Stuffing boxes are products that are intended for stuffing boxes. The material is an elastic cord that has a square or round cross section. The product is made from asbestos thread or other raw materials. Thanks to the presented material, it is possible to ensure the tightness of moving and stationary joints of mechanisms. Cords well tolerate the influence of an aggressive environment and are resistant to temperature changes. According to the material of manufacture, the products can be divided into asbestos and non-asbestos.
Stuffing box packings should seal the nodes well in any technical units. They can be divided into many types and classes. Each of them has a certain level and period of operation. For example, asbestos products can be used in equipment that processes oil and also interacts with chemicals. The complex stuffing process is carried out using special presses.
Some of the presented products may contain graphite fibers, which are impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene, and also reinforced with cotton thread. These gland packings are used forseals for plunger and centrifugal pumps. They are good at preventing water leakage. And the presented products are able to control heat generation in pumps, as well as reduce their energy consumption. The fact is that they have a low coefficient of friction. The advantage of graphite products is that they are very resistant to high temperature (about 550 degrees
), chemical attack. However, the material must not be exposed to moisture, as it can contribute to the corrosion of metal in mechanisms.
Graphite packings can self-lubricate. These products should be used to seal those places where all moving mechanisms will fall. Often the stuffing process is required in public utilities during breakdowns of plumbing or heating systems. Thanks to the cords, it is possible not only to stop the leak, but also to prevent its further occurrence.
If you will be using gland packings for centrifugal pumps, it is best to choose a cotton cord. Beforehand, the product should be soaked in cylinder oil, which will contain a small amount of paraffin. The advantage of this material is that it can withstand pressure up to 20 MPa and performs its functions well in a fairly wide temperature range (from -40 to +100 degrees). However, products are quickly destroyed by alkalis and acids.
An interesting option is polymer gland seals,which are made on the basis of fluoroplast. They can be made in the form of rings, chips or cuffs. This material has a slight elasticity, so rubber gaskets should be used in addition to it. In addition to the types of packings presented, there are also those in which copper wire is used.
