System and method for automatically biasing packing material using a packing load assembly

Abstract

A system for adjusting an axial biasing force applied to a set of stacked packing elements mounted within a stationary device, comprising a packing load assembly that seals a process fluid within the stationary device and applies the axial biasing force to the packing elements from a pressure regulator via a pressurized fluid. The packing load assembly comprises a gland element attached to the stationary device by a plurality of gland bolts, and an external actuation subsystem coupled to at least one of the plurality of gland bolts to directly apply an axial actuation force to the gland element in response to a pressurized fluid. The gland element applies an axial biasing force to the packing elements in response to the axial actuation force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 421,300, filed on November 1, 2022, titled "System and Method for Automatically Biasing a Packing Material Using a Packing Load Assembly", and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 16 / 850,688, filed on April 16, 2020, titled "System and Method for Automatically Biasing a Packing Material Using a Packing Load Assembly", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 835,966, filed on April 18, 2019, titled "Method and System for Automatically Biasing a Packing Material of a Mechanical Seal". Also, all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to a packing material for a fixing device, and more particularly, to a system and method for automatically biasing the packing material by applying a controllable axial load.

[0003] In some mechanical fields, it is important to provide a fluid-tight seal between a plurality of adjacent devices. For example, one common application of sealing technology involves a swivel or rotating shaft that contains a process media or fluid at one end. In such situations, it is generally desirable to prevent leakage of the process fluid around the shaft. Thus, as is known, a fixing device such as a stuffing box can be used to surround the shaft. The stuffing box can use a packing material, often called a compression packing seal, which is wrapped around the rotating shaft and forms a boundary and seal surface between the rotating shaft and the stuffing box. Compression packing seals typically consist of a series of axially abutting laminated packing rings. A mechanical seal can also be attached to the stuffing box in place of the packing material to assist with shaft sealing, or the packing material can be incorporated into the mechanical seal.

[0004] Compression packing seals can be braided packing materials that are typically square or circular in cross-section, but compression packing seals can have various cross-sectional shapes. Compression packing seals can be cut to the appropriate size and wrapped around a shaft to form an annular shape. To provide a seal around a shaft, multiple packing rings may be provided along the entire length of the shaft. Compression packing rings can be fixed and compressed within a stuffing box using a suitable structure such as a packing land. As the packing rings are compressed, these rings expand radially to form a seal between the rotating shaft and the fixed stuffing box. The seal formed by the packing rings forms a fluid seal, maintaining a pressure boundary between the fluid inside the stuffing box and the outside air.

[0005] Conventional packing installation techniques have the drawback that the sealing performance of the packing material deteriorates over time. Therefore, in order to maintain fluid sealing, the compression amount of the packing material must be continuously increased.

[0006] To solve this problem, conventional systems apply axial force to the packing material to form and maintain a fluid seal between the stuffing box and the shaft. According to one prior art, an axial load can be applied to the packing material using a known structure such as a gland bolt. However, as the packing material wears down over time, the axial load on the packing material decreases, causing leakage, thus requiring periodic adjustment of the gland bolt. According to another prior art, an axial force can be applied to the packing material using a disc spring washer, a conical washer, or a secondary seal assembly. However, as the spring stretches, the axial load decreases, and the amount of axial movement of the spring is limited. [Overview of the project]

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a shaft sealing device that can maintain the sealing performance of a gland packing over time without requiring frequent adjustment or tightening of the sealant. Another object of the present invention is to provide a remotely adjustable means or mechanism for applying a substantially uniform and precise axial load to the packing material that can compensate for wear of the packing material over time.

[0008] The pressure regulation system of the present invention can use any selected combination of the elements, devices, assemblies, or subassemblies described above.

[0009] The present invention relates to a pressure regulation system used with a packing load assembly and a fixing device for applying a substantially uniform force or load to a set of stacked packing elements. The force applied to the packing elements can be adjusted or controlled in real time and remotely. The packing load assembly may include a gland and an axially movable follower element, the follower element can be biased by a pressurized fluid to move between a preloaded position in which the follower element does not apply an axial load to the packing elements and a loaded position in which the follower element applies an axial load to the packing elements. The axial load biases the packing elements to form a liquid-tight seal between the packing elements and the shaft or associated sleeve element, and between the packing elements and selected surfaces of the fixing device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pressure regulating system for a stationary device using a set of stacked packing elements, the pressure regulating system comprising: a fluid source for supplying a fluid source; a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the fluid to form a pressurized fluid; and a packing load assembly for sealing a process fluid within the stationary device, the packing load assembly for applying an axial load force from the pressure regulator to the packing elements via the pressurized fluid. The pressure regulator includes an inlet for receiving the fluid from the fluid source and an outlet for supplying the pressurized fluid.

[0011] The pressure regulating system may further include a fluid regulator positioned between the fluid source and the pressure regulator, which regulates the flow of the fluid between them. The fluid regulator may be a check valve.

[0012] The present invention relates to a system for adjusting an axial biasing force applied to a set of stacked packing elements mounted within a stationary device, the system comprising: a fluid source supplying a fluid source; a pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure of the fluid to form a pressurized fluid; and a packing load assembly for sealing a process fluid within the stationary device, the packing load assembly for applying the axial biasing force from the pressure regulator to the packing elements via the pressurized fluid. The packing load assembly comprises a gland element attached to the stationary device by a plurality of gland bolts; and an external actuation subsystem coupled to at least one of the plurality of gland bolts to directly apply an axial actuation force to the gland element in response to the pressurized fluid, the gland element comprising the external actuation subsystem for applying the axial biasing force to the packing elements in response to the axial actuation force.

[0013] The gland element may include an upper portion having an upper surface that contacts the bottom surface of the external operating subsystem, and a lower end flange portion having a surface that contacts the outermost axial part of the packing element and applies an axial biasing force thereto thereon. The external operating subsystem may include an upper housing component and a lower housing component that is separable from the upper housing component and movable axially relative to it. The upper housing component has a body having a central portion shaped to accommodate the gland bolt, the central portion located between opposing first end regions and second end regions, the first end region having a first retaining opening for accommodating a first retaining element, and the second end region having a second retaining opening for accommodating a second retaining element.

