped

Interwoven Braid Wire Inserted

Combined Interwoven Braid

Plaited Braid

Plastic Square

Square Compressed Ribbon Foil

Flat / Sheet Gasketing

Packing

Function and Arrangement

Conventional packings for pump applications are intended to throttle or restrict leakage, not stop leakage completely. In order to operate properly, packings must be installed and maintained properly, and their intention understood. Packing must leak for lubrication and heat removal. A steady flow of drops along the shaft, typically 60 drops per minute, is typical. The exact drip rate is adjusted by the temperature of the drops. Some applications will require the use of a lantern ring, however this does not change the fundamental operation of packing. Figure 7 (without a lantern ring) and Figure 8 (with a lantern ring) show correct installation and operation of the packing arrangement. In both figures, leakage only occurs along the shaft where heat is generated. Tight sealing occurs at the bottom of the stuffing box and at the outer diameter of the packing rings and gland. Initial installation of the rings requires that the first ring seals tight at the bottom of the stuffing box. The gland must also be properly positioned, a minimum 1/8" into the stuffing box. The portion of the gland remaining outside will equal the width of one ring for future tightening. As packing wears, the drip rate increases, requiring adjustment of the gland. The gland is gradually tightened until the drip rate reduces to the approved amount. Eventually, after several of these cycles, the gland will mate against the housing preventing further adjustment. At this point excessive leakage may occur, and the packing set is worn out and must be replaced.

Figure 7 - Correct Installation Operation

Pumped Fluid Housing Impeller Bottom / Throat Face Gland Cooling and Lubrication Begin at 60 drops per minute (start up) Atmosphere

Figure 8 - Correct Installation Operation With Flush

Flush injection pressure higher than A Pumped Fluid

Impeller

Lantern Ring A

Packing

Incorrect packing installation will lead to excessive leakage and wear. Figure 9 reveals problems that can arise when the first packing ring is not properly seated. A gap exists between the ring and stuffing box bottom which allows distortion of the rings and leakage along their outer diameter. Installing each ring, individually, with a split bushing ensures proper seating radially and axially. Using incorrect tools, such as a screwdriver, will not achieve proper seating.

Figure 9 - Incorrect Installation Operation

Pumped Fluid Impeller

Excessive Leakage

Abrasion

After a packing set is worn out, with the gland no longer adjustable, the entire set must be replaced. Figure 10 shows the common practice of installing additional packing rings, or just replacement of the outer rings. This practice leads to problems. The innermost rings will be forced below the stuffing box, causing wear. If a lantern ring is included in the set, it will be forced to an incorrect position and the flush injection port will be blocked. While this practice is often done to save time, the damage it causes leads to future equipment downtime and component replacement costs.

Figure 10 - Incorrect Installation Operation

Flush Injection Blocked Pumped Fluid Impeller

Excessive Leakage

Shaft and Stuffing Box Abrasion

Packing

Overtightening packing can lead to premature failure. Many packing styles have been saturated with lubricants to prevent the packing from drying out. Figure 11 illustrates the four stages of failure due to overtightening. A. The packing is compressed into the stuffing box with leakage allowed along the shaft. If the rings are overtightened, the lack of leakage allows the rings to become dry and frictional heat remains in the packing area. B. Excessive heat causes the saturant to melt out. C. At this point the packing can burn and lose construction integrity. The shaft can also overheat, distort and score. Scoring is actually the loss of material, which then allows leakage to occur along the shaft providing temporary lubrication. D. The packing is totally compressed and leakage can no longer be controlled. As previously stated, packing is designed to throttle or restrict leakage, not stop leakage altogether.

Figure 11 - Stages of Failure

COMPRESSION

COMPRESSION

A. New packing

B. No fluid leakage saturant oozes out

COMPRESSION

COMPRESSION

C. Temporary fluid leakage

D. No saturant left

Flush Injections and Lantern Rings

Flush injections are used to "cool" and "clean" the packing arrangement when the characteristics of the fluid being pumped are not well suited to good packing performance. Perhaps the most common characteristics are abrasives and pH extremes. The flush fluid, injected to the shaft at a higher pressure than pumped fluid, would force away from the packing abrasives, acids and alkalies. The flush fluid must be compatible with the fluid pumped, as it will enter that stream. Figure 8, page 7, shows a flush and lantern ring arrangement which forces the pumped fluid away from the packing set, lubricates the rings, and prevents air from entering the pump. The lantern ring simply provides a path for the flush fluid to reach the shaft. For correct performance, the lantern ring must be located in line with the injection port. Lantern rings that are out of position are typically due to incorrect initial installation or the practice of installing additional packing rings into the stuffing box beyond original engineering requirements. Lantern rings are either solid (endless) or split. Solid lantern rings require equipment disassembly for removal and installation. Split lantern rings separate for removal and installation. Lantern rings have a loose inside and outside diameter fit. Lantern ring widths are typically equal to 1-1/2 times the packing cross section.
Packing 9

