PACKING :

To stop leakage
between the stuffing
box and the stem

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Introduction
The packed gland is used primarily for sealing process valve shafts
(axial movement) and for process pump shafts (rotary movement).
The packed gland has provided a low tech. convenient solution
throughout the history of engineering. In modern times the packed
gland is being replaced by more exotic solutions.

Typical Packed Gland Arrangement

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Applications of Gland Packing:-
Gland packing are used for sealing in the following applications:

1. Used for reducing leakage along the stem in Globe valve, Gate
valve, and ball valves.
2. Used for reducing leakage of the working fluid in reciprocating
pumps.
3. Used for reducing leakage of the working fluid in rotating pumps
like centrifugal pumps, screw, and gear pumps.

All the above are entirely different applications and hence the type of
gland packing to be used also differs. Also depending on the nature
of the fluid to be handled like temperature, pressure, corrosiveness,
and suspended solids etc. A correct choice of gland packing has to
be made by an engineer.

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Pumps:-
 The packed gland seal for pump applications is now rarely fitted
to new pumps. This is due to it's high maintenance requirements.
 When fitted it is mostly used in conjunction with long coupled
bed plate mounted pumps. Specific operating conditions require
distinctly different types of packed gland seals.
 They require regular checks and maintenance adjustments.
Proper lubrication of the gland packing requires a certain
leakage rate.
 Special manufacturers recommendation's are to be observed
individually. Service life expectancy is between 1 and 2 years,
this can sometimes extend to several years on favorable
conditions. Extremely bad fluid conditions (sediments, additives,
overheating) can however drastically cut short their service life.
 Packed glands should preferably be used in conjunction with
shaft sleeves in order to avoid damage to the shaft by aggressive
fluids or due to improper treatment of the packed gland.

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Valves:-
 The packed gland is still widely used for stem sealing of
various types of valves including gate valves, globe valves,
and ball valves.
 The packed gland provides a low cost option with the
capabilities of sealing under a wide range of operating
conditions with a wide range of fluids by selecting appropriate
packing materials.
 A packed gland is often used in conjunction with another
type of seal or fluid containment e.g. an o-ring seals, bellows
containment etc.
The gland packing generally creeps over time and therefore
needs to be regularly tightened to maintain the seal.
 The packing can be continuously spring loaded using disc
springs or similar to extend the maintenance period.

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General :-
The properties of a packing system required for good sealing
and trouble free operation include :-


Compatibility with the working fluid at the operating
temperatures

Plasticity to conform to the shaft under the influence of the
gland force

Lubricant insoluble and immiscible with the sealed fluid

Non-abrasive to minimize shaft erosion

Non-corrosive to avoid damage to the shaft of housing

Wear resistant

Retain properties over time

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Packing Materials:-
 Different types of gland packing depending on the type of applications such
as for valve stem sealing, centrifugal pump shaft sealing, reciprocating pump
shaft sealing, static duties like hatches sealing and pressure vessels manholes
sealing etc.
 Are made from the following basic substances and are a combination of
these basic materials and are sometimes reinforced with metal wires for
extreme conditions.

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All the gland packing are a combination of the above mentioned basic
materials and great research is done by the manufacturers to develop new
and more efficient types of packing.
The packing made of a combination of graphite, carbon, glass, etc. are
used for harsh applications whereas gland packing made of materials like
Jute, flax, hemp, and cotton are used for light applications like sea water,
potable water etc.
The compound PTFE is versatile and can be used for a wide variety of
applications.
Soft Packing
Yarn packing can be based on vegetable , animal or synthetic fibres and are
based on various types
of fibre.