[0014] The external operating subsystem may further include first and second plug elements coupled to the body of the upper housing component, each of the first and second plug elements including a groove formed on its outer surface for accommodating a plug sealing element. The first plug element is coupled to the bottom surface of the first end region by a first retaining element, and the second plug element is coupled to the bottom surface of the second end region by a second retaining element. The lower housing component may include a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central portion located between the first and second chamber portions, the first chamber portion having a first chamber for accommodating a first operating element, and the second chamber portion having a second chamber for accommodating a second operating element.

[0015] The first actuation element may include a first central cavity sized and configured to accommodate the first plug element, and a first groove formed on its outer circumferential surface for accommodating the first sealing element. The second actuation element may include a second central cavity sized and configured to accommodate the second plug element, and a second groove formed on its outer circumferential surface for accommodating the second sealing element. When the first plug element is positioned in the central cavity of the first actuation element, it connects the first actuation element to the upper housing component, and when the second plug element is positioned in the central cavity of the second actuation element, it connects the second actuation element to the upper housing component. According to one embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber each have an inner wall and a floor, the first sealing element of the first actuation element contacts the inner wall of the first chamber to form a fluid-tight seal between the first chamber and the first actuation element, and the second sealing element of the second actuation element contacts the inner wall of the second chamber to form a fluid-tight seal between the second chamber and the second actuation element. Each of the first and second chambers may have a fluid port for receiving the pressurized fluid, and when the pressurized fluid is introduced into the first and second chambers, the pressurized fluid moves the lower housing component axially away from the upper housing component and toward the gland element, thereby applying the axial biasing force to the gland element.

[0016] The gland bolt includes a bolt shaft and a bolt head, and the central portion of the upper housing component has a fastener receiving opening for accommodating the bolt shaft, and the bolt head fixes the external actuation subsystem to the gland element. The external actuation subsystem is movable between a preloaded position in which the external actuation subsystem does not sufficiently apply the axial actuation force to the gland element and a loaded position in which the external actuation subsystem applies the axial actuation force to the gland element. That is, the external actuation subsystem is movable between a preloaded position in which the lower housing component does not sufficiently apply the axial actuation force to the gland element and a loaded position in which the lower housing component applies the axial actuation force to the gland element.

[0017] According to a second embodiment, the external operating subsystem can be configured to move axially along the gland bolt and may include an upper housing component and a lower housing component coupled to each other. The gland bolt may have a bolt head and a bolt shaft, and the lower housing component may form a chamber having side walls and a floor. The floor of the chamber may have a central opening for accommodating the bolt shaft, and the bolt head may be sized and configured to be accommodated within the chamber. The external operating subsystem is movable between a pre-loaded position in which the bolt head is positioned adjacent to the floor of the lower housing component and a loaded position in which the bolt head is positioned adjacent to the upper housing component.

[0018] The bolt head may have an outer circumferential surface with a groove formed for accommodating a bolt sealing element, and the lower housing component may be sized and configured such that the bolt sealing element is positioned in a fluid-seal engagement with the side wall of the chamber. A groove may be formed in the central opening of the floor of the chamber for accommodating a shaft sealing element, which can engage with the shaft of the gland bolt to form a fluid-tight seal. Furthermore, the lower housing component has a fluid port for communicating the pressurized fluid with the chamber in order to move the external operating subsystem between the preloaded position and the loaded position. An anti-rotation element for coupling with the gland element may also be attached to the bottom surface of the lower housing component. The anti-rotation element helps to prevent the external operating subsystem from rotating relative to the gland element during use.

[0019] The packing load assembly is axially movable and may include a follower element communicating with the gland channel and a gland housing the follower element. The gland has a body, which has a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and side surfaces, a plurality of fastener receiving openings formed in the body for housing fastener elements, a gland channel formed in the bottom surface of the body and forming a gland pressure chamber, and a fluid supply port formed in the side surface and in fluid communication with the gland channel. The gland channel includes a bottom wall surface, opposing first and second side wall surfaces, and sealing channels formed in each of the opposing first and second side wall surfaces for housing sealing elements. The follower element includes a first end having a bucket-shaped structure and an opposing second end having a stem-shaped structure, the bucket-shaped structure having a U-shaped body with opposing first and second side walls and a bottom wall forming a pressure chamber. The stem-like structure has a foot at its end for contacting the outermost of the plurality of packing elements in the axial direction.

[0020] The bucket-shaped structure of the follower element is sized and configured to be at least partially housed within the ground channel of the ground. Furthermore, the follower element can move between a first preloaded position in which the follower element is positioned at its outermost axial position and a second loaded position in which the follower element moves axially inward and the foot of the follower element contacts the outermost of the plurality of packing elements, thereby applying a load to it.

[0021] In another embodiment, the gland channel of the gland has opposing side walls radially spaced apart from each other and connected by a bottom wall, and the movable follower element is able to move between a first preloaded position in which the bucket-shaped structure of the follower element is positioned within the gland channel and the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is in contact with the bottom wall of the gland channel, and a second loaded position in which the follower element moves inward in the axial direction and the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is separated in the axial direction from the bottom wall surface of the gland channel. The gland pressure chamber of the gland and the pressure chamber of the follower element cooperate to form a pressurized chamber, which selectively moves the follower element axially as a function of the pressure of the fluid in the pressurized chamber.

[0022] The system may further include an electronic device for communicating with and controlling the pressure regulator, which controls the pressure of the pressurized fluid that exits the outlet and is delivered to the packing load assembly.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a packing load assembly for attachment to a fastening device using a set of stacked packing elements, the packing load assembly comprising a gland and a follower element. The gland includes a body, the body having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and sides, a plurality of fastener receiving openings formed in the body for accommodating fastener elements, a gland channel formed in the bottom surface of the body and forming a gland pressure chamber, and a fluid supply port formed in the side and in fluid communication with the channel. The follower element may have a first end having a bucket-shaped structure with a generally U-shaped body having opposing first and second side walls and a bottom wall to form a chamber, and an opposing second end having a stem-shaped structure with a foot at its end for contacting the outermost axial packing element of the plurality.

