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MECHANICAL PACKING
Design and Theory of Operation
 COMPRESSOR
PRODUCTS INTL
an EnPro Industries company

Proven Solutions for the Global Compression Industry ™

Mechanical Packing
Design and Theory of Operation
One of the vital parts of any machine in which gases are compressed or expanded is the seal around the reciprocating rod, through which power is
put into or taken from the cylinder. This seal is called packing. The word packing comes from the method of sealing in pressure where the stuffing
box around a pump or compressor shaft is “packed” with a soft material. The type of seal we will discuss is a mechanical seal, which is often also
called by the following names:

• Metallic Packing - from the earliest days when the parts were all metallic.
• Floating Packing - because the sealing rings are free to move.
• Segmental Packing - from the segmented construction of the rings.
• Mechanical Packing - since it is a precision machined part which functions on principles of mechanics.

Mechanical packing is made of many materials and sizes, depending dimensional limitations must be taken into account. A set of packing
upon the specific application involved, and may be utilized to seal may vary in cost from a few dollars to several thousand, depending on
pressures ranging from a vacuum to pressures currently as high as construction and material. It is one of the most critical parts involved
50,000 psi, with sealing rings of all the bearing metals and many in the operation of a compressor. Failure of the packing to operate
plastics. The variables of type of gas, suction and discharge pressures, satisfactorily can prove to be very expensive in terms of plant downtime
temperature, speed and length of stroke, lubrication, rod material, and and loss of output.

Purpose of Packing
The purpose of packing is to prevent leakage of a gas between a such a seal is impractical for several reasons. First, the high velocity of
cylinder and a piston rod. It is necessary to seal this clearance even the escaping air would cause erosion of the rod and bushing. Second,
when compressing a harmless or inexpensive gas. Take, for example, perfect alignment must be maintained so that the rod and bushing
an air compressor. As the clearance between the rod and the opening do not come into contact and cause wear and frictional heat. Third, no
increases or decreases, the amount of leakage will increase and decrease compensation is made for the difference in fit of the rod and bushing at
as well. The larger the passage for the gas to escape, the larger the operating temperatures. Fourth, running at extremely high speeds, in
leakage will be. If the machine is operating at a sufficiently high speed order to avoid extreme leakage, may be impossible because of speed
and the flow through the discharge valves is rapid, the compressed limitations of other parts of the compressor. It is for these four reasons
gas will take the path of least resistance through the valves rather than that packing as we know it today is used as standard equipment as a
through the restricted opening between the rod and the cylinder. seal on reciprocating compressors. To be considered successful, it is
Compressors have been built without conventional seals based on these necessary that this packing prevent the leakage of gas through the
principles. They have reduced clearance to a minimum in a bushing clearance between the cylinder head and the piston rod. The packing
around the piston rod and have run the engine at high enough speeds must operate over a long period of time with little or no leakage, and a
that leakage past the bushing was insignificant in comparison to the minimum of friction and resultant wear while compensating for wear,
flow through the discharge valves. However, creating and maintaining lateral movement of the rod and changes in temperature.

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Packing History
Sealing of the piston rod was originally accomplished on the first steam sought. Operators then tried various forms of fabric packing, usually
engines by cutting washers from ham rind to fit the piston rod and lubricated with flake graphite and oil. These performed with varying
placing them around the rod where it entered the cylinder in the recess degrees of success but rapidly lost ground, and soon the early forms of
known as the stuffing box. Pressure was then applied to them through metallic packing began to appear. These took the form of wedge-shaped
a bolted flange and follower, the follower having a tapered face which pieces of some soft metal arranged so that pressure from the flange
caused the washers to press on the rod and make the seal. The natural caused them to press onto the piston rod. Like their predecessors, they
grease in the ham rind gave good lubrication as did the packing, but required continual maintenance, consumed much of the engine’s power
required a maximum amount of maintenance and constant adjustment. and scored the piston rods rapidly.
As steam temperatures and pressures increased, greater demands were
put on the packing. For this reason, more high-tech materials were

Full Floating Principle

Around the close of the 19 th century, packings of the full floating metallic type were first marketed. The “floating” principle means sealing elements
of the packing are free to move within the assembly as opposed to non-floating packings in which the sealing elements are held rigidly in the stuff-
ing box and require outside adjustment to compensate for wear or misalignment. The full floating metallic packing was designed to:

• Take advantage of the operating economies resulting from the operating at high pressures and elevated temperatures. But the
elimination of friction-producing materials such as hemp, duck, term “metallic” packing is, at least partially, a misnomer. Originally
rubber, metal foil, metal shreds and innumerable combinations of it was termed metallic packing because all of the parts were
these materials previously used as packing materials. made from metal, primarily cast iron. As pressure conditions and
• To utilize a precision machined, anti-friction metal sealing ring that temperatures increased, various grades of bronze were used for the
will withstand high temperatures and pressures. wearing parts and, as other gases were becoming more common
in the chemical industry, various plastics and non-metallics were
• To provide an effective seal on piston rods that rise and fall or have added. The term then evolved into “mechanical” packing, which
a lateral movement as they move through the packing due to is the seal as we know it today. Its parts are rigid and interwork
wear of the crosshead or cylinder, unequal expansion of the parts, mechanically to reduce the clearance around the piston rod to
misalignment, or innumerable causes which can create such a the point where leakage will not occur. Unlike soft packing which
condition. requires continual external adjustment, it is self-adjusting, and
These buiIt-in features made this type of packing desirable for all compensates for wear and temperature changes.
reciprocating engines and compressors and a must for machines