Plaited
Braided

Twisted

Plastic

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THE NON-METALLIC PACKING
MATERIALS

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 Reinforced Graphite Packing
Expanded Graphite Packing

Graphite + PTFE Packing

Graphite + Carbon Fiber
Packing 10
Temperature Range For Packing Materials:-
Table provided for guidance only, final design values
must be obtained from suppliers

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Shaft Design:-
The shaft/ sleeve surface in contact with the seal
should have a surface finish of 0.4 micrometers or
better. The clearances above and below the packing
should be such to prevent extrusion of the packing
material along the shaft. The clearance should not be
too small that contact between the static and rotating
metal is possible

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MAINTENANCE OF VALVE COMPONENT & PARTS:-
Replacement of Gland Packing:
1. Even when valves have no failure such as leakage, the gland packing
should be replaced preferably every 2 to 3 years to reduce valve
operating torque and to prevent stem wear.
2. Make sure, first of all, that gland packing is suitable for the maximum
working pressure and temperature of the process and the kind of the
fluid being handled (correct selection of packing materials).
3. Select a proper tool to remove packing so as not to damage the valve
stem and valve packing chamber (stuffing box).
4. Clean the valve stem and valve packing chamber carefully.
5. Normally. packing should be as thick as half the difference between
the inside diameter of the packing chamber and the valve stem
diameter. If no such packing is available, slightly thicker packing will
do, but thinner packing is not recommended under any
circumstances.
6. Cut the packing with a 30o to 45o incline preferably, with a sharp
cutting device or packing cutter. Each piece of packing must be sized
properly so that both ends may meet one another with correct 13
 Replacement of Gland Packing: cont:-

7. Load packing to half the depth of the packing chamber, and

press them down once. then load the remaining packing and
tighten them securely. Loading all packing at a time is not
recommended. All gland packing should be located so that the
seams are 120o apart from each other. This will place the seam
of the fourth packing ring in the same vertical position as the
first one.
8. Gland packing is usually tightened to a position 3 to 4mm (1/8”)
below the top end of the packing chamber. If leakage occurs,
tighten the packing further down until leakage stops.

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How to Remove Gland Packing:-

 Removing a gland packing can be very tough sometimes,

especially if it is old and well set, you need to have specially
contoured tools.
 There are also gland packing extractors available in the
market, which look like a cork screw used to open the wine
bottles but are flexible.
 They just have to be twisted to get a grip and then the
packing can be pulled out. The problem comes when the old
packing have lost their properties and the packing comes outs
in fibers.

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PACKING PULLER (HOOK)

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TO REMOVE THE PACKING USING
PACKING PULLER

1. Remove all old packing

STEM

using packing puller.

2. Clean the stuffing box
and stem thoroughly.

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HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT PACKING
SIZE & NUMBER OF PACKING RINGS
A
(ID)
Packing Size = B – A
(Cross Section) 2

STEM Number of = D______

Rings Packing Size

B or D – Lantern Ring Size

D (OD) Packing Size

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 TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT PACKING SIZE

Measure the Outside

Use calipers, micrometer or other method.
Diameter (OD) of the
Valve Stem.

Use inside calipers or if the portion of the

Measure the Bore of the
gland which enters the stuffing box (the
Stuffing Box. (Stuffing
gland follower) is a snug fit, measure its OD.
Box ID)
This will be the same as the stuffing box ID.

Subtract the Stem Size

It will be more accurate to use decimal
from the Stuffing Box
fractions at this point. (0.25” instead of ¼”
Size. (ID − OD)
etc.)

Divide the difference

by 2. ID − OD This is the distance the packing’s cross
section will fill.
2

Find the nearest packing size. Using the chart below, convert the decimal fractions to the
fractional sizes of packing. If your answer is in between sizes, use the next higher size.

0.0625” - 1/16” - 1.5mm 0.3750” - 3/8” - 9.5mm 0.6875” - 11/16” - 17.5mm

0.1250” - 1/8” - 3.0mm 0.4375” - 7/16” - 11.0mm 0.7500” - 3/4” - 19.0mm
0.1875” - 3/16” - 4.5mm 0.5000” - ½” - 12.5mm 0.8125” - 13/16” - 20.5mm
0.2500” - ¼” - 6.5mm 0.5625” - 9/16” - 14.0mm 0.8750” - 7/8” - 22.0mm
0.3125” - 5/16” - 8.0mm 0.6250” - 5/8” - 16.0mm 0.9375” - 15/16” - 23.5mm

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TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT NUMBER /LAYER OF
PACKING
PACKING WITHOUT PACKING WITH
LANTERN RING LANTERN RING

Measure the Depth of

Measure the Depth of
Stuffing Box. (L1) Use calipers, depth gauge or
Stuffing Box. (L 1)
other method.

