Abstract: A stuffing box flow diverter including a body including first, second, and third connector portions. The third connector portion is configured for connection to a stuffing box. A first passage extends from the first connector portion to the third connector portion and a second passage extends from the first connector portion to the third connector portion. The first and second passages are coaxial, wherein the second passage includes an annular portion extending along at least a portion of the first passage. The first passage is defined by a tube extending from the first connector portion and through a bore formed in the third connector portion, the bore having a bore diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tube. The second passage includes the annular region defined by the bore diameter and the outer tube diameter.

Abstract: An improved shaft assembly with a rigid component for facilitating sealing is disclosed. The shaft assembly includes a housing, a cap connected to the housing, a shaft operably positioned in the housing, first and second sealing elements, and the rigid component fixedly attached to the first sealing component. The first and second sealing components are in contact with the housing and the shaft. The rigid component is in contact with the first sealing component and the cap, so as to prevent the first sealing component from extruding outside the cap when the shaft reciprocally moves relative to the housing.

Abstract: An extreme temperature gasket material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 850° F. is provided. The extreme temperature gasket generally includes an inorganic filler, an inorganic fiber, and an organic binder. In some embodiments, the inorganic filler is from 75 to 90 wt % of the gasket material and can include submicron-sized talc particles. The inorganic fiber can be from 5 to 20 wt % of the gasket material and can include silicic acid fiber. The binder can be a latex emulsion and can be present in the gasket material in the range of from 1 to 5 wt % of the gasket material. The gasket material also can include additives, such as flocculant and defoamer. In some embodiments, the amount of organic material present in the gasket material is limited to less than 5 wt % of the gasket material.

Abstract: A kammprofile gasket is provided. The kammprofile gasket forms a flow aperture into which an object, such as a strainer or orifice plate, may be machined into the gasket to provide additional functionality. The gasket has a core material with a sealing material overlaying a portion of the core material such that a seal is formed between opposing flanged surfaces. The core material may be machined such that a base plate for an orifice or a plurality of support beams extend into the flow aperture. The plurality of support beams may provide support for a filter or strainer coupled upstream to the core material. The base plate may provide an inclined surface, such as a cone, to an orifice where the cone functions to direct excess flow away from the orifice to self flush.

Abstract: A method for making high-pressure sheet gasketing material is provided that employs an elastomer, such as natural rubber and/or acylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Tert-butyl acetate is added to dissolve the elastomer. Other components may then be mixed with the dissolved elastomer and may include, for example, antioxidants, colorants, curing agents, curing accelerators, reinforcing fillers, and fibers such as organic and/or mineral fibers. The resulting dough may be formed into a high-pressure sheets, for use as gasketing material, using a two-roll sheeter machine, or the like.

Abstract: A molded discrete low stress gasket is constructed of restructured filled PTFE for use in corrosive or severe chemical environments under relatively low bolt loads. The gasket has a gasket surface and includes a raised outer sealing ring and a raised inner sealing ring. The gasket may constructed from a restructured filled PTFE material, with the sealing rings deforming at lower pressures than the remaining portions of the gasket.

Abstract: A labyrinth sealing device is disclosed for use between a rotating shaft and a bearing housing. In some embodiments, an internal stator engages the housing and a rotor engages the shaft. A labyrinth pathway is defined between the rotor and stator to prevent the migration of lubricants and/or contaminants in either direction. The rotor acts as a running surface for the sealing element, but may also with a ground surface of the rotor to provide a pump that continuously draws lubricant away from the sealing lip toward a sump. In another embodiment, the stator and sealing element are combined as a single element formed from a sealing material. A recess in the sealing lip creates a pressure differential at the sealing surface and minimizes wear.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gasket material may comprise inserting a polymer sheet into a press, and pressing the polymer sheet with a mold comprising opposing arrays of protrusions to define interconnected sealing ridges surrounding an array of indentations on each major surface of the polymer sheet. A gasket material may comprise a polymer sheet comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface opposing the first major surface. Interconnected sealing ridges may define an array of indentations on the first major surface of the polymer sheet. Additionally, interconnected sealing ridges may define an array of indentations on the second major surface of the polymer sheet, substantially symmetric to the first major surface.

Abstract: A stuffing box flow diverter including a body including first, second, and third connector portions. The third connector portion is configured for connection to a stuffing box. A first passage extends from the first connector portion to the third connector portion and a second passage extends from the first connector portion to the third connector portion. The first and second passages are coaxial, wherein the second passage includes an annular portion extending along at least a portion of the first passage. The first passage is defined by a tube extending from the first connector portion and through a bore formed in the third connector portion, the bore having a bore diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tube. The second passage includes the annular region defined by the bore diameter and the outer tube diameter.