Figure 12 - Abrasive Service Operation / Quench Gland Arrangement

Abrasive Pumped Fluid Flush Injection Quench Drain

Impeller

Lantern Ring

Figure 13 - Outboard Lubrication / Air Prevention Arrangement

Flush Injection Pumped Fluid

Impeller

Lantern Ring

Figure 14 - Combination Set Arrangement

Pumped Fluid

Impeller Hard Ring

Graphite Ring

10

Packing

Special Arrangements
Figure 12, page 10, has the lantern ring located at the throat of the stuffing box. This arrangement is for extreme abrasive service. The clean flush injection fluid washes abrasives away from the packing set. Also shown is a quench smothering gland which is somewhat rare in industry use today. These types of glands were used prior to the refinement of mechanical seals in applications involving hazardous materials, pH extremes, or fluids that flash to a gas when exposed to atmosphere. A suitable quench fluid is circulated through the gland which mixes with the pumped fluid and is carried off for safe disposal. Currently, these glands are only used for a drain port to carry away safe fluid leakage for disposal. Figure 13, page 10, has the lantern ring located farther to the atmospheric side of the stuffing box. The flush injection lubricates the outboard packing rings and prevents air from entering the pump. Figure 14, page 10, shows rings of alternating material. Combination sets are used in applications such as pH extremes and radioactive service. Rings of pure graphite are employed due to their ability to fill incongruities in the shaft and housing, in addition to their chemical and radiation resistance. Hard rings (bull rings) are used to prevent extrusion of the softer graphite packing material. Where combination sets are necessary, pre-cut and formed ring sets are available. More detailed engineering and material selection considerations are involved in these applications.

Pump Packing Selection Criteria

CONSIDER... 1. Liquid being handled a. Clean or abrasive? b. pH - acid or alkaline? c. Can dilution be tolerated? Mechanical conditions a. Is equipment in good condition? b. Shaft speed and material c. Stuffing box dimensions d. FPM limit (RPM x I.D. x 3.14 12 = FPM) e. Type of motion - rotary or reciprocating f. Alignments g. Pump design 3. Operating Conditions a. Suction, discharge and box pressures b. Temperature range c. Service cycle Special; requirements a. Allowable leakage rate b. Governmental regulations

2.

4.

Desirable Properties of Packing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The packing should be sufficiently plastic to conform to the shaft and bore under gland pressure. It should contain nothing that can be dissolved, swelled, or weakened by pump fluid. It should be sufficiently elastic to absorb any shaft gyration that cannot be eliminated by equipment design. If tightened too much, it should possess the means of freeing itself without producing destructive friction and heat. It should not abrade or corrode the shaft or rod. It should lose volume slowly so as not to require frequent adjustment. It should be able to withstand high temperature and pressure.
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Packing

Power of the Hydrogen Ion Concentration

The pH value of an aqueous solution is a number describing its acidity or alkalinity and is a factor in the selection of packings. The letters "pH" are an abbreviation for POWER OF THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION. Simply explained, pH is a method of describing the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The figures used to express this property range from 0 to 14. For water, pH 7 is defined as the neutral point and the figures above and below denote the degree of acidity or alkalinity. The usual range of pH found in industry is from about 1 to 13. The pH of potable water is usually between 7 and 8.5 depending upon local and state regulations. It is important to note that the intervals on the pH scale are exponential and therefore represent vastly wider differences in concentration than the figures themselves would indicate. The following table graphically illustrates the exponential nature of pH values.