Subtract 2 or 3 mm
Subtract 2 or 3 mm
(1/8”) for the gland 2 to 3mm (1/8’) size is for the
(1/8”) for the gland
follower to insert. (L2) gland follower to press the
follower to insert. (L2)
packing in the stuffing box.
- (L1 - 1/8”)
- (L1 - 1/8”)

Use calipers, micrometer or other

Measure the thickness
method to measure the thickness
of Lantern Ring (L
of lantern ring.
ring)

Divide L2 by the
packing size to get the Subtract Lantern ring
Will determined the number / size from L2.
number of packing layer of packing required.
required. (L2 ÷ - L3 = (L2 - L ring)
packing size)

Will determined the number / Divide L3 by the

layer of packing required but packing size to get the
have to remember how many number of packing
packing above and below lantern required. (L3 ÷
ring. packing size)
WMS 2010 20
How to Cut Gland Packing:-
 The gland packing should be cut with a sharp knife to
avoid fraying of the edges. Do not use scissors or hack
saw blade etc. A heavy duty engineer’s knife or a
sharpened ordinary knife would do.
 There are two methods of cutting the gland packing:-
straight or at 90 degrees i.e. Butt joint
45 degrees i.e. Skive joint.

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22
23
PACKING CUTTER

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 PACKING CUTTER

FIXED SCALE
- Shaft (stem) Diameter

SLIDDING SCALE
- Packing Size

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 TO CUT A PACKING

1. Coincide Sliding
Scale to Fixed Scale 3. Push the packing
in & clamp
PACKING

2. Tighten the
Nut on Sliding
Scale 4. Cut the
packing using
sharp knife

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How to Install Gland Packing:-
INSTALL ONE
RING
AT A TIME

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Install one ring at a time. Make sure that it is clean and has
not picked up any dirt in handling. If clean oil is available,
lubricate the shaft and the inside of the stuffing box.
Joints of successive rings should be staggered and kept at
90° apart.
Recommendable stagger is:-
 90° apart for 4 rings and more,
120° apart for 3 rings and
180° apart for 2 rings.
Each individual ring should be firmly seated with a
tampering tool.

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 1/8”
(3 – 4mm)

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The Lantern Ring and its Purpose:-
 A lantern ring is an annular ring with channels for the passage of
lubricant, cooling or flushing fluid that is inserted between the two sets of
gland packing.
 Fluid is fed from an external pipe to the lantern ring for lubrication and
the cooling of the packing.
 It is used in applications where a number of packing are there and it
would be difficult of the intermediate packing to get fluid for lubrication. It
is also used where the fluid to be sealed is contaminated with abrasives
or is corrosive and a clean fluid is required for lubrication.
 While installation it is crucial that the holes in the lantern ring meet or
are aligned with the holes in the pipes. It is very important to inspect and
align the lantern ring during each overhaul of the pumps.

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 LANTERN RING

LANTERN RING TAP

(Lubricant Port)

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32
 REPACKING PROCEDURE:
PROCEDURAL STEPS TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, METHODS etc
Necessary:
ASSEMBLE TOOLS •Wrench for gland nuts.
1. AND EQUIPMENT •Wrench for any gland flushing.
•Flashing and inspection mirror.
•Cleaning materials (rags, cleaning fluid compatible with
product).
•Packing pullers.
•Packing lubricant.
•Tamping tool.
•Safety equipment.
•Replacement packing.
•Sharp knife.
Optional:
•Preformed packing set.
•Hook, scraper and probes for removing difficult packing.
•Lantern ring pullers.
•Etc.

SHUT DOWN THE Notify people who will be affected by shutdown.