[0024] The gland pressure chamber and the chamber of the bucket-shaped structure are fluidly coupled to form a pressurizing chamber for axially moving the follower element between a first preloaded position and a second loaded position. Furthermore, the gland channel has radially spaced first and second wall surfaces and a bottom wall surface connected to the first and second wall surfaces. When the follower element is positioned at the first preloaded position, the bucket-shaped structure is positioned within the gland channel, and the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is in contact with the bottom wall surface of the gland channel. When the follower element is positioned at the second loaded position, the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is radially separated from the bottom wall surface of the gland channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention should be more fully understood by referring to the accompanying drawings along with the following detailed description, where similar reference symbols in the drawings indicate similar components throughout these multiple drawings. These drawings illustrate the principles of the present invention and, although the scale is not constant, indicate relative dimensions. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a pressure regulation system using a packing load assembly according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a packing load assembly of a first embodiment used with the pressure regulation system of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a packing load assembly showing a movable follower element disposed in a preload position according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a packing load assembly showing a movable follower element in a load position according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a follower element of a packing load assembly according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a compact built-in structural housing that houses and utilizes the pressure regulation system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a pressure regulation system using a packing load assembly of a second embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the packing load assembly of FIG. 7 according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view from the rear of a fixing device, showing the packing load assembly of FIG. 7 according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower housing component of an external actuation subsystem according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the lower housing component of FIG. 10A according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of an external actuation subsystem according to the teachings of the present invention, showing the subsystem disposed in a preload position. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of an external actuation subsystem according to the teachings of the present invention, showing the subsystem disposed in a load position. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the external operating subsystem of a packing load assembly according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the packing load assembly taught in the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the packing load assembly shown in Figure 12, according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the external operating subsystem of the packing load assembly shown in Figure 12, according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 15A] Figures 15A and 15B are partial perspective views of the external operating subsystem shown in Figure 12, illustrating the subsystem positioned at the load position and preload position, respectively. [Figure 15B] Figures 15A and 15B are partial perspective views of the external operating subsystem shown in Figure 12, illustrating the subsystem positioned at the load position and preload position, respectively. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the packing load assembly shown in Figure 12, according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the packing load assembly of Figure 7 according to the teachings of the present invention, showing that multiple (e.g., four) external operating subsystems are coupled to a stationary device and fluidly connected in series. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0026] Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to a pressure regulating system used in conjunction with a packing load assembly to apply an axial load force to a packing element housed within a fixed device in an automated manner. By applying an axial fluid force to a follower element, the axial force can then be controlled or regulated by using a pressure regulating system that applies an axial load force to the packing element. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention is achievable in numerous different applications and embodiments and is not particularly limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0027] The term "shaft" as used herein is intended to refer to any suitable device on which a seal can be attached in a mechanical system, and includes shafts, rods, and other known devices.

[0028] The terms "axial" and "in the axial direction" here refer to a direction roughly parallel to the axis of any shaft. The terms "radial" and "radially" here refer to a direction roughly perpendicular to the axis of any shaft. The terms "fluid" and "multiple fluids" refer to liquids, gases, and combinations thereof.

[0029] The term "axially inward" as used herein refers to a part of a fixing device and / or a component of a mechanical seal located in close proximity to the fixing device (e.g., a mechanical system) that uses the mechanical seal. Therefore, this term also refers to a component of a mechanical seal or packing load assembly that is mounted on or inside a fixing device, or located deep inside or closest to the device (inboard). Conversely, the term "axially outward" as used herein refers to a part of a fixing device and a mechanical seal or packing load assembly located distal to the device (outboard).

[0030] The term "radially inward" as used herein refers to the portion of a mechanical seal, packing load assembly, or associated component that is close to any shaft. Conversely, the term "radially outward" as used herein refers to the portion of a mechanical seal, packing load assembly, or associated component that is located distal to its shaft.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “stuffing device,” “stuffing box,” and / or “stationary surface” are intended to include any suitable fastening structure that houses a shaft or rod to which a glanded mechanical seal or packing load assembly is fastened. This fastening structure may include any type of commercially available or industrial equipment, such as pumps or valves. A person skilled in the art with ordinary skills will also understand that a gland assembly may form part of a mechanical seal, a packing load assembly, or a fastening device.

[0032] The terms "process medium" and / or "process fluid" as used herein generally refer to a medium or fluid being transferred through stationary equipment. In the application of a pump, for example, the process medium is the fluid being pumped through the pump housing.

[0033] The term "gland" as used herein is intended to include any suitable structure that enables, facilitates, or assists in the fastening of a mechanical seal or packing load assembly to a fastening device, and which simultaneously encloses or accommodates at least partially one or more seal components. If necessary, the gland may also provide fluid access to the mechanical seal.

[0034] The term "mechanical seal" as used herein is intended to include various arbitrary types of sealing structures used to seal process fluids between movable (e.g., rotating) components and fixed components of stationary devices, and may include, for example, single seals, split seals, tandem seals, double seals, concentric seals, gas seals, helical seals, and other known seal types and configurations.

[0035] The term "packing material" as used herein is intended to include resilient, at least partially compressible materials for sealing various fluids within a gland or fixing device under a wide range of pressures and temperatures.

[0036] The term "packing load assembly" as used herein is intended to include any selected component or assembly of components, including at least, a gland, for applying axial load pressure to packing elements formed from packing material to achieve a seal between the fixed and movable components of a fixed device.

[0037] The terms “ambient environment” or “ambient pressure” are intended to include external environments or pressures other than the internal environment of the gland, packing load assembly, mechanical seal, or fastening device.

[0038] The present invention relates to a packing load assembly having a gland containing a sealed cavity that houses a piston load follower element acting on a packing element. The piston load follower element is actuated by one or more externally regulated or controlled pressure sources that apply a pressurized fluid or medium, such as compressed air or appropriate water supply in a workshop. A pressure regulating system can be used to help regulate, change, or control the pressure in the gland, thereby enabling a generally, substantially constant, or uniform axial load force to be applied to the packing element, or to allow the pressure to be varied as needed. As the packing element loosens over time due to wear, thermal cycling, vibration, pressure surges, etc., the pressurized fluid can be controlled, regulated, or changed to help keep the load on the packing element generally, substantially constant, or uniform. By using fluid regulating elements such as valves in the supply pipeline to the pressure regulator, the load on the packing material can be maintained even if the supply of pressurized fluid is momentarily interrupted. The supply of pressurized fluid is commonly available in industrial and commercial plants. The desired load can be set remotely in a convenient location away from rotating mechanical parts such as shafts.