Table 1 - pH Scale

Ratio of Hydrogen or Hydroxyl Ions Concentration to that of Pure Water pH Value Alkalai 14 (Excess of Hydroxyl Ions) (OH) 10,000,000 13 1,000,000 12 100,000 11 10,000 10 1,000 9 100 8 10 7 (Distilled Water) 1 6 10 5 100 4 1,000 3 10,000 2 100,000 1 1,000,000 0 (Excess of Hydrogen Ions) (H) 10,000,000

Neutral

Acid

12

Packing

Packing Storage and Identification

In the past John Crane manufactured over 300 packing styles. Recent developments in new materials and technologies have reduced that number. All packing applications can now be served with approximately 50 styles of the Rite Pak or Engineered series of packings. The packing style differences are in materials, lubricants, binders, designs, and construction. It is nearly impossible to distinguish one packing style from another visually. Often overlooked are the storage and identification of packings which can be significant in the performance of the packings. Packing is supplied in two basic forms: die-formed pre-cut rings and bulk form lengths. Die-formed rings are typically supplied in a plastic bag within a labeled box. Bulk form packing is wound on a spool in a labeled box. The plastic bags retain the lubricants in the packing and keep the packing clean. The box helps maintain the integrity of the packing. The box has the identification label. The label will show the packing style number, materials of construction and application range. Often the bulk form spools are not labeled. It is therefore critical to keep the spools in the labeled box. Packing lengths should be properly maintained on the spool. The packing is wrapped on the spool with the cross-section reduced direction out from the spool centerpiece bar. To maintain the wrap on the spool, the packing is pinned in position. Installation instructions are included in the box. Simple Rules to Follow 1. Keep packing lengths "pinned" on the spool. 2. Keep packing in the plastic bags. 3. Keep packing in the protective, labeled box. 4. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS that are in the box. 5. Dispose of any packings not properly stored and identified.

Figure 15 - Label Information

John Crane Trademark for bulk styles Identification ordering and stocking style number

Rite

Pak

Box/Quantity Size Industry Use Symbol

Packing
Style C1055
Services Valve stems or rotary pump applications, specifically for use in food service. Materials used in the construction of this style have approval of the FDA. temperature to 500F (260C), pH range 3 - 10. Material A special PTFE yarn impregnated with a special approved lubricant for food service.

Service Information

.375

12

Amount on Spool

Cross Section Size

Packing Material

John Crane Inc. 6400 West Oakton Street Morton Grove, IL U.S.A. 60053
MADE IN U.S.A.

Packing

13

Desired Stuffing Box Conditions

The successful service life obtained from packings is directly related to the finish of the housing bore and shaft. Proper clearances are also important, particularly in high pressure applications. Tighter clearances provide better support for the packings and help throttle leakage. Suggested general finishes and clearances are shown below.

Figure 16 - Desired Stuffing Box Conditions

Housing Impeller

B E Gland

C F A Shaft / Sleeve

A B C D E F

Shaft finish: 16 - 20 microinches Bore finish: 50 - 75 microinches Throat / Shaft clearance: .005 - .015 Gland / Shaft clearance: .010 - .030 Gland / Bore clearance: .010 - .030 Metallic Packings, Brinell hardness 500 (Rockwell C 55 - 60)

14

Packing

Measurements
Figure 17 - Measurements
E

C D

Determining ring cross-section size: 1. Measure stuffing box bore "A". 2. Measure shaft/sleeve diameter "B". 3. Subtract shaft from bore "A" - "B". 4. Divide that difference by 2. A-B = Cross section 2 Determining ring quantity: 1. Measure stuffing box depth "C". 2. Divide "C" by cross-section. C = rings required. CROSS SECTION 3. If the number of rings results in a fraction greater than 1/4", add a ring. 4. If a lantern ring is used, subtract two rings. Gland positions: 1. Measure gland height "D". 2. After installing packing rings, tighten gland so that 1/8" to 3/16" of "D" is into the stuffing box. 3. Portion of "D" out of the stuffing box should equal one ring cross-section, for maximum future tightening. Space Available: 1. Measure nearest obstruction "E". 2. "E" dimension determines length of split bushing for ring installation.