A. Packing Set
The packing unit is made up basically of two parts: the packing case to 200 psi to seven or eight for the highest pressures in the industrial
(See Fig. 1) and the packing rings (See Fig.2). The case is a series reciprocating compressors. Until a few years ago, packings with 12 to
of retainers gasketed on the surface of the contact of the cylinder, 15 sealing elements were not uncommon. However, as rotative speed
centered around the piston rod by a stuffing box and held in place by increased and the stroke of the compressor was reduced, it was found
a flange bolted to the end of the cylinder. The number of retainers and that much was to be gained by decreasing the length of the packing
consequently the number of sealing elements is determined by the necessitating a reduction in the number of sealing elements. This was
operating conditions of the compressor, and by standards established achieved through the ability of the manufacturer to obtain finer finishes
by the individual packing manufacturers for the various conditions. on all the sealing parts on a production basis.
These will vary in number from two or three retainers for pressures up

3
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B. Packing Cups
The packing retainers which are referred to as packing cups are between the cups and the rings. The faces of the packing cups are
machined to provide a nominal amount of clearance around the piston ground, or ground and lapped, depending on the pressure, and the gas
rod so that the rod will not contact them should any lateral movement being sealed. Special care is taken to ensure that the faces are both flat
occur due to run-out, misalignment or wear. This clearance will vary with and parallel so that when assembled in the stuffing box, and bolted in
piston rod diameter, with the operating pressure, and is also influenced place, they will present surfaces which are perpendicular to the piston
by the compressor design and the possibility and magnitude of change rod. The pressure necessary to ensure a seal between cups and to seat
in piston rod orientation. As an example: on non-lubricated compressors the gasket between the end of the packing and the bottom of the
where the piston is supported on wear rings which may be subject to stuffing box is furnished by the flange. It can be seen from Fig.1 that
a high rate of wear causing both the piston and the piston rod to drop the clearance between the cups and the rings is unaffected by stud
from their initially aligned position, increased clearance is generally pressure, so that the rings will be free to move axially within the cup.
added between packing cups and the piston rod. Depending on these It should be noted that the rings contact the case only on the sealing
factors just described the clearance between the packing case and face. They do not in any way support the rod through contact with the
the piston rod may vary from 1/32” to 3/16”. The recess which houses packing case.
the packing rings is held to a fixed depth which allows side clearance

Fig.1 | Mechanical packing nomenclature

Box depth Flange
stud and
Front or Joints Packing nut
pressure between Groove rings
end cups width (pair) Ring sealing face

Lubrication
connection

Rod diameter
Box diameter

diameter
Groove

Bore

Vent
connection

Back or
flange end

Gasket Gasket Oil cup Tie rod Packing cups Vent cup Flange (gland)
cup

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Fig.2 | The basic sealing element of a mechanical packing

The tangent ring will make a
Dowel pin in tangent ring
complete seal except at the gaps
Clearance hole prevents joints of radial and
which permit compensation for
in radial ring tangents from aligning
wear. These are covered by the
Seal made between segments of the radial ring.
Pressure Tangent and packing case

Piston rod

Pressure
Packing case

Gas tight joint

Radial ring Tangent ring Three radial cuts in radial ring

permit compensation for wear

Joints Between Cups

The joints between the packing cups may take one of several forms (See The Tongue and Groove Gasketed Joint has the disadvantage of
Fig.3). They may simply be ground or ground and lapped; they may have being relatively expensive to manufacture and makes holding of the
a tongue and groove gasketed joint, or they may have a ground joint side clearance on the packing rings more difficult since the crush of
with an auxiliary “O” ring seal. In the latter type, the “O” ring is in effect the gasket is difficult to predict and it is necessary to maintain three
“insurance” since the ground joint properly loaded can form a satisfactory tolerances accurately — the width of the ring groove, the depth of
seal for all pressures. These various types have their advantages and the gasket groove and the thickness of the gasket. Its most serious
disadvantages. disadvantage is that uneven tightening of the flange studs can cause
cocking of the packing cups, through uneven crushing of the gasket,
The Ground Joint is the least expensive to produce and probably is
not keeping them perpendicular to the piston rod. The advantage of this
in widest use. It has the disadvantage of being susceptible to damage
type of joint is that it is the least susceptible to damage and even small
by scratching or through foreign material getting between the two
scratches in the metallic part of the joint can be sealed through the soft
surfaces. Generally this is a suitable joint for pressures up to the range of
gasket. The seal between the cups can be renewed simply by replacing
3000 psi. For higher pressures, lapping of the surface is desirable since
the gasket without the necessity of resurfacing the sealing faces.
it removes minute scratches left by grinding which could be a possible
source of leakage at higher pressures and even at lower pressures with
certain gases, such as hydrogen. Both ground or lapped joints have the
advantage of accurate control of side clearance of the packing rings, but
each is vulnerable to foreign materials or scratching.

Fig.3 | Typical methods of sealing between cups

Confined gasket
Lapped surfaces of suitable material Ground surfaces

“O” ring groove

Lapped joint with “O” ring Gasket joint Ground or lapped joint

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Fig.4 | Methods of introducing lubricants

Oil tube
Oil tube

To connection Oil tube

on flange

Drilled passages Confined gasket connection Standard pipe thread 59˚- 60° high pressure connection Straight thread with
confined gasket

Ground Joint with “O” Ring Seal is one of the latest and relatively inexpensive developments in seals between packing retainers. The joint itself
may be ground or ground and lapped, dependent upon pressures and the gas being handled. It has the advantage of the tongue and groove joint
in that it will compensate for some minor injury to the joint, and the advantage of the ground joint, in that it is possible to control accurately the side
clearance of the packing rings.