[0039] This invention relates to the concept of an improved live pressure load packing loading assembly or system that automatically energizes packing elements mounted within a fixed device to compensate for compression and wear of the packing over time. Furthermore, this invention allows for packing adjustment at a location away from rotating mechanical parts. When the packing elements are mounted to the gland of the packing loading assembly and an axial load is applied with appropriate compressive force, the radial pressure of the packing needs to be equal to or greater than the process fluid pressure of the pump at the wet end (e.g., the inner end) for proper and sufficient sealing. Relaxation behavior of the packing elements can be caused by wear, thermal cycling, vibration, pressure surges, etc.

[0040] Structural components such as piston load follower elements can be configured, when mounted within a stationary device, to impart a hydraulically or pneumatically driven axial biasing force to a packing element, thereby limiting or preventing fluid leakage therefrom, and forming a reliable seal by process fluid pressure from equipment such as a pump. This gland component can be fixed to the stationary device and preferably accommodates the follower element.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a pressure regulation system 10 of the present invention. The pressure regulation system 10 includes a pressurized fluid source 12 for supplying pressurized fluid to a packing load assembly 18. This fluid may be a gas such as air or nitrogen, or a liquid such as water. The fluid source 12 is connected to a pressure regulator 16 via a fluid regulator device 14 through appropriate piping or mechanical connections. The pressure regulator 16 can be any suitable structure or device for regulating or controlling the pressure of the fluid. The pressure regulator 16 has a fluid inlet 16A for receiving fluid from the fluid source 12 and a fluid outlet 16B for sending the fluid to the packing load assembly 18. The fluid from the pressurized fluid source 12 enters the fluid inlet 16A at a first high pressure and typically exits the pressure regulator from the fluid outlet 16B at a second pressure, which may be lower than or substantially equal to the inlet pressure. The pressure regulator 16 may include a mechanical structure such as a pressure setting or adjustment element 16C (Figure 6) which may include a spring and be coupled to a sensor such as a diaphragm or bellows, as is known in the art of the present invention. This sensor may be configured to sense or detect the pressure of the fluid at the outlet 16B. Alternatively, the sensor may be coupled to a restrictor element such as a valve seat, which can be moved axially to control, adjust, or change the amount of fluid flowing out of the pressure regulator 16, thereby controlling the fluid pressure at the fluid outlet 16B. The pressure regulator 16 may use feedback of the adjusted pressure as input to the setting or control mechanism of the regulator, and the opening of the restrictor element can be controlled in response to changes in the feedback pressure. The structure and operation of pressure regulators are well known in the art of the present invention, so no further explanation is needed here.

[0042] The fluid regulating device 14 helps to control or regulate the fluid flow between the fluid source 12 and the fluid regulator 16. According to one embodiment, the fluid regulating device 14 may be a valve, such as a check valve, that helps to prevent the loss of fluid returning through the pressure regulator 16 when the fluid source 12 is unable to supply the input fluid and corresponding pressure to the inlet of the pressure regulator 16. That is, by using this valve in the supply pipeline to the pressure regulator 16, the load on the packing element can be maintained even if the supply of pressurized fluid is momentarily or continuously interrupted. The structure and operation of check valves are well known in the field of the present invention and do not need to be described further here. The pressure regulating system 10 may also employ one or more pressure sensors or detectors, such as pressure gauges, to measure the pressure of the fluid in the system at a selected location. The pressure sensor can be placed at any selected location, such as on either side of the pressure regulator 16 or between the pressure regulator and the packing load assembly 18.

[0043] The pressure regulator 16 and / or packing load assembly 18 can optionally communicate with an electronic device 22 directly or via a network 20. The pressure regulator 16 and packing load assembly 18 can communicate directly with the electronic device 22 via any suitable wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Alternatively, these devices can communicate with the electronic device 22 via a standard network 20. As is well known, the network 20 may include one or more electronic devices, such as servers and computers. These servers may include suitable processors, storage devices, and memory, as is known in the art of this invention. Furthermore, the storage device may store suitable operating software for operating and controlling the servers and, if desired, one or more elements of the pressure regulation system 10. The electronic device 22 may be any suitable device, such as a server, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Also, similar to the servers of the network 20, this electronic device may include other structures, such as input devices (e.g., a mouse and / or keyboard) and displays, in addition to known hardware such as one or more processors, memory, and storage devices. Appropriate system software can be stored in either the network 20 or the electronic device 22 to control and operate one or more elements of the pressure regulation system 10.

[0044] Figure 2-5 shows the features and elements of a first embodiment of the packing load assembly 18 of the present invention. The packing load assembly 18 may include a gland element 30 coupled to a stationary device 50 by a series of fastener elements 90. The stationary device 50 may include, for example, a pump housing and have a movable shaft 28 extending outward therefrom, containing a process fluid that needs to be sealed within the pump housing. The shaft 12 can rotate or move linearly (e.g., reciprocating). The stationary device 50 may include a body 52 having a plurality of fastener receiving openings 54 formed thereon. The body 52 also has a radially inward channel 56 having a bottom or flange portion 58 and an axially extending wall surface 60. The channel 56 accommodates packing elements, such as a series of annular packing elements 110, which form a seal between the shaft 28 and the body 52 of the stationary device 50, thereby sealing the process fluid within the stationary device. Furthermore, the channel 56 may, if desired or as needed, accommodate one or more bushing or bearing elements to help prevent one or more packing elements 110 from being accidentally pushed out of the channel 56. Thus, during operation, the packing elements 110 help form seals between the elements and the shaft 28, and between these elements and the surface of the channel 56. The body of the fixing device 50 comprises an upper surface 52A and an opposing lower surface 52B. The lower surface 52B has a channel 62 formed therein for accommodating the sealing elements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the housing of the fixing device can have any selected configuration, and that the configuration illustrated herein is for illustrative purposes only.

[0045] The packing load assembly 18 may include a gland element 30 and a follower element 70, which may be pre-assembled to the cartridge or be separate mountable elements or components. The gland element 30 comprises a body 32 having opposing top and bottom surfaces 32A, 32B, respectively, and a side or circumferential surface 32C. The top surface 32A has a plurality of fastener receiving openings 34 for receiving a fastener assembly including a fastener element 90. The fastener element 90 may be a bolt-like element that engages with a thin nut 92 at its axially inner end and with a washer 94 and nut 96 at its axially outer end. Similarly, the top surface 32A of the body 32 of the gland 30 may optionally include a plurality of centering openings 36 for accommodating a centering element such as a centering button 114. The centering button 114 helps to center the gland 30 relative to the shaft 28 during installation, as is known in the art of the present invention. Furthermore, the bottom surface 32B of the ground 30 includes an annular channel 40 that forms an annular chamber.