Packing

15

Packing Cross Section Size

Most compression packing cross sections appear to have a square shape. However, in reality the cross section has a rectangular shape. The cross section is reduced in one direction for easier installation of the ring into the stuffing box. The reduced direction fits between the shaft and stuffing box bore. The cross section reduction eliminates the practice of "hammering" the packing for installation. "Hammering" will break the packing fibers and increase the overall ring length. Too long a ring will cause "hot spots" along the shaft in service. Bulk form packing on spools are wrapped on the spool so that the reduced direction of the cross section faces up. The centerpiece bar of the spool represents the equipment shaft. It is critical that the reduced direction be found for proper ring cutting. Rings that have been die-formed by the packing manufacturer are size on size. 3/8 (.375)

.350

.375
Example: 3/8" Square Cross-Section

Cutting Rings
Packing rings can be cut with either a straight (butt cut) or diagonal (angle cut) joint. Straight cuts are used in services less than 1,000 psi, diagonal cuts are recommended in services over 1,000 psi. Most die-formed pre-cut rings will have a diagonal cut since the diagonal cut will perform in both high and low pressures. The purpose of the diagonal cut is to allow a surface that the pressure can act on to close the joint. The angle must be cut by a "top view" of the ring rather than a "face view". A diagonal cut by a "face view" will perform no better than a straight cut in service. Some materials, even on higher pressure applications should be straight cut, as some packing materials may fray with an angle cut. Consult the packing manufacturer concerning those particular materials.

Figure 18 - Cutting Packing Rings

Straight Cut (<1000 psi)
> Diagonal Cut ( <1000 psi)

Ring Face Views

Ring Top Views P V-Notch Seam

Correct

Incorrect

C IR C U M FE

R
NC

EN

CE

OU

TS

RE ID E C IRC U M FE

16

IN
SI

Packing

When cutting bulk form spooled packing, a mandrel is recommended. The mandrel is sized to match the shaft or stem diameter. An alternative method is to use a cutting block specifically manufactured for cutting packing. Using a mandrel or prepared cutting block eliminates the "V-notch" joint. Packing should not be cut on a flat workbench table top due to the differences required in ring inside and outside circumference. When cutting packing, ensure that the reduced direction of the cross-section is in the correct position, as shown at right:

O.D.

A = Reduced Face Cutting rings on a mandrel is preferred over cutting the rings I.D Cross View A on the equipment shaft, as the shaft could be damaged. Section Sized mandrels are available from the John Crane PTFE Division. The squared end of the mandrel is placed into a B = Full Top vise. The packing is wrapped directly from the spool around Cross B the mandrel a sufficient number of times for the amount of View Section rings required. The packing is wrapped firmly, not too loose, not stretched. The packing can be tacked to the mandrel to hold it in position, then cut. A knife should be designated for cutting packing only. The knife edge should have a microserrated finish. The edge serrations can be achieved by simply running the knife edge lightly across a grinding wheel. The micro-serrated edge will aid in cutting the super strength packing materials, and packings which are wire-inserted.

Figure 19 - Cutting Packing on a Mandrel

Butt Cut Joints

Vise

Mandrel

Tack

A guillotine ring cutter is available from John Crane. It can cut rings diagonally (45) or straight (15) accurately. Each cut technique has its own sliding stop scale, adjustable by shaft size and packing cross section. This tool has proven invaluable for cutting a high quantity of the same size rings.

Figure 20 - Guillotine Ring Cutter

Straight or Butt Cut 15

Diagonal Cut 45

Packing

17

Steps For Better Packing Performance

1. Read the instructions found in the box. Correct instructions may differ from existing maintenance practices. 2. Bleed off equipment pressure. DO NOT use pressure to remove packing rings. 3. Remove all of the old packing rings and the lantern ring. This can be accomplished by using the proper size packing removal hook. Ensure removal of the packing rings below the lantern ring. 4. Check the shaft/stem for nicks and score marks and clean up. Clean the stuffing box bore and injection lines. 5. Correctly select and cut new packing rings. 6. Begin by installing the first ring against the bottom of the stuffing box. 7. Use a split bushing to evenly and firmly seat each ring individually. Compress each ring individually. 8. Install the first ring with the joint at approximately the "1 o'clock" position. Subsequent ring joints should be staggered 90 degrees. 9. Ensure that the lantern ring is positioned in line with the injection port. 10. Continue filling the stuffing box with rings. 11. Install the gland follower. 12. Wrench tighten the gland, then loosen, then hand tighten on the follower nuts. Fiberglass packings have specific gland tightening torque values which ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY MUST BE USED. Refer to John Crane Bulletins I-387I-A and I-387IRF-A for proper torque values and installation instructions. Refer to the Booklet: Threaded Fasteners, MMTC 311. 13. Position the gland follower correctly, 1/8" to 3/16" into the stuffing box. The portion of the gland remaining outside will equal one cross section of packing for future gland tightening. 14. Turn the shaft by hand. 15. If a lantern ring is used, open the injection lines. 16. Start and stop the pump a few times. Start the pump. Refer to the Booklet: Pump Operation, MMTC 310. 17. Permit sufficient leakage to keep the pump running cool. In most applications, 60 drops per minute. 18. If the pump is stopped, wait until it has cooled before restarting. 19. If necessary, make gland follower adjustments at 15 minute intervals, tightening one nut flat at a time. 20. Packing may run warm during break-in period, a day or two. 21. Do not adjust the packing unless necessary. Do not use strike bars. 22. Maintain the cooling drip rate by even tightening of the gland follower. 23. With future tightening, the gland follower will eventually "bottom-out" against the stuffing box. 24. DO NOT install additional packing rings. 25. If leakage is excessive, with the packing and gland fully compressed, re-pack the pump. Start at Step 1.
18 Packing