Lubrication Connections
Lubrication connections to a packing case generally take one of three arrangement on the outside of the cylinder. In either case, completely
forms. These will vary with pressure and physical space limitations or confined gaskets are used to make the seal between the packing cup
requirements. and the end of the oil tube.
The Ordinary Pipe Thread Type of Connection is made on packings The 59°-60° Joint is used on very high pressure packings. With this
for lower pressures. It may take one of several forms. Where it is possible, type of joint the seat in the packing cup is accurately made at 60° and
the packing set is drilled with an oil passage to introduce lubrication the end of the oil tube is accurately made at a 59° angle, so that contact
at the desired point and the oil connection is made on the face of the between the two will give a line contact and make a very good seal.
packing flange. In some instances the pipe thread connection is made Because this particular type of joint requires more maintenance than the
directly into the packing cup. The first of these methods is shown in others, it is generally used only on very high pressure packing where the
Fig.1. The latter is shown in Fig.4. sealing is critical. See Fig.4.
Gasketed Oil Tube Connections are desirable as pressures increase. Vent Connections
With these, the connection is made directly to the cup through which The vent connections to the packing set may be made in much the
oil is being fed (See Fig.4). The oil tube may be threaded directly into the same manner as the oil connections. Generally, because they are low
cup or may be “jacked” against the outside of the cup through a flange pressure, they use ordinary pipe thread fittings. Example shown in Fig.1.

Fig.5 | Geometry of the tangent joint packing ring

New ring New ring Ringgap

Ring worn to butt worn to butt gap

Gap Gap Gap worn Gap worn

to zero to zero

Direction of movement
Direction of movement Joints remain Joints remain on a true
on a true
of segment asof segment
bore is as bore is equilateral
equilateral triangle but triangle but
worn away worn away of a smaller size
of a smaller size

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Fig.6 | How a standard bore packing ring will fit an oversize and an undersize rod. Note: joints remain in contact

Rod oversize Rod undersize

Piston rod Piston rod

C. Packing Rings
The packing rings are the other component of the packing unit. These are actually the heart of the packing and the elements which make the seal,
compensate for wear, movement of the rod, and temperature change. There have been many patents obtained on various types of packing rings;
however, the most popular and widely used design is that patented by A. W. France, November 7, 1899.

Fig.7 | Surfaces on which leakage can occur are moving surfaces and require an oil film
to minimize wear. Arrows indicate possible paths of leakage.
Surfaces of rings and cup must be flat and smooth
Tangent joint must be light tight
and the corners must be square

Piston rod

These corners must be

square or leakage will occur
through joint in radial ring
around rod and through gap
of tangent ring, as shown on
the end view - left

These corners must be square or leakage will Clearance must be sufficient to allow rings to move
occur through joint in radial ring around rod freely with rod regardless of temperature change
and through gap of tangent ring, as shown here
on this end view

Segmental Packing Ring Operation

The principle of this packing (See Fig.5) is that the three cuts of the seals the gaps in the tangential ring (See Fig.7). The radial ring can also
tangential ring lie on the sides of an equilateral triangle. This ring is so compensate for wear on its bore simply by closing its radial joints as
cut that the segments maintain contact at the joints with variations of wear occurs. A dowel pin in the tangential ring prevents rotation of
the inside diameter of the ring (See Fig.6). As wear occurs on the bore of one ring with respect to the other, and prevents alignment of their
the ring or on the rod, the ring will collapse, with the segments moving joints. This combination of two rings doweled together is commonly
in the directions indicated by the arrows in Fig.5, and will continue to referred to as a pair of rings but is a single sealing element. These two
make a seal both on the bore and on the tangential joints. Obviously rings together make a seal along the piston rod. To prevent gas from
this ring cannot by itself create a seal since the gaps provided to permit bypassing the rings, the tangential ring also seals along its back face
the ring to collapse as it wears leave a straight path for leakage. To seal against the sealing surface of the packing cup immediately behind the
these gaps another ring is cut into three segments with simple radial one in which it is housed.
cuts and paired with the tangential ring. Each segment overlaps and

7
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The seal then is made by the combination of radial and tangential rings between the side of the retainer or packing cup and the face of the
on their bores along the piston rod, between the back of the tangential radial ring. Through this clearance and through the end gaps of the
ring and the sealing surface of the cup and through the tangential joints radial ring, pressure can build up on the outside of both the radial and
of the tangential ring. See Figs.8 and 9 for the percentage breakdown tangent rings and can also relieve itself toward the cylinder on the
of leakage past a pair of rings and the pressure conditions at three suction stroke of the compressor cycle, provided, of course, that the
locations on the rings. pressure existing around the rings exceeds the suction pressure of
the cylinder.
With the packing rings in place on the piston rod and the tangential
ring making contact with the sealing face of the cup, clearance exists

What Happens When Rings are Reversed?

If you visualize this pair of rings reversed in the grooves so that the will fluctuate from one end of the packing to the other, double tangent
radial ring is against the sealing face of the cup, clearance will then exist pairs of rings must be used so that sealing can be accomplished in either
between the pressure side of the tangent ring and the cup, permitting direction. Except as dictated by special sealing requirements as just
pressure to build up on the outside of the rings and to bypass the rings described, generally it is not desirable to use double tangent pairs of
through the radial joint of the radial ring. Correctly positioned, the radial rings since with their use it is possible to trap pressure within the packing
ring always faces the highest pressure. case and cause more rapid wear than would otherwise exist.
In some instances, where a packing may be subject to a fluctuating
pressure differential, such as a machine using a pressurized distance
piece or one used between two cylinders where the highest pressure