2. UNIT OR PUMP If necessary, obtain permission.
Please SAFETY tag on the power switch.

Shut off pump suction or discharge lines if there is any

PREPARE THE UNIT pressure or head when the pump is off.
3. OR PUMP FOR Secure any external flushing or lubrication system.
Bleed off any system pressure.
PACKING REMOVAL
Observe any safety precautions if the product is
dangerous or if the temperature is high.

PREPARATION PHASE 33
 SLIDE GLAND
Remove or swing adjusting nuts out of the way to allow
4. CLEAR OF OLD
PACKING
gland to slide clear.

Use packing pullers, hook, scraper or other means to get

REMOVE OLD all the old packing out.
5. PACKING TO THE If using a puller with a corkscrew or metallic end, the end
LANTERN should be inserted between the packing and the stuffing
box.
DO NOT PUT ANY HARD or METALLIC removal
devices in contact with the shaft.

DETERMINE
Measure or count rings to the lantern.
CORRECT LANTERN
6. DEPTH

REMOVE ANY Use lantern pullers.

7. LANTERN Pull out square to avoid shaft or stuffing box damage.

REMOVE PACKING Determine number of rings below lantern.

8. BELOW LANTERN Insure that bottom rings have been removed.

Use rags and compatible cleaning fluid.

PREPARE THE UNIT
The cleaner the area, the better the repacking.
OR PUMP FOR
9. PACKING REMOVAL
If the shaft has high or rough spots, they can be cleaned
or burnished with a stone.

PACKING REMOVAL PHASE

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 INSPECT BOX FOR OLD
If possible, feel stuffing box.
PACKING SIGNS OR
If box is too small or too deep, a mirror and light should be used.
10. SHAFT WEAR SIGNS OF
You MUST make sure that it has ALL BEEN REMOVED.
DAMAGE, GROOVES,
A small lump of packing will destroy the efficiency of a new
SCORE MARKS etc.
packing.

If you are using a packing set, make sure that the arrangement
PLACE NEW RINGS is in the right sequence.
11. ON THE SHAFT If a stiffer packing is used, place them on the shaft with a twist
NOT A HINGE-LIKE OPENING.
If you have not cut the packing rings – Do it now.
Ensure the proper placement of rings in relation to any lantern.

INSERT AND SEAT The bottom ring should be seated with the split on top.
12. THE BOTTOM RING A tamping tool is used for the proper fit.

Each ring must be inserted, tamped and seated

INSERT RINGS TO individually.
13. THE LANTERN The splits should be spaced 900 from the ones
preceding.

INSERT AND SEAT The lantern must be aligned with the stuffing box
14. LANTERN lantern connection. The depth of the lantern must be
known to you.

INSERT REMAINING
15. RINGS
The last rings can be tamped in with the gland itself.

REPACKING PHASE
 REPLACE GLAND AND
16. HAND-TIGHTEN GLAND
NUTS

RECONNECT ANY
17. GLAND ARRANGEMENT

Ensure packing will receive lubrication.

PREPARE FOR PUMP Prepare area for heavy leakage.
18. START-UP AND Obtain permission or notify affected people.
LEAKAGE Open any suction or discharge lines that were secured.
Observe safety precautions for the product if any.

19. START-UP PUMP Remove SAFETY TAG on POWER switch.

ALLOW GENEROUS
20. LEAKAGE FOR This will greatly increase the packing life.
15 MINUTES

Tighten the gland nuts EQUALLY ½ “Flat” at a time.

GRADUALLY CUT
21. DOWN LEAKAGE
Do not increase heat.
Adjust at 15 minute intervals.

DETERMINE MINIMUM Where any tightening causes a heat built-up

22. LEAK RATE (Usually reached within an hour).

PERIODICALLY Check for signs of excess leakage or heat build-up.

23. RECHECK AND Readjust to the minimum leak-rate for that pump.
READJUST PACKING (5 – 20 drops per minute is a typical range)

START UP AND BREAK IN PHASE

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