CASE STUDY
Flanged Thermowell . Image credit IQdirectory . com
able sealing at the bore , eliminating any space where media could accumulate and cause corrosion , while simultaneously providing external leak-free sealing .
2 . Packing Solution for Shaft Protection : To further secure the connection and minimize media exposure to sensitive components , the manufacturer provided a packing solution that was installed around the conical shaft within the thermowell .
The company ’ s innovative packing style was selected and sized to create an interference fit , which offered additional protection for the shaft and aided in the prevention of media accumulating in the thermowell . The packing style was recommended because of the combined benefits of high compressibility and extrusion resistance . As the braid is constructed with pure expanded graphite , it can expand radially and seal effectively against the shaft . The carbon fiber reinforcement drastically increased the packing ’ s ability to withstand pressure and not extrude .
Implementation and Results
After replacing the original gasket with the specialized gasket , and adding the packing around the shaft , the nitrogen facility reported a marked reduction in corrosion during subsequent inspections . The dual-sealing system ensured a more reliable seal and provided an added layer of protection for the components by preventing media from reaching areas prone to pitting .
Key benefits of the new solution included :
• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance : By sealing directly at the flange bore and adding packing at vulnerable points , the solution prevented media from stagnating within the flange face .
• Extended Maintenance Cycles : With reduced corrosion , the facility no longer needed to replace pitted flanges during planned maintenance events . As the replacement process can involve cutting the flange to remove the damaged gasket , re-welding it once the new gasket is installed , and performing a hydro test , this solution significantly reduces downtime and cost .
• Increased Safety and Reliability : The robust seal provided by the specialized gasket and packing minimized leak potential , improving the overall safety of the nitrogen handling system .
Conclusion
By switching to the manufacturer ’ s specialized gasket with a double-rail design , the nitrogen facility could effectively seal across the face of the flange , eliminating the risk of corrosion associated with
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stagnant media . The addition of packing around the shaft provided further protection , creating a dual-sealing solution that greatly improved the system ’ s reliability and uptime .
This dual-sealing approach underscores the creativity of the manufacturer ’ s engineering team and its ability to fulfill the unique sealing requirements of industrial applications , particularly in environments with corrosive or aggressive media .
Francisco Duque is a Mechanical Engineer in the Applications Engineering Department at Teadit North America in Pasadena , Texas . With five years at the company , he provides technical support to customers on gasket and packing applications , specializing in heat exchangers and packing solutions .
Angelica Pajkovic is a Client Specialist at Teadit , with a particular focus on technical content development . Hailing from Toronto , Canada , she has over six years of experience in the industrial industry . In her previous role as Editor-in-Chief at an industrial B2B Publishing company , she gained a rounded understanding of the challenges , interests , and business relationships in the industrial sector . For more information , please contact Angelica via email at : angelicap @ teadit . com .
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