Plastic Materials
The development of plastic materials, particularly the filled TFE materials back-up ring may be used with a conventional pair of rings that is one
for both lubricated and non-lubricated service, have brought about radial and one tangent cut pair or with a single ring which is cut tangent
some alteration in packing ring configuration as just described. These to the piston rod. When a ring cut tangent to the rod is used without
materials under elevated temperatures and pressures tend to creep and a radial ring it becomes a double acting unit similar to the double
extrude into the clearance between the packing cups and the piston tangent pair as previously described. Unless the double acting feature is
rod. To permit the necessary clearance between the packing cups and intended, slots are cut across the face of the ring toward the pressure to
the piston rod to exist and at the same time prevent extrusion of the build up and to relieve pressure on the outside of the ring as previously
plastic sealing rings, the anti-extrusion or back-up ring was developed. described.
These rings may be either segmental or uncut and they are bored to
have a small amount of clearance on the piston rod. They are designed
to “float” with the packing rings without themselves transmitting any
load from the gas pressure to the piston rod. The anti-extrusion or

Fig.8 | Typical test of leakage past a pair of rings Fig.9 | Pressure drop across a pair of packing rings
showing percentage of total leakage

Radial ring Tangent ring Radial ring Tangent ring Radial ring Tangent ring
P1 P1 P1
Face of radial Face of tangent
18% 27%
P2 P2 P2
Bore of radial
4½%
Bore of tangent P2 P2 P2
22½%
Tangent joint P1 P1 P1
28%

Condition away from joint of both rings Condition at gap of radial ring Condition at gap of tangent ring

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Oil Control Rings

Most reciprocating compressors use oil control or wiper rings to prevent It should be understood that it is virtually impossible to wipe the rod
crankcase oil from passing into the cylinder and in some instances to completely dry of oil by mechanical wiper rings. On compressors where
prevent condensate, cylinder and packing lubricant from entering the crankcase oil must be absolutely excluded from the cylinder and contact
crankcase. On crosshead type machines, this control is achieved through with the gas, the compressor must be designed to prevent any part of
piston rod wiper rings. The desirability and necessity of this control the piston rod, which enters the crankcase from entering the cylinder.
is several fold. First, by containing crankcase oil in the crankcase, the
Segmental wiper rings may be either radially or tangentially cut. They
amount of oil entering the cylinder and consequently the gas stream
are garter spring actuated. The scraper edges in contact with the piston
is controlled. Second, the crankcase oil may not be compatible with
rod are proportioned to give a bearing load sufficient to break the
the cylinder lubricant and may dilute or react with it. Third, oil may not
surface tension of the oil film on the rod and wipe it away. While there
be permissible in contact with the gas being handled — such gases
are many variations and innovations of wipers, there are basically two
as oxygen and chlorine are examples of these. Fourth, it is desirable to
types. One is designed to turn back a large volume of oil along the rod.
avoid oil contamination of gases intended for “dry” use. Finally, cylinder
The other type has drainage passages through which oil wiped from
lubricants and condensate may be detrimental to the bearings and
the rod drains into an annular area around the outside of the rings and
other parts of the running gear if mixed with the crankcase oil.
thence back into the crankcase. Normally two or three wipers are used
in an oil seal and as previously indicated may be used as a part of or in
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
conjunction with a pressure packing.

Fig.10 | Pressure drop pattern through a packing discharge pressure

suction pressure
atmos
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
positions in packing 1st pair of rings seal
completely
discharge pressure
suction pressure
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 atmos
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
positions in packing 1st pair of rings seals
discharge, last pair seal suction pressure
discharge pressure
suction pressure
atmos
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
positions in packing 1st pair of rings seals
discharge pressure discharge and suction pressure breaks down
through packing
suction pressure
How a Packing Works
atmos
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
As previously described, a packing set consists
positions in of a series of1st
packing sealing
pair of ringssuction
sealpressure and atmospheric pressure for a short period of each
units. Mechanical packing is notcompletely
bottle tight but the amount of leakage stroke. These conditions of time and pressure differential give three
is an extremely small fraction of one percent of the capacity of the “normal” patterns of pressure breakdown across a set of packing.
discharge
machine pressure
and usually within tolerable limits. If, due to the toxicity of the
suction pressure Condition I - Both suction and discharge pressure are sealed by the first
gas or danger of explosion or corrosion, any leakage exists, it may be pair of rings.
atmos
vented to a safe place. The fact that the individual rings will leak slightly
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
is the reason for the series of rings. It is through the series of rings that Condition II - The suction pressure is sealed by the last pair of rings and
the pressure is broken down frompositions
discharge to inatmosphere.
packing 1st Youpair
will of rings seals by the first. Such a condition is believed to be transitory
the discharge
recall that the volume of leakagedischarge, last an
will increase with pair seal in
increase suction
the pressure
between Condition I and Condition III.
discharge
differential pressure
pressure across the rings and will also increase with the Condition III - This is a breakdown of suction pressure in increments
timesuction pressurepressure exists; in other words, the higher the
that the differential across the rings with each increment reducing the differential and
atmos
differential pressure and the longer the differential exists, the greater will consequently the amount of leakage by any pair of rings. The discharge
be the volume of leakage. In normal1 2compressor
3 4 operation
5 6 7the8minimum pressure is generally sealed by the first pair of rings. Should pressure
pressure which will be existent in the cylinder, and
positions in packing consequently
1st pairto of rings
higher than suction exist beyond the first pair of rings, it would on the
seals
which the packing will be subject, will be equal to the suction pressure.
discharge and suction pressure breaks downstroke leak back to the cylinder since the rings will seal in
first suction
through
The differential pressure across the packingpacking
will fluctuate between only one direction.
suction and discharge pressure on each compression stroke, with the Each of these conditions or patterns (See Fig.10) is considered to be
full discharge pressure existing only instantaneously on each stroke. The “normal” and will exist alternately during normal operation.
problem then is one of sealing a minimum of the differential between

9
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Mechanical Packing for Reciprocating Liquid Pumps

Until recent years the type of packing herein described has been applied only to compressors handling gases. It has been found, however, that by
adjusting sealing ring clearances and by making certain modifications to compensate primarily for the incompressibility of liquids that mechanical
packing can be successfully applied to reciprocating liquid pumps. The seal in this application requires no external adjustment, produces virtually
no plunger wear, and consumes considerably less of the pump’s power. Packing case and packing ring materials are the same as those used in
compressor packings and their selection is based on compatibility with the liquid being handled, mating material of the plunger, temperature and
pressure involved.

