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SLADE Inc. has developed a patented technology for making extremely dense braided composite (graphite and 316 SS) bushings that install exactly like die formed rings of braided packing.

The purpose of the bushings is to replace fragile, machined, split carbon bushings. According to EPRI (Electric Producer Research Institute) any more than 5 sealing rings have a negative effect on valve sealing capability. Currently the practice is to machine carbon bushings to act as a spacer.

Common complaints for carbon bushings:

Long lead times

Fragile carbon often cracks or chips during installation or if dropped

Bushings are often too long to fit the clearances between the valve body and the stuffing box cavity

The bushings are often covered with carbon dust

Stuffing box depth is unknown prior to repacking making the ordering of the proper lengths required

Solution

Slade’s patented technology permits the braiding and die forming of a unique bushing. The product is made from 1/8” strands of 316 Stainless Steel foil encapsulated in graphite foil. These strands are braided exactly like packings. The braided composite die formed under enormous hydraulic force producing a ring of extreme density. The rings are substantially larger on the ID than the stem diameter to prevent frictional interference with the operation of the valve stem.

Procedure:

The ring finished has one joint, which upon separation allows the ring to be formed into an “S” shape to facilitate installation without kinking the ring. Valve packing installers can now install as many rings as required to fill all but enough space for 4 or 5 sealing rings.

The advantages are:

No machining required

• Flexible spacer rings

• Installed like packing

• Cut one side, opens into a “S” shape

• Extreme compressive strength

• Same cross section as the packing

• Axial forces move packing against stem