Valve Applications
Valve packing application factors are similar to those for pumps. The obvious factor difference is shaft or stem movement. Pump shafts may rotate at high speeds, while valve stems rotate relatively slowly. Less friction is generated along packing inside diameters in valve stems, and less cooling and lubrication are required. In valve applications, packing use, selection, storage, cutting and installation are essentially the same as for pump applications. Many packing styles are manufactured for valve applications only. Those styles typically have wires inserted for strength under high pressure applications. An in depth explanation of valves and live loading applications can be found in the Booklet: Power Generation Applications, MMTC 410.

Figure 21 - Conventional Valve Packing Arrangement

Stem Gland Flange

Gland

Packing

Packing

19

Live-Load Packing Systems Live-loading packing is a method to provide a constant pressure on the rings to maintain compression and automatically compensate for age, wear, and relaxation of the packing material. Constant pressure to the packing rings is achieved by the engineered addition of Belleville springs to the valve gland follower. Belleville springs are actually cone shaped discs, stacked to form a spring. The size, quantity, arrangement, and compression of the discs will provide a varied load to the packing rings. The actual packing arrangement is also re-engineered. The total quantity of rings required is reduced by the use of spacer bushings. Die-formed rings of graphite foil and braided graphite replace conventional material rings. Which Valves Should Be Live-Loaded? ! Valves subject to a high degree of thermal cycling. ! Valves frequently actuated. ! Valves in limited access areas. ! Valves in safety restricted access areas. ! Critical function valves. ! Valves subject to emissions regulations. ! Valves which have been particularly troublesome. Obvious Live-Load System Benefits ! Emissions reduction ! Less maintenance time ! Less system "down time" ! Less valve stem wear ! Inventory reduction

Figure 22 - Live Load Valve Stem Packing System

Belleville Springs

Stud

Sealing Rings Spacer Bushing

AntiExtrusion Rings

Figure 23 - What Does Live-Loading Do?

Overtightening leads to damaged packing Packing Pressure Loss of torque leads to leakage Years

Live Load System

Springs Maintain Packing Pressure

Conventional Arrangement
Gland Nuts Retightened

Repacking may be required at this point

20

Packing

PACKINGS AND MECHANICAL SEALS

The development and successful application of mechanical end face seals has eliminated many of the packing applications in rotating equipment. However, mechanical seal assemblies do employ packings as components. Compression and automatic packing types are commonly used as dynamic or static secondary and tertiary seals. In pusher type seals, O-rings, V-rings, U-cups and wedge rings are used to seal the primary ring to the shaft. These are dynamic secondary seals, deflecting or moving when pressurized. Non-pusher, metal bellows seals use static O-rings and square compression packing rings as a component of the bellows. The rings seal the bellows to the shaft, and are considered to be in a static state, compression rings will be compressed around the shaft, O-rings will deflect when pressured but will not move. Another secondary seal is found at the mating ring of the assembly. In a static state, O-rings and flat gaskets seal the mating ring into a gland plate or housing. O-rings and gaskets are often used as a tertiary sealing device in mechanical seal assemblies. These will commonly be used to seal a shaft sleeve to a shaft, and a gland plate to a stuffing box. With quench gland plate systems, compression packings are used to retain quench fluids. Tertiary seals may deflect when pressurized, but will not move and are therefore considered to be static.