Packing Ring Materials

Packing rings have been made from a wide variety of materials, from wood (lignum vitae) to sterling silver, and for an equally wide range of conditions.
The more common ones, such as cast irons, bronzes, babbitts, laminated phenolics, plastics and carbon graphite materials should be familiar to the
maintenance mechanic. He should be familiar with their limitations and uses since much is to be gained by proper selection of packing rings.

Plastics have come into wide use as a packing ring material due to self- for use on gases which thin lubrication. The material itself is made up of
lubricating qualities, chemical resistance and a degree of conformability laminations of various woven fabrics impregnated with phenolic resin,
which virtually eliminates the necessity of a break-in or wear-in period. TFE, bonded by pressure and temperature. The temperature resistance of the
polyamides, and polyimides filled with a variety of materials to improve material is generally determined by the base fabric. Cotton fabric base
their dimensional stability, resistance to cold flow and heat conductivity materials are limited to 275°F, maximum. Other fabric base materials
have become standard materials for both non-lubricated and lubricated are limited to 400°F, maximum. For most satisfactory operation they
service, and are rapidly replacing many materials previously used. should be used, however, at temperatures less than their maximum limit.
Localized surface temperatures may exceed allowable limits and, since the
Cast Iron packing rings have a wide range of application on low pressure
material is a relatively poor conductor of heat, it may be difficult for it to
steam, air, and gases which do not tend to thin lubrication. Generally they
dissipate heat from its rubbing surface. In addition to the variations in base
are used up to pressures of 600 psi although some manufacturers will
materials, carbon or molybdenum disulfide may be added to the resin to
surface treat them and recommend their use at slightly higher pressures.
improve the anti-friction properties of the material. Laminated phenolics
They are all dependent on good and sufficient lubrication. Bronze as used
are generally limited to compressors discharging at less than 1000 psi.
in packing rings covers a wide range of alloys.
Babbitt rings find most of their use on stainless steel rods where corrosive
Bronze rings are used in the highest pressure reciprocating compressor
conditions limit the use of other materials for either packing rings or
packing made today. Because of their good heat conductivity they will
piston rods. For satisfactory life they should be used only on clean gases,
conduct heat away from the rubbing surface, helping to preserve the oil
since Babbitt rings are very susceptible to damage and to picking up
film. Generally, the leaded bronzes have been found most satisfactory and
foreign materials.
will not scuff or seize on the rod.
Carbon Graphite materials possess self-lubricating qualities and for many
Laminated Phenolics also cover a wide variety of materials. They are
years were the only materials suitable for non-lubricated packing. They
used where chemical resistance and/or adverse conditions of lubrication
have high temperature and corrosion resistance to many chemicals and
are anticipated. Their various grades are particularly recommended for
are still used in non-lubricated applications requiring materials with these
“sour” gases and hydrocarbons in general. They will run with virtually no
attributes.
more than water lubrication, making them a particularly good material

Packing Cup Materials

Packing cup materials are selected for wear resistance, strength, corrosion resistance and heat conductivity. They have been made from a wide
range of materials, the most common of which are cast iron, bronze and steel.
Cast Iron has excellent wear resistance and good strength, making it the applications where either exceptional heat conductivity is required or
best selection of materials up to pressures in the neighborhood of 2000 resistance to corrosion and chemical attack is needed.
psi, although in some instances it has been used as high as 5000 psi. Steel in several basic forms is used where the stresses induced in high
Its limiting factor insofar as pressure is concerned is the strength of the pressure packings require the strength obtainable in steel. Carbon,
material. alloy or stainless steel in the form of either castings, bar or individual
Bronze, although stronger than ordinary cast iron, has poor wear forgings may be used. The steels are heat treated to obtain optimum
resistance but superior heat conductivity and in some instances, combinations of strength, fatigue resistance and wear resistance.
resistance to chemical attack. For these reasons it is used on many

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Lubrication of Mechanical Packing

Lubrication in metallic packing serves a four-fold purpose. It provides a low friction film between the rings, between the rings and the cups, and
between the rings and the rod. This film provides resistance to corrosion from moisture and in some cases chemical attack of the gas, it helps in
dissipating heat and helps to prevent leakage through minute passages which may exist due to minor damage to the part, such as scratching or
slight discrepancies in the fit of the parts due to non-uniform expansion. In these respects the lubrication requirements of metallic packing are
much more exacting than those of bearings or other lubricated parts.

The lubricating oil or media used with metallic packing must be able lubrication is obtained from connections in the suction valve chambers,
to form and maintain strong films between all of the components and allowing the lubricant to be carried by the gas. Some valve stem
thereby reduce wear and friction since operation of the packing is packings running on hardened steel rods on steam engines are operated
dependent upon the ability of the parts to move freely under pressure. solely with steam-carried lubrication. The same is true of some relatively
The rings must be able to maintain sliding contact with the rod, at low pressure compressor packings; however, force feed lubrication is
the same time being free to slide on the cups, compensating for axial desirable on all lubricated type mechanical packings and is, in fact, a
movement of the rod. necessity on high pressure packings which use ordinary materials for
rings and rod.
Generally, lubricant is fed directly to the packing at one or more points
from a multiple force feed lubricator. In some instances supplementary

Amount of Lubrication
The amount of lubrication fed to a packing will vary substantially that a lubrication film must be maintained for satisfactory operation.
with various operations and can be best determined by actual field Intermittent lubrication will tend to misplace a film which will be built
experience. The use of plastic materials, specifically the filled TFE resins, up on the piston rod surface during periods of dry operation. With any
has made possible successful packing operation with substantially mechanical packing, excessive amounts of oil can be as detrimental as
reduced amount of lubrication. In some cases, the use of plastic rings insufficient quantities. This is due to the fact that increased amounts of
has permitted reduction of 80% in the amount of lubrication which had oxidation products will be formed which tend to be abrasive. In some
been fed to metallic rings. While substantial reductions in lubrication instances, hydraulic pressure will build up within the packing case and
are possible with these plastic materials, it should be pointed out cause excessive wear of the packing rings.

