Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method according to which a user is trained in flange and gasket assembly. A simulator models placing a gasket in between a pair of flanges and inserting a plurality of bolts into the pair of flanges. The user simulates tightening one or more of the plurality of bolts, in accordance with a particular tightening pattern, in order to create a proper seal, although the user may tighten the bolt in any order. The simulator provides simulated stress values for each bolt in the plurality of bolts to guide the user in proper flange and gasket assembly. The simulated stress values are based on an empirical, mathematical model and take into account elastic interactions between bolts. The assembly training ends when the user completes the tightening pattern or makes an irreversible error. The user is then provided with a score.

Abstract: A material that includes traceable particles that retain information about the fabrication of the material, which can be used to trace the origin thereof. The material may form gaskets, which are used to seal flanged joints in the food and beverage industry, and compression packings, which are used for sealing near valve stems, pump shafts, and similar machines.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method according to which a user is trained in flange and gasket assembly. A simulator models placing a gasket in between a pair of flanges and inserting a plurality of bolts into the pair of flanges. The user simulates tightening one or more of the plurality of bolts, in accordance with a particular tightening pattern, in order to create a proper seal, although the user may tighten the bolt in any order. The simulator provides simulated stress values for each bolt in the plurality of bolts to guide the user in proper flange and gasket assembly. The simulated stress values are based on an empirical, mathematical model and take into account elastic interactions between bolts. The assembly training ends when the user completes the tightening pattern or makes an irreversible error. The user is then provided with a score.

Abstract: A compression packing for sealing near valve stems, pump shafts and similar machine elements. The compression packing includes tracer particles that retain information about the fabrication of the packing which can be used to trace the origin thereof.

Abstract: A live-loading assembly for exerting a sealing force on a compressible packing structure of a fluid handling device, such as a valve or pump, includes a pair of gland bolts each movably extending through opposite end lids of a tubular cartridge and through a Belleville spring stack disposed within the cartridge and bearing on a tubular piston rod having an end portion extending outwardly through one of the lids and having a spring force indicating scale disposed thereon. When packing force adjustment nuts are tightened onto the bolts, to increase the compression force exerted on the packing structures, one of the lids on each cartridge moves along the associated exposed piston rod scale to thereby provide a visual indication of the amount of spring force being created by each tightened nut.

Abstract: A live-loading assembly for exerting a sealing force on a compressible packing structure of a fluid handling device, such as a valve or pump, includes a pair of gland bolts each movably extending through opposite end lids of a tubular cartridge and through a Belleville spring stack disposed within the cartridge and bearing on a tubular piston rod having an end portion extending outwardly through one of the lids and having a spring force indicating scale disposed thereon. When packing force adjustment nuts are tightened onto the bolts, to increase the compression force exerted on the packing structures, one of the lids on each cartridge moves along the associated exposed piston rod scale to thereby provide a visual indication of the amount of spring force being created by each tightened nut.

Abstract: A compressible anti-extrusion packing for sealing valve stems, shafts and rods having an interbraided, round braided or square braided outer layer disposed over a densified interbraided, round braided or square-braided core. In certain embodiments, the compressible packing includes a metal jacketed flexible graphite yarn interbraided as a core and an interbraided outer layer made of flexible graphite yarn with a carbon carrier. In one embodiment, the metal jacket is a knitted metal jacket. The core is densified by mechanical compression to control density and size.