Gland packing, also known as packing or shaft packing, is a type of sealing device used in mechanical equipment to prevent leakage of fluids along a rotating or reciprocating shaft. It consists of a compressible material, such as braided rope or yarn, which is wrapped around the shaft within a stuffing box or gland. The stuffing box is a chamber or casing surrounding the shaft where it exits the housing of a pump, valve, or other equipment.
The purpose of gland packing is to create a seal between the rotating or reciprocating shaft and the stationary housing, preventing fluid from leaking out along the shaft. The packing material is compressed tightly around the shaft by tightening the gland nut or packing gland, which is typically located outside the stuffing box. This compression creates friction between the packing and the shaft, effectively sealing the interface and preventing leakage.
Gland packing is commonly used in various industrial applications, including pumps, valves, mixers, and other machinery where a shaft penetrates a housing or casing. It provides a reliable and relatively inexpensive sealing solution, although it may require periodic adjustment or replacement to maintain effectiveness, especially in applications involving high temperatures, pressures, or abrasive fluids.