[0046] The side surface 32C of the gland 30 may include one or more fluid supply ports 38 for supplying pressurized fluid to the packing load assembly 18 in order to apply pressure to the packing element 110 via the follower element 70. The fluid supply ports 38 may include a first wide port portion 38A for coupling to any selected fluid connection element such as a pipe. The fluid supply ports 38 may further include a second radially extending portion 38B and a third axially extending portion 38C communicating with the channel 40. On the side surface of the channel 40 are formed a pair of opposing channels 42 and 44 for housing sealing elements 46 and 48, respectively. The sealing elements 46 and 48 form a fluid-tight seal with the follower element 70. The fluid supply ports 38 may be formed on other surfaces of the gland 30 if desired. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the gland can have any selected shape or configuration and that the configuration shown here is for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] The follower element 70 is axially movable and, when properly pressurized by the fluid supplied through the fluid supply port 38, is sized and configured to apply an axial load or force to the packing element 110. The follower element 70 is movable between a preloaded position (Figure 3) and a loaded position (Figure 4). In the preloaded position, the follower element 70 is in contact with or slightly separated from the packing element 110, but does not apply an appropriate or sufficient load or axial force to it. When pressurized fluid is supplied to the fluid supply port 38, the follower element 70 moves from the preloaded position to the loaded position, applying an axial force or load to the packing element 110 to seal the process fluid within the fixing device 50.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3-5, and particularly Figure 5, the follower element 70 includes a body 72 having an axial first end with a bucket-shaped structure 74 and an opposing second end with a stem-shaped structure 75 having a foot 76. The bucket-shaped structure 74 has a body with a U-shaped bucket structure that, in connection with and in cooperation with the channel 40, forms a chamber 78 that forms a pressurizing chamber for moving the follower element 70 axially. The bucket structure 74 has a pair of radially spaced opposing walls 74A and 74B connected by a bottom wall 74C. The walls 74A, 74B, and 74C have inner and outer surfaces. The stem-shaped structure has a body having a substantially elongated, narrow stem-like shape, which terminates at its end forming a foot 76. The foot portion 76 has a radially planar area larger than the stem-like structure 74, and is configured to contact the outermost packing element 110 in the axial direction, applying an axially inward force and thus applying an axial load to the packing element 110. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the follower element can have any selected configuration, and that the configuration shown here is for illustrative purposes only.

[0049] The pressure regulating system 10 optionally includes a pressure regulating subassembly 130 containing selected elements of the pressure regulating system, which may include, for example, at least a fluid source and a pressure regulator. Figure 6 shows one embodiment of a self-contained pressure regulating subsystem 130 suitable for use with a packing load assembly 18 according to the teachings of the present invention. As illustrated, the pressure regulating subsystem 130 may include a housing 132 which can have any selected shape or size, preferably formed as a casing. This casing may have any suitable cover element, such as a door (not shown), if desired. The pressure regulating subsystem 130 can be mounted inside the housing 132. The illustrated pressure regulating subsystem 130 may include a self-contained pressurized fluid source 134 that can be connected to the pressure regulator 16 by a suitable fluid conduit, such as piping. The fluid source 134 may be the same as or similar to the fluid source 12. The pressure regulator 16 may include a pressure setting element 16C for setting the pressure level of the fluid at the outlet 16B of the pressure regulator. If desired, fluid regulating elements such as check valves (not shown) can also be included in this subsystem. As illustrated, one or more arbitrary pressure sensors, such as pressure gauge 138, can be used to detect or sense pressure at selected locations in the pressure regulating subsystem 130.

[0050] The illustrated pressure regulation subsystem 130 may also include an optional pressure intensifier 140. The pressure intensifier 140 can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid exiting the pressure regulator 16 to a higher pressure level suitable for use in the packing load assembly 18. Specifically, the pressure intensifier 140 has a fluid inlet 140A and a fluid outlet 140B. The fluid enters the fluid inlet 140A of the intensifier at a first pressure level and exits the fluid outlet 140B at a second, higher pressure level. As is known in the art of this invention, the pressure intensifier 140 can be configured to achieve a predetermined pressure increase. Therefore, the pressure intensifier can be selected to supply at the fluid outlet 140B a pressurized fluid sufficient to impart an axial load to the packing element 110. The pressurized fluid 142 exiting the pressure regulation subsystem 130 is then carried to the packing load assembly 18 to energize the packing element 110.

[0051] In operation, the pressure adjustment system 10 of the present invention can function and operate as follows: The packing load assembly 18 of the present invention can be mounted in a stuffing box or a fixing device 50 including a rotating shaft 28. A series of stacked packing elements 110 are mounted inside a channel 56 of the device 50. The packing load assembly 18 includes a gland 30 and a follower element 70, the gland 30 being coupled to the fixing device 50. Specifically, the foot portion 76 of the follower element is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the outermost packing element 110 in the axial direction. The bucket-shaped structure 74 of the follower element 70 is housed within the channel 40 of the gland 30. The gland 30 is fixed to the fixing device 50 by a fastener assembly including a fastener element 90, a thin nut 92, a washer 94 and a nut 96. The packing load assembly 18 can be centered around the shaft 28 using a centering device 114. The packing load assembly may also utilize a clip element (not shown) which, if desired, has an optional portion that is housed between the follower element and the upper surface of the fixing device to hold the follower element in a pre-loaded position during assembly and before operation.

[0052] The illustrated gland 30 includes a body 32 with a channel 40 formed on its lower or bottom surface 32B for housing the upper bucket-shaped portion of the follower element 70. The gland 30 also has a fluid supply port 38 formed on its side surface 32C, communicating with the channel 40. Additional sealing elements, such as O-rings, can be used to assist in sealing the pressurized fluid within the packing load assembly. The follower element 70 has an upper part including a bucket-shaped structure 74 that forms a chamber 78 located within the channel 40 formed in the gland 30, and an opposing lower part including a foot 76 configured to apply an axial load to the stacked packing element 110 by contacting it. The combination of the channel 40 and the corresponding chamber formed therefrom, and the chamber 78 of the bucket-shaped structure 74, forms a pressurized fluid chamber.

