Gland Packings

What are gland packing and what do they consist of?

Gland packing, also known as packing seals or compression packing, are sealing products used in mechanical systems to prevent fluid leakage along rotating or reciprocating shafts.

They consist of flexible materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), graphite, aramid fibers, or synthetic rubber.

These products can be found in a form of ropes, tapes, rings, or other shapes according to their specific need.

 

In which sizes can gland packings be found?

Gland packings come in various sizes to accommodate different shaft diameters and stuffing box dimensions.

Common sizes range from small diameters, typically around 3-5mm, to larger sizes exceeding 50mm or more.

 

What is a gland packing removal tool and why do we use it?

Gland packing removal tools are specialized tools designed to remove old or worn out gland packings in layers.

It typically consists of a hooked or serrated pointy tools that allows the user to grasp and extract the packing material safely.

Tools like these are used to simplify maintenance tasks and ensure the replacement of gland packing tapes without damaging the equipment.

 

What is the function of a gland packing seal?

The function of a gland packing seal is to create a barrier between the shaft and the surrounding housing or casing, preventing the leakage of fluids from the equipment.

By tightly compressing around the shaft within the stuffing box, the gland packing forms a seal that prevents fluid from escaping, thereby maintaining system integrity and preventing environmental contamination or equipment damage.

 

What is PTFE gland packing?

PTFE gland packing, also known as Teflon packing, is a type of gland packing made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material.

PTFE packing is known for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction properties, and wide temperature tolerance.

It is commonly used in applications where high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive conditions are present, such as pumps, valves, and rotary equipment.

 

What is a gland packing extractor?

A gland packing extractor is a tool used to remove old or worn gland packing material from a stuffing box or gland.

Gland packing extractors are used for maintenance tasks, allowing for the easy replacement of packing tapes or ropes.

 

Why do we use gland packing for valves?

Gland packing is used for valves to create a reliable seal between the valve stem and the valve body, preventing fluid leakage and ensuring proper valve operation.

 

What is the most common gland packing installation procedure?

The most common gland packing installation procedure involves cutting the packing material to the appropriate length and wrapping it around the valve stem or shaft within the stuffing box. The packing material is then compressed using a gland or packing nut to create a tight seal. The compression is adjusted as needed to ensure proper sealing without excessive friction or wear on the shaft.

Instructions for gland packing removal

  1. Begin by shutting down the equipment and allowing it to cool, if necessary.
  2. Loosen the gland or packing nut to relieve pressure on the packing material.
  3. Use a gland packing removal tool to extract the old packing material from the stuffing box or gland.
  4. Clean the stuffing box thoroughly to remove any debris or residue.
  5. Install new gland packing material according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper sizing and compression.
  6. Tighten the gland or packing nut to compress the new packing material and create a tight seal.
  7. Restart the equipment and check for leaks, adjusting the packing compression if necessary.

 

What colors are available for a gland packing rope?

Gland packing ropes are typically available in various colors, although the color does not necessarily indicate the material or properties of the packing.

Common colors include white, black, yellow, and red. The choice of color may vary depending on the manufacturer and application preferences.

 

What gland packing seal types are the most commonly used?

The most commonly used gland packing seal types include:

  • PTFE (Teflon) packing
  • Graphite packing
  • Aramid fiber (Kevlar) packing
  • Synthetic rubber packing Each type offers specific properties suited to different applications and operating conditions.

 

Difference between gland packing and mechanical seal

  • Gland packing, also known as compression packing, consists of flexible material, such as PTFE, graphite, or aramid fibers, wrapped around a rotating or reciprocating shaft within a stuffing box or gland. It relies on the compression of the packing material to create a seal against fluid leakage.
     
  • A mechanical seal is a device that creates a dynamic sealing interface between two rotating or reciprocating components, typically a shaft and a housing or casing. It consists of two flat surfaces, one stationary and one rotating, held together by spring tension or other means to prevent fluid leakage.

 

Benefits of graphite gland packing:

  • Great thermal resistance. They are made to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures or thermal cycling.
  • Graphite packing have great chemical resistance, making it suitable for use with a wide range of fluids, including acids, alkalis, and solvents.
  • Graphite has lubricating properties, reducing friction and wear on the shaft and packing material, thereby extending the packing's lifespan.
  • Graphite packing are low friction, allowing smooth operation and minimal shaft wear.

 

Can all gland packing tapes be used in high-temperature seals?

Not all gland packing tapes are suitable for high-temperature seals.

Some types, like PTFE and graphite, offer excellent heat resistance and can withstand elevated temperatures.

Other types can degrade or melt at high temperatures.

It is essential to select gland packing tapes specifically designed for exact applications to ensure reliable performance and prevent premature failure.

Before choosing a gland packing tape for high-temperature seals, it is crucial to consider all factors - the operating temperature range, material compatibility, and application requirements.

 

read more...
6 Items Found
Filters

Sort by:

  • What is a Gland Packing?

    A gland packing is the material that is fitted inside a stuffing box between the body and shaft to provide a seal. It can be made of several different substances using several methods of construction, usually lubricated with graphite or PTFE (to suit the application) and comes in various sizes to fit different size stuffing boxes and shafts. Some will also have various reinforcements built into them to suit different applications.

  • How does a Gland Packing work?

    It is made of softer material than the stuffing box and shaft so when you tighten the gland nut on the stuffing box it compresses the softer glanding packing material to form a seal around the shaft and inside the stuffing box.

  • How long will my Gland Packing last?

    This depends upon the usage case of your stuffing box, and the environment it operates in. Service intervals will have to be planned depending upon the environment and media it is operating in. The gland packing material will perish over time so will need to be monitored for replacement.

  • How do I install a Gland Packing?

    Remove the gland nut and pull the worn gland packing out and push the new packing in. Ensure to choose the correct packing to suit your application. Please check with the chosen product’s manufacturers as they will have specific installation procedures to suit their products to the intended applications. In general for pumps - new gland packing should be loose enough to leak upon starting and the glad nut should then be tightened slowly until the leaking stops or is acceptable and the shaft still spins relatively freely. In general for valves - seek the manufacturer for their specific torque settings or compression percentages.

  • What are typical uses of Gland Packings?

    Gland Packing is used in valves, pumps( both rotary and piston)

  • 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. The good news is we have very strict quality controls and all products leave our warehouse tested (full material and testing certificates are available) and inspected so there are rarely any issues.