Non-Lubricated Mechanical Packing

Non-lubricated packing, as its name implies, requires no external It is frequently asked why, if packing can be made to operate without
lubrication. It is made and functions essentially the same as lubricated lubrication, are not all packings non-lubricated. This is of course, the
ones except that the packing ring material is selected for its self- ultimate goal of the packing manufacturer and the operator since it
lubricated qualities. These materials have previously been described would be substantially less expensive from the point of view of lubricant
and include the carbon graphite and the filled TFE resins predominantly. cost and even more of the cost of removing the lubricant from the
Some materials, such as the phenolic laminates, will run under most process gas. Until recent years the answer lay in the life of the packing.
adverse conditions of lubrication, even on moisture in the gas, but Friction and consequently wear were high with the ring materials
cannot be considered to be a non-lubricated material in the strictest available and replacement with its costly accompanying downtime were
sense of the word. The most notable difference in lubricated and non- frequent. Today, with the packing ring materials which are available,
lubricated packings is that cooling of the packing is at much lower many operations are converting to the use of minimum lubrication at
pressures due to higher frictional heat and the generally inherent poor pressures in excess of 10,000 psi and fully non-lubricated at pressures
conductivity of the packing ring material. As the pressure requirements in excess of 5000 psi. Continuing work in this field indicates that
are increased, it becomes increasingly necessary to remove heat from completely non-lubricated compressor packing operation is feasible at
the packing case, the rings and the rod. With non-lubricated packing, it even higher pressures.
has been found that even at very low pressures the ultimate life of the
packing rings can be extended beyond that normally expected with a
non-cooled packing.

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Temperature Control
The problem of obtaining satisfactory results with packing insofar as temperature is concerned is one of preventing excessively high temperature
which would be detrimental to lubrication, either through reducing viscosity or forming of carbon; of limiting as much as possible localized heating
of the packing; of keeping the packing temperature as nearly as possible constant; of keeping a temperature from developing in the packing which
would be detrimental to the process or the packing ring material; and of maintaining a packing temperature which will not cause moisture or the
gas to condense in the cups.

This control is obtained in one or more of the following ways: air cooling, the cup can be effective. With non metallic rings, such as laminated
water jacketing the stuffing box, running coolant in direct contact phenolics and plastics, because of their poor heat conductivity, the
with the packing cups, running coolant through a chamber or series of heat must be removed at its source by cooling. This is generally done by
chambers in the packing, running coolant through a hollow piston rod cooling by one of the last two methods mentioned. On high pressures
or running coolant directly in contact with the rod. (6000 psi upward) and on non-lubricated packing, frequently both
cup and rod cooling are used. Each of the methods mentioned has its
The first four of these are based on the assumption that the packing
advantages and disadvantages.
rings will transmit heat from their bore, where it is generated, to the cup,
where it is being removed. This assumption does not hold true for all
materials. With metallic rings the heat conductivity is such that cooling

Air Cooling is the simplest and least expensive. It is done simply by Running Coolant Through the Cups is another method of bringing the
allowing the packing to extend beyond the stuffing box and depends on coolant in more intimate contact with the source of heat and is generally
cooling through the transfer of heat to the air circulating around it. It is used on non-lubricated packing where heat transfer must be more rapid.
effective only on packings of low pressure where the requirement of the Corrosion -resistant cup materials can be used, permitting the use of
heat removal is low since air will tend to stagnate in the distance piece water as a coolant, so that a separate circulating and cooling system for
around the packing, reducing heat transfer. the coolant may not be necessary.
Water Jacketed Stuffing Box cooling is provided by extending the Running Coolant Through a Hollow Piston Rod is effective but
cylinder jacket to include the entire stuffing box. This is effective and in expensive. It is effective in that it is cooling directly one of the rubbing
most common use. Its only drawback lies in the fact that an air space, surfaces generating the heat. Generally, it is used in conjunction with
although small, helps insulate the packing cups from the stuffing box some method of cooling the packing cup.
and requires that the heat be transferred through the cup, the air space Running Coolant Directly on the Piston Rod is the most effective
and the wall of the stuffing box, to be removed by the jacket coolant. It method of heat removal although it requires a coolant compatible with
is because of the distance between the coolant and the source of heat the process and frequently requires a separate circulating and cooling
that this method does not give optimum cooling although effective for system for the coolant.
all but very critical jobs.
Regardless of method of temperature control, it must be remembered
Running the Coolant in Contact with the Cups is more effective than that the requirement is not to make a packing cold but to control
the first two methods since it brings the coolant closer to the source of its temperature. Packing temperatures of several hundred degrees
the heat and eliminates the insulating effect of the air space around the on lubricated packing are not unusual nor indicative of trouble.
packing. It requires that passages be provided on the outside of the cup Substantially higher temperatures can be anticipated on non-lubricated
for flow and that a seal be made around the stuffing box to contain the packings.
coolant. Generally, because of corrosion problems, a coolant such as
light oil must be used. A system for cooling and circulating the cooling
medium is used and consequently, because of the expense involved, this
method is limited to critical jobs.