[0053] The follower element 70 can be positioned in a first or initial preloaded position such that the uppermost surface of the bucket-shaped structure 74 of the follower element 70 is adjacent to or in contact with the floor or bottom wall surface 74C of the ground channel 40. The outer or outer surfaces of the walls 74A, 74B of the bucket-shaped structure 74 may also be in contact with the side walls or sides of the ground channel 40, if desired. The combination of the channel 40 and the chamber 78 of the bucket-shaped structure 74 forms a fluid chamber, which, when pressurized by the fluid source 12, moves the follower element 70 axially inward, so that the foot portion 76 of the follower element moves to a loaded or acting position that applies an axial load to a stacked pair of packing elements 110. When an axial load is applied, the packing elements 110 form a fluid seal, which helps reduce or prevent leakage of process fluid from the fixing device 50.

[0054] The pressure regulating system 10 receives a fluid such as water, oil, air, or nitrogen from a fluid source 12, which passes through a fluid regulator 14 to a pressure regulator 16. The pressure regulator 16 can be optionally remotely controlled by an electronic device 22, either directly or via a network 20. The electronic device 22 helps set or determine the pressure of the fluid leaving the pressure regulator 16 by establishing or setting the pressure level. Preferably, the pressure of the fluid leaving the pressure regulator 16 can be set manually via a setting element 16C. The fluid leaving the pressure regulator 16 can be selected according to the system's needs. The pressurized fluid is introduced by a suitable conduit or piping into a fluid supply port 38 formed in the gland 30. The fluid supply port 38 communicates with a channel 40 in the gland and works in cooperation with a chamber 78 of a follower element to form a pressurized fluid chamber.

[0055] The pressurized fluid acts on the bucket-shaped structure 74 of the follower element 70, specifically on the piston load area 84 defined between the outer surface of the radially outermost wall 74A and the outer surface of the radially innermost wall 74B of the bucket-shaped structure 74. The piston area 84 formed by the bucket-shaped portion of the follower element is sized and dimensional such that the axial load applied to the packing element via the follower element is sufficient to achieve a seal of the process fluid within the stationary device, taking into account the pressure of the fluid supplied by the fluid source 12. Those skilled in the art should be able to easily determine the appropriate size of the piston area based on the overall dimensions of the packing load assembly, including the size of the follower element and gland, and the pressures of the source fluid and process fluid. The force of the pressurized fluid acting on the piston area 84 of the follower element 70 causes the follower element 70 to move axially from the preloaded position to the loaded position and between thereafter, provided that the follower element 70 is sufficiently pressurized. That is, once sufficiently pressurized, the piston-loaded follower element 70 moves axially to a second load-applied position to apply a selected load force to the packing element 110. In this second position, the upper bucket-shaped portion 74 of the follower element 70 is spaced apart from the floor of the ground channel 40. The fluid supply port 38 can be connected to any suitable fluid supply.

[0056] The electronic device 22 can optionally control the amount of force applied to the packing element by changing, adjusting, or controlling the fluid pressure in the pressure regulator 16. Specifically, the pressure regulator 16 can sense the pressure within the packing load assembly 18 by sensing the fluid pressure at its fluid outlet 16B. The electronic device 22 can control the outlet pressure of the pressure regulator by adjusting or operating the setting elements of the pressure regulator 16. In this way, the pressure applied to the packing element 110 via the piston load follower element 70 can be changed or adjusted in real time based on the sealing ability of the packing material and the load characteristics of the packing element 110. Specifically, the pressure of the process fluid may change during the operation of the packing load assembly, and the sealing ability or characteristics of the packing material may change over time. Thus, the pressure within the packing load assembly changes, and therefore, the load force required to maintain the fluid seal applied to the packing element also changes over time. The electronic device 22 via the pressure regulator can change, adjust, or modify the pressure of the pressurized fluid introduced into the packing load assembly 18 to apply and maintain a selected constant or uniform pressure to the packing elements in real time. Thus, this force can be continuously and dynamically controlled to maintain a substantially uniform pressure on the packing elements 110. Alternatively, the pressure of the fluid supplied to the packing load assembly 18 can be set by the regulator by manually adjusting the setting element 16C of the pressure regulator 16. The terms “substantially uniform” or “substantially constant” as used herein are intended to include the ability to adjust, change, or control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the packing load assembly so that its pressure varies by less than 2.0 psi, preferably less than 1.0 psi.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the force applied to the packing element 110 via the piston load follower element 70 can be remotely controlled via any suitable network 20. Furthermore, the fluid supply pressure applied to the packing load assembly 18 can be controlled so that the pressure is automatically adjusted based on the wear characteristics of the packing material of the packing element 110. There is no need to manually evaluate the sealing ability of the packing material or to manually adjust the force applied to the packing element 110 by tightening gland bolts, as is done in the prior art. Rather, in the system 10 of the present invention, the load pressure applied to the packing element 110 can be remotely and automatically controlled, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to manually tighten gland bolts.

[0058] Furthermore, the gland 30 and the piston load follower element 70 can optionally form a cartridge capable of generating hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder operating force. Thus, the present invention improves upon conventional products that apply dynamic load to pump packing by applying a relatively constant or uniform force to the packing element 110, rather than a fluctuating force or a force that decreases over time based on the wear characteristics of the packing material, or a decrease or change in the force profile applied by the load spring, as in conventional systems. Accordingly, according to another embodiment, the present invention allows the operator to manually adjust the force applied to the packing material via the setting element 16C of the pressure regulator 16, if necessary or desired.

[0059] The load mechanism of the present invention is operable with a wide variety of packing materials, including injectable packing materials. When using injectable packing materials, the stuffing box can be refilled, and thus the piston is pushed back in the gland, and the optimal pressure load is maintained by the pressure regulator 16, so no adjustment of the packing gland to return to its original position is necessary.

[0060] By adjusting the gland 30 and / or the piston load follower element 70, a wide range of axial movement and pressure can be achieved. Accordingly, the present invention eliminates or reduces the need for periodic manual adjustment required in conventional bolted glands.

[0061] The present invention also achieves precise packing load control with higher accuracy than conventional bolt-type gland assemblies. Furthermore, the system of the present invention allows for remote adjustment to ensure safety (for example, there is no need to manually adjust the gland bolts near the rotating shaft). Specifically, many factory regulations do not permit a mechanic to be positioned near the rotating element after the pump has started. However, the system 10 of the present invention can be configured to allow for easy and remote adjustment of the packing gland (i.e., from a safe distance). Moreover, since the system 10 can employ existing hydraulic (i.e., water pressure or hydraulic) or pneumatic (i.e., pneumatic or nitrogen pressure) systems present in many industrial facilities, there is no need for significant retrofitting of the fixing device to employ these gland and follower element assemblies.

