Finite element analysis of stuffing-box packing subjected to thermo-mechanical loads

Abstract

The principal rule for the stuffing-box packings is to ensure the stem valve sealing. The behavior of these systems is affected by the operating conditions, which are the gland axial stress, the temperature, and the fluid pressure, as well as the mechanical and geometrical properties of the various components. In this paper, a numerical study using finite element method is presented to evaluate the radial contact stresses, the axial stresses, and the lateral pressure coefficients in a stuffing box system under the tightening gland load and the temperature field.