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

Major Sources of Packing Trouble

There are several indications of trouble with metallic packing that are frequently taken as “the problem” when in reality they are a by-product or
a manifestation of the actual source of trouble. Excessive or rapid wear is an example of this. Barring improper selection of mating materials or of
material and gas, excessive wear is an indication of one or more of several causes. To fully understand and diagnose abnormal wear, normal wear
should be understood.

A. Normal Wear
Wear of sliding parts appears to be inevitable and it is to some extent to the temperature difference, there is the difference of as much as one
desirable. It can be broken down into two classes: wearing in and to two or more times the coefficient of expansion between rod and
wearing out. We generally consider wearing in to be a burnishing of rings. This means that even though the fit between the rod and the
the rubbing surfaces. With packing, the problem is somewhat different. rings is perfect at room temperature, at operating temperature, due
Packing rings must first undergo a period of wearing out, followed by a to the gradient through the packing and the difference in expansion
period of wearing in, then followed by the normal wearing out. This first rates, each pair of rings must wear to a running fit to make a satisfactory
wearing out period is caused by the fact that the rings must have a gas- seal. Having obtained this fit we should now expect the surfaces to
tight fit with the piston rod and must obtain that fit by wearing out to burnish and the original high wear rate to be replaced by a much slower
the point of making that contact. Temperatures may vary substantially normal wear pattern. What then will change this pattern of normal wear,
from front to back of packing and between rod and rings. In addition accelerating it to unacceptable limits?

B. Causes of Abnormal Wear

Temperature can put the packing back to the high wear rate of the Moisture, causing pitting, erosion and corrosion, can take place on the
initial wear out-wear in cycle. Radical changes in cylinder or packing rubbing surfaces during shutdown, giving unusual abrasive conditions.
temperature can be caused by failure of the cooling system, excessive Contamination of the gas with foreign material, such as welding
cylinder temperatures caused by recompression, lubrication failures beads, sand, pipe scale, catalyst, etc., will also cause rapid wear through
causing excessive frictional temperatures, and sticking of the rings abrasion.
causing excessive friction.
Improper Break-In can be a source of rapid wear if the rings are
Lubrication, if thinned beyond the point of effectiveness by the gas improperly worn in and a burnished rubbing surface is not obtained. If
or by excessive temperatures, can permit metal contact, giving high this condition exists, the rings may continue to wear without obtaining
frictional temperatures and excessive wear. Build-up of gummy or sticky a burnished condition.
carbon deposits, due to poor lubrication or reaction with the gas, can
cause restriction of free movement of the rings, further contributing to
excessive wear.
Blow-By, caused by improper break-in or erosion due to leakage past
the bore of the rings after a sudden temperature change, can cause
excessive wear or what can be classified as wear.

Causes of Abnormal Wear of Filled TFE Packing Rings permit the packing rings to run on this film at very low wear rates. When
Because of the wide use of filled TFE plastic as a packing ring material running with lubrication, this film is not established unless the lubricant
certain peculiarities in its operating characteristics should be is completely withdrawn. Once this film has been established, if oil is
understood. While the same conditions which cause abnormal wear in introduced it will mechanically displace the TFE surface on the piston
metal packing rings just described apply also to the plastics, there are rod and the rings will operate as lubricated ones. If the lubricant is then
certain additional phenomena to be considered. To do so, one must withdrawn, the rings will again establish this film on the mating piston
understand that because of self-lubricating properties the filled TFE rod surface. During this coating period, high wear rates of the packing
materials will run completely without external lubrication or they will rings will be experienced. It can be seen that conditions which cause
run as any lubricated material except requiring a bare minimum of alternate periods of lubrication and non-lubrication to TFE packing rings
lubricant. When running without lubricant, the TFE rings will lay down will be a source of very short ring life.
a coating on the mating piston rod surface and once established will

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C. Leakage
It is apparent that wear in itself is not the problem but is a manifestation Improper Assembly is a readily detectable source of leakage. Rings
of one or a combination of problems. Leakage, on the other hand, can installed improperly, that is, with the radial ring facing away from the
be both a by-product and a problem in itself. pressure, will allow the packing to leak. If the set has been assembled
in such a way that the packing cups are not perpendicular to the rod,
Wear can be the most obvious cause of leakage. Complete wearing
the packing rings will not be perpendicular to the rod and can cause
out of the rings and failure to compensate for additional wear would,
leakage.
of course, permit clearances and leakage. Wear on the sealing face of
the cup can prevent proper sealing of the rings against the cup, causing In these instances just mentioned, leakage is actually a by-product of
leakage. Wear or damage of the cup may be caused by inadequate or other trouble; however, leakage can in itself be a problem. During break-
poor lubrication, corrosion, build-up of carbon formations or abrasive in, where a discrepancy may exist between the rings and the rod due to
material in the gas. expansion, blow-by can destroy the oil film and cause excessive packing
temperatures, causing further expansion and blow-by. In this case,
Damage to the Rod in the form of scuffing or scoring can be a source
leakage is the problem in itself.
of leakage, or, if excessive wear has occurred on the rod and rings of the
original diameter are used, leakage will occur.

Packing Care During Assembly

One of the large contributing factors to the ultimate life of a metallic packing is the break-in. As has been discussed, break-in consists of wearing the
rings to a suitable fit with the rod at operating temperature. The most expedient way to accomplish this is to run at the operating temperature. It
is difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy the exact temperature of each pair of rings in the set or of the piston rod because of the variables
which affect it; consequently, premachining to obtain the fit and operating conditions is in most cases impractical. Proper break-in can be broken
down into the following steps: assembly, wear-in and burnishing.