[0062] In contrast to conventional systems where the deflection of the load structure changes over time, and therefore a non-constant or changing load is applied to the packing element 110, the load applied to the packing element 110 can be made relatively constant or uniform in the system of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 7-11 shows a second embodiment of a packing load assembly 18 used with a pressure regulating system 10 according to the present invention. Similar reference figures indicate similar parts through various figures. The illustrated pressure regulating system 10 provides an external actuation subsystem for automatically loading the packing element 110. Specifically, the illustrated packing load assembly 18 of the second embodiment of the present invention applies a biasing force to the packing element 110 via an external actuation subsystem, compared to directly forming a fluid port in the gland element as employed in the first embodiment.

[0064] The present invention relates to a packing load assembly 18 having a gland and an external actuation subsystem, the external actuation subsystem including an actuation element (e.g., a follower element) that acts on the gland element and, consequently, the packing element 110 to apply an axial biasing force to the packing element 110. The actuation element of the external actuation subsystem is actuated by one or more externally regulated or controlled pressure sources that provide it with a pressurized fluid or packing medium, such as compressed air or appropriate water supply. The pressure regulation system facilitates the adjustment, variation, or control of the pressure in the gland, thereby enabling a generally, substantially constant, or uniform axial load force to be applied to the packing element 110, or the pressure on the packing element 110 to be varied as appropriate. If the packing element 110 loosens over time due to wear, thermal cycling, vibration, pressure surge, etc., the pressurized fluid acting on the packing element 110 can be controlled, adjusted, or varied to help keep the load applied thereto generally, substantially constant, or uniform. By using fluid regulating elements such as valves in the supply pipeline to the pressure regulator, the load on the packing element can be maintained even if the supply of pressurized fluid is momentarily interrupted. Pressurized fluid supply is commonly used in industrial and commercial plants. The desired load can be set remotely at a convenient location away from rotating mechanical parts such as shafts.

[0065] A second embodiment of the present invention relates to the concept of providing an improved live-pressure load packing load assembly that automatically energizes or pressurizes a packing element 110 mounted within a fixing device 50 to compensate for compression and wear of the packing over time. The present invention also allows for adjustment of the packing force by a field worker at a location away from the rotating machine parts. When the packing element 110 is mounted to the gland of the packing load assembly 18 and an axial load is applied with an appropriate compressive force, the radial pressure of the packing element needs to be equal to or greater than the process fluid pressure of the fixing device at the inner end (e.g., wet end) in order to provide a proper and sufficient seal. The relaxation behavior of the packing element 110 over time can be caused by wear, thermal cycling, vibration, pressure surges, etc.

[0066] Structural components such as operating elements can be configured to apply a hydraulically or pneumatically driven axial biasing force to the packing element 110 when mounted within the fixing device 50, thereby limiting or preventing fluid leakage therefrom and forming a reliable seal through process fluid pressure from the equipment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7-9, the illustrated packing load assembly 18 may include a gland element 150 coupled to a stationary device 50 by a series of fastener elements 90, such as gland bolts. The gland element 150 has a body with fastener receiving openings 152 formed for accommodating a portion of the shaft of the gland bolts 90. Furthermore, the gland element 150 includes an upper portion 154 having a top surface for contacting the surface of the external operating subsystem 160, and a lower end flange portion 156 having a surface for contacting the outermost axial packing element of the series of packing elements 110 and applying an axial biasing force thereto thereon. The stationary device 50 may include, for example, a pump housing and have a movable shaft 28 extending outward therefrom and containing a process fluid that needs to be sealed within the pump housing. The shaft 28 can rotate or move linearly (e.g., reciprocating) relative to the stationary device. The stationary device 50 may include a body 52 with a plurality of fastener receiving openings 54 formed thereon. The fastener receiving opening 54 may include an optional insertion element 148 that helps to hold the end portion or end region of a gland bolt within the opening 54. The body 52 of the fastener also has a radially inward channel 56 having a bottom or flange portion 58 and an axially extending wall surface 60. The channel 56 accommodates packing elements, such as a series of annular packing elements 110, which form a seal between the shaft 28 and the body 52 of the fastener 50, sealing the process fluid within. The packing load assembly 18 may also include an optional sleeve element 146 coupled to the shaft and rotatable with the shaft. The sleeve element 146 can be positioned between the packing elements 110 and the shaft 28. The sleeve element 146 can act as a protective barrier and sealing interface between the shaft 28 and the packing elements 110, preventing fluid leakage from the fastener 50 while ensuring an effective seal. The sleeve element 146 also protects the shaft 28 and the packing elements 110 from wear and damage. For example, when the shaft 28 rotates, it may create friction with the packing element 110, causing wear, which could lead to premature deterioration or a decrease in the sealing effect.The sleeve element 146 distributes this wear and protects both the shaft and the packing element, thereby extending the service life of these sealing components. Furthermore, the sleeve element 146 also helps to properly align the packing element 110 with respect to the shaft 28. The sleeve element 146 prevents leakage and loss of sealing efficiency by ensuring that the packing element 110 is securely fixed in the correct position and does not move or shift unintentionally during operation. The channel 56 may also accommodate one or more optional bushings or bearing elements, if desired or as needed, to help prevent one or more packing elements 110 from being accidentally pushed out of the channel 56. Thus, during operation, the packing element 110 helps to form a seal between the fixing device and the sleeve element 146 or the shaft 28. The body 52 of the fixing device 50 has a top surface 52A and an opposing bottom surface. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the housing of the fixing device can have any selected configuration, and that the configuration illustrated herein is for illustrative purposes only.

