Graphite Packing Sleeve for Level Gauges - AB Series

Material Graphite
Model AB10, AB12 & AB18
Suits Water Level Gauges Klinger, Bonetti, Hawleys, Mala, Officine & more

• What is an AB Graphite Packing Sleeve?

  An AB graphite packing sleeve is a range of different sized sleeves to suit boiler gauge water mounts. These are commonly denoted as AB10, AB12, AB18 & AB22. These were originally the Klinger part numbers for their water gauge mounts but have since expanded throughout the industry to fit a wide range of water gauge/boiler mounts. These are usually changed our at quarterly boiler services so are a common consumable part held by boiler service agents especially for the AB12 graphite packing sleeve which is the most popular. They are made out of pure graphite with a stainless steel insert around the eye.

• How does an AB packing sleeve work?

  In this scenario we will use an AB12 packing sleeve as the example as this is the most popular. The theory is the same for the AB10, AB18 & AB22 sleeves as well. The packing sleeve forms the seal between the body of the mount, the spindle and the nut assembly on the gauge mount. There are usually three AB12 sleeves in each set consisting of one in the top mount and two in the bottom mount (the bottom mount has one more than the top unit as it has a drain as well which is sealed by the same sleeve). The seal is formed by the graphite sleeve forming around the edges of the neck bush and the nut at either end and the spindle and body of the mount in the middle. It is designed to crush form to a certain degree to form the seal (graphite is relatively soft).

• How long will my AB graphite sleeve last?

  This depends upon its usage however these are usually changed out at quarterly services as once they are removed they are generally not used again. They may last a lot longer than that depending upon the boiler gauge mount itself.

• How do I install a AB graphite sleeve?

  The first step is to remove the old sleeve from the unit and then clean out the cavity that the sleeve sat in. The spindle should also be checked to make sure it is free from defects and smooth so it will not damage the inside of the packing sleeve. The sleeve is then pushed in against the neck bush and the spindle located to its final positon. Ensure to line up the ridge on the packing sleeve with the corresponding female ridge within the gauge mount. This will hold the packing sleeve in its position when the internal spindle is rotated. Once this has occurred the tightening nut can be gradually tighted until the unit is sealed. If leakage occurs further tighten the nut which tightens upon the graphite packing.

• What are typical uses of AB packing sleeves?

  These are mainly used on boiler water level gauge mounts to seal around the spindle. These will suit a wide range of brands and models including Klinger, Mala and various other brands.

• How long will my product take to get to me? 

  This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected it is usually next day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been selected it will go by road freight which can be anywhere from 1 to 10 days depending upon your location. It usually averages 3 days.

• What warranty do I get?

  All of our products come standard with a 12 month warranty however as this is a consumable item and changed out every quarter in your boiler services it will be 3 months.