Figure 24 - Pusher Type Seals

C E

B F

C G

A - Secondary seal, dynamic O-ring B - Secondary seal, static mating ring O-ring C - Tertiary seal, static O-ring D - Tertiary seal, static gasket E - Secondary seal, dynamic wedge ring F - Secondary seal, dynamic U-cup G - Secondary seal, dynamic V-ring
Packing 21

Figure 25 - Non-Pusher Type Seals

A - Secondary seal, static compression packing B - Secondary seal, static mating ring gasket C - Tertiary seal, static gasket D - Secondary seal, static O-ring E - Quench, auxiliary compression packing

Chemlon, Chemloy, Crane-foil, and Cranelast are trademarks of John Crane Inc. Inconel is a registered trademark of Inco Alloys International Inc.

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Packing

John Crane Packing Accessories

Description Midget Hook No. 00 Small Hook No. 01 Medium Hook No. 02 Large Hook No. 03 Midget Hook No. 00 Set Small Hook No. 01 Set Medium Hook No. 02 Set Large Hook No. 03 Set Small Repl. Tip (CS) Medium Repl. Tip (CS) Large Repl. Tip (CS) Medium Repl. Tip (CS) Large Repl. Tip (CS) Solid Shaft Pick Solid Shaft Pick Solid Shaft Pick Small Repl. Tip (WS) Medium Repl. Tip (WS) Large Repl. Tip (W-3) Small Hook (BRN-S) Medium Hook (BRN-M) Large Hook (BRN-L) X-Large Hook (BRN-XL) Bruno Set (BRN-Set) Solid Hook Solid Hook Solid Hook Solid Hook Maudlin Hook Packing Tool Set A Packing Tool Set B Packing Tool Set Deluxe Brush Set Brush Set Guillotine Ring Cutter Extended Base Spare Blades Spare Head Assembly Tip No. Length 6.000 7.500 11.000 14.500 6.000 7.500 11.000 14.500 Packing Size .156 & up .250 & up .375 & up .500 & up .156 & up .250 & up .375 & up .500 & up Part Number PAK-04160-001 PAK-04160-002 PAK-04160-003 PAK-04160-004 PAK-04160-005 PAK-04160-006 PAK-04160-007 PAK-04160-008 PAK-04160-009 PAK-04160-010 PAK-04160-011 PAK-04160-010 PAK-04160-011 PAK-04160-012 PAK-04160-013 PAK-04160-014 PAK-04160-015 PAK-04160-016 PAK-04160-017 PAK-04160-018 PAK-04160-019 PAK-04160-020 PAK-04160-021 PAK-04160-022 PAK-04160-023 PAK-04160-024 PAK-04160-025 PAK-04160-026 PAK-04160-027 PAK-04160-028 PAK-04160-029 PAK-04160-030 PAK-04160-031 PAK-04160-032 PAK-04185-001 PAK-04185-002 PAK-04185-003 PAK-04185-004

1 2 3 1 2 3 C-1 C-2 C-3 C-2 C-3 P-7 P-8 P-9 W-1 W-2

10.000 10.000 10.000

.125 .187 .312

8.000 11.000 13.000 13.000 S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 2245-3 6.000 10.000 14.000 18.000

.187 .187 .250 .312 .312 & up .437 & up .500 & up .625 & up

B-1 B-2 1.000/4.000 1.000/4.000

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John Crane Packing Accessories

Packing Mandrels
PTFE Part Number
T-410-0050-101 T-410-0062-101 T-410-0075-101 T-410-0087-101 T-410-0100-101 T-410-0112-101 T-410-0125-101 T-410-0137-102 T-410-0143-101 T-410-0150-101 T-410-0162-101 T-410-0175-101 T-410-0187-101 T-410-0200-101

Shaft Diameter
Dimension 'A' .500 .625 .750 .875 1.000 1.125 1.250 1.375 1.437 1.500 1.625 1.750 1.875 2.000

Packing Installation Split Bushings

Size Shaft A 1.250 1.250 1.375

Bore B 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.125 2.125 2.500 2.500 2.625 2.625

Length C 2.000 1.000 2.000 1.000 2.000 1.000 2.000 1.000 2.000 1.000

PTFE Part Number T520-0126-009 T520-0126-010 T520-0138-012 T520-0138-013 T520-0138-010 T520-0138-011 T520-0176-006 T520-0176-007 T520-0188-004 T520-0188-005

1.375 1.375 1.375 1.750 1.750 1.875 1.875

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Packing

Notes:

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John Crane Inc.

Mechanical Maintenance Training Center

529 West Golf Road Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005 Tel: 847-364-0577 Fax: 847-364-1677 John Crane Inc. MMTC 201-4 March 2000