Assembly requires care in handling of the parts to prevent damage, will prevent cocking of the packing cups and ensure their being in a
observing a few simple precautions and following the assembly perpendicular plane with the piston rod.
drawing provided with the operator’s manual. The parts should all be Before making oil connections to the packing, the lubricators should be
free of nicks, burrs, scratches, etc., and should be laid out in the order in hand operated to ensure that oil is reaching the point of the connection.
which they are to be assembled. After making the connections, the lubricator should continue to be
As the rings are assembled on the rod, care should be taken that the hand operated to fill the oil holes in the case.
numbered side faces the pressure, and that dirt or foreign material does During break-in, some operators have found that filling the lubricator
not separate the joints of the rings or the rings of with a heavier oil than will be used during operation is helpful since the
a pair. On lubricated packing, the rings should be liberally heavier, more viscous oil will help seal the rings during wear-in. Extra oil
coated with oil. can be put on the rod with a swab or an oil can at the face of the flange.
The cup joints should also be free of anything which would hold them Check the cooling system to ensure that it is functioning properly and
apart and interfere with their seal. that an unrestricted flow of coolant is obtained. Temperature control is a
With the packing assembled and in the stuffing box, the flange studs most important factor during break-in.
should be tightened as any gasketed joint-applying pressure through
opposite studs gradually to obtain even crushing of the gaskets. This

Wear-In of Metallic Rings

Wear-in begins with a no-load run for a short period to ensure that It should be kept in mind that generally the packing temperature is
a film of lubricant has been created between the wearing parts. The checked at the face of the flange, which is the most remote part of
load should be applied in increments, allowing a period of run-in at the packing from the point of highest generation of heat, so that in
each pressure level. The length of time at each level will depend on determining whether or not a stabilized temperature has been reached,
the particular job. If the packing temperature continues to rise without allowance must be made for the fact that the heat must travel through the
stabilizing at any given pressure level, or if oil coming from the face of packing case to the packing flange where it is being felt. Burnishing of the
the packing is darkened, showing signs of excessively rapid wear, or if rubbing surfaces begins when the packing rings have worn to a fit at the
leakage occurs, the pressure should be dropped back to the previous operating temperature. During this period, extra oil should continue to be
level for additional running. fed to the packing for several hours after reaching operating conditions.

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 MECHANICAL PACKING | DESIGN AND THEORY OF OPERATION

It is during the first few hours of operation at actual operating conditions generally leave a smooth finish which can inhibit break-in and it serves
that the rings achieve the burnished rubbing surface that contributes so only to obtain a size which is not the actual size at operating temperature.
greatly to their life. Break-in compounds have been used by some operators to speed
Break-in practice of some operators is to lap the rings to the rod. In “wearing out” of the ring to a fit on the rod. Unfortunately, they frequently
general, this is of little if any help. The bore of packing rings is, by leave a residue which can cause the rings to stick or bind in the grooves
comparison to their other surfaces, rough. This is an intentional finish and are a problem more frequently than not.
and is so made to speed the wearing-in process. Lapping the surface will

Wear-In of Filled TFE Rings

One of the great advantages gained from the use of filled TFE packing rings has been the virtual elimination of the break-in or wear-in period.
Because the material has some degree of conformability it is possible, even desirable, to obtain operating conditions on the packing as quickly as
permitted by the process. If the TFE rings are being used in lubricated service and it is desired to operate with minimum lubrication, it is generally
desirable that the packing be started with higher feed rates than ultimately intended and that the rate be gradually reduced to the desired level.

Conclusion
Mechanical packing is a precision seal accurately machined inside and out. It must be handled carefully, installed intelligently, and operated with
good judgment. It is not a frail part to be installed in your machine; it is built as ruggedly as any finely finished, accurately machined piece of
equipment can be, but a bump may burr or scratch it and disturb its seal. A chip or grain of dirt may hold the sealing surfaces apart, bind the rings
tight in the groove, or cause premature wear.
Treat your Mechanical Packing with Respect, Break it in Carefully, Keep it Clean, Lubricate it Properly and it Will Serve You Economically,
Faithfully and Well.

Venting and Purging of Packing

During normal dynamic operation of compressor packing, a certain nitrogen — to the packing assembly in addition to special side loaded
amount of process gas leakage will occur through the packing ring set, packing rings. To be effective, this must be supplied at a pressure higher
and this can vary according to various operating parameters including gas than the vent line pressure, and to a position between the vent and the
molecular weight, piston rod diameter, whether lubricated or oil-free, etc. final packing ring seal.
To prevent process gas emissions to atmosphere (or crankcase) it is Purge control panels are available which provide automatic control of
necessary to divert any gas leakage, through a gas vent line piped to a safe purge gas supply and ensure that the proper differential pressure relative
area. This vent line is taken from within the packing assembly, prior to the to vent pressure is maintained.
final packing ring seal, and via a pipe connected onto the packing flange.
For total control of the process gas with a guarantee of no emissions to
atmosphere it is necessary to supply a purge (or buffer) gas — usually inert

Static Sealing
Some users wish to hold pressurized gas inside the compressor cylinder while the compressor is stopped. This cannot be successfully achieved with
conventional compressor packings, which are designed to function dynamically. For such requirements, it is necessary to incorporate a static sealing
device within the packing assembly. This sealing device is pneumatically activated whenever the compressor is stopped, and de-activated when the
compressor re-starts

This booklet has been reprinted from the original write-up in 1968 by Ed Cummings, Chief Engineer, France Compressor Products. While there have been
improvements in design and materials since then, this still serves as a comprehensive study of the design and performance of rod packing. © 1968

15
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COMPRESSOR
PRODUCTS INTL
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Global Compression Industry™
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COMPRESSOR
PRODUCTS INTL
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Proven Solutions for the Global Compression Industry ™ © 2015 CPI. All rights reserved.

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