[0068] The channel 56 formed in the fixing device 50 can also accommodate an optional support element 190, such as a lantern ring. The lantern ring 190 can be positioned between the bottom surface 58 of the channel 56 and the packing element 110. The lantern ring 190 helps to axially position the packing element 110 within the groove 56, helping to maintain the correct axial alignment of the packing element 110 and ensuring proper contact and alignment to effectively seal the device. The lantern ring 190 can also radially support the packing element 110. Radial support helps to prevent excessive deflection or misalignment of the sealing surface or face of the packing element that may occur due to forces and vibrations from the operation of the device. Proper radial support contributes to the lifespan and performance of the mechanical seal. The lantern ring 190 can also stabilize the packing element 110, especially in applications where some degree of misalignment or shaft deflection may occur. The Lantern Ring 190 helps maintain the integrity of the fluid seal and prevents excessive wear and damage to the sealing surface of the packing element.

[0069] The packing element 110 is compressible within an annular space formed by a channel 56 of a fixing device 50 (e.g., a stuffing box) positioned around the shaft 28. The packing element 110 can be compressed using a gland bolt 90 to form a fluid-tight seal against the shaft 28. As the packing element 110 wears, the axial biasing load decreases over time, increasing fluid leakage around the shaft, thus requiring more frequent adjustment of the gland bolt. Conventionally, biasing elements (e.g., springs) of various configurations and designs have been used to maintain the biasing load of the packing element 110 during the adjustment period. However, as the spring stretches, the load decreases, limiting the amount of axial movement. Therefore, conventional biasing approaches have significant drawbacks and limitations.

[0070] One basic principle of a second embodiment of the packing load assembly 18 of the present invention is to employ an external actuation subsystem 160 that functions as a fluid-powered actuator externally mounted (e.g., not formed within the gland element) to the gland element 150 and the gland bolt 90, the external actuation subsystem 160 which functions to axially bias the gland element 150 with respect to the packing element 110. The actuation part of the external actuation subsystem 160 is actuated by an externally regulated pressurized fluid supplied by a pressure source 12, which can be any suitable stable fluid such as compressed air, nitrogen, or water. A pressure regulator 16 can be used to adjust the axial force applied to the gland, and thus substantially adjust the uniform load transmitted to the packing element 110.

[0071] An external actuation subsystem 160 of the present invention is shown, for example, in Figure 7-11, and in particular in Figures 10A-10D and 11. The illustrated external actuation subsystem 160 is fixed to a ground element 150 via ground bolts 90. In one embodiment, the external actuation subsystem 160 includes a housing 162 sized and configured to hold, mount, or fix a plurality of actuators. The housing 162 includes a first upper housing component 164, which is coupled to and stacked on a second lower housing component 170. The upper housing component 164 has an outer periphery shape complementary to the outer periphery shape of the lower housing component 170. The upper housing component 164 has a central portion 164A shaped to accommodate the ground bolts 90 or shafts 28, and is located between opposing end regions. Alternatively or additionally, the central portion 164A may also have an opening 164B for accommodating a portion of the ground bolts 90. Furthermore, the upper housing component 164 has a pair of retaining openings 166 formed therein, which are sized and configured to accommodate retaining elements 168, such as screws. The retaining elements 168 are mechanically coupled to a plug element 192, which couples or fixes the plug element 192 to the back or bottom surface of the upper housing component 164. The plug element 192 may have one or more grooves formed therein for accommodating sealing elements 194, such as O-rings. The plug element 192 can be used to fix the actuation element 180 to the upper housing component 164.

[0072] The illustrated lower housing component 170 has a main housing 172 including two or more chamber sections 174 connected by an intermediate housing section 176. The intermediate housing section 176 may have a fastening opening 176A. Each chamber section 174 may have a chamber 178 inside. The chamber 178 may include a bottom surface 178A and a wall surface 178B. The chamber 178 may be sized and configured to accommodate an actuation element 180. The actuation element 180 includes a central cavity 182 sized and configured to accommodate a plug element 192. A sealing element 194 of the plug element is adapted to form a seal between the plug element 192 and the inner wall or inner surface of the cavity 182. Furthermore, the actuation element 180 may also include a groove 184 formed along its outer circumferential surface, the groove 184 configured to accommodate a sealing element 186, such as an O-ring. When positioned within the chamber 178, the actuating element 180 is separated from the bottom surface 178A of the chamber 178, forming a fluid gap or space 188. The sealing element 186 also contacts the chamber wall 178B, forming a seal between the actuating element 180 and the chamber wall 178B. The main housing 172 is provided with a fluid port 196 formed in the housing and the side wall 178B of the chamber, which is in fluid communication with the fluid gap 188. The fluid port 196 is connected to an external fluid conduit 198, such as a fluid supply pipe, to fill or supply working fluid to the fluid gap 188. The filling fluid is supplied from the fluid source 12.

[0073] The external operating subsystem 160 is biased by a pressurized fluid and can move between a preloaded position (Figure 10C) in which the lower housing component 170 does not apply an axial load to the packing element and a loaded position (Figure 10D) in which the lower housing component 170 applies an axial load to the packing element 110. The axial load biases the packing element 110, forming a liquid-tight seal between the shaft 28 and / or sleeve 146 and the packing element 110, and between the packing element 110 and a selected surface of the fixing device. More specifically, the filling fluid acts on the bottom surface of the operating element 180 and the chamber floor 178A, separating the lower housing component 170 from the upper housing component 164 and the operating element 180 and moving it to the loaded position, as shown in Figure 10D. Specifically, the upper housing component 164 remains relatively stationary while the lower housing component 170 moves axially, applying a biasing force to the gland element 150 and the packing element 110. The sealing element 186 provides a fluid seal between the chamber wall 178B and the actuating element 180, and retains the filling fluid introduced into the fluid gap 188 via the fluid port 196 within the fluid gap 188. When the lower housing component 170 is separated from the upper housing component 164, it comes into contact with the upper portion 154 of the gland element 150, applying an axial biasing force to it. This axial biasing force causes the lower end flange portion 156 of the gland element 150 to come into contact with the packing element 110, thereby applying an axial biasing force to the packing element assembly. The lower housing component 170 is separable from the upper housing component 164 by any select amount or distance defined by the dimensions of the chamber 178.

[0074] During operation, the external actuation subsystem 160 can be mounted around the gland bolt 90 by housing the gland bolt 90 in openings 164B and 176A formed in the housing components 164 and 170, respectively. In this case, the chamber 178 and its associated actuation element 180 are mounted on the opposite side of the gland bolt 90. The lower housing component 170 can be connected to a fluid supply system indicated by a fluid conduit 198. Fluid from the fluid source 12 is supplied to the lower housing component 170 via the fluid conduit 198, specifically to a fluid gap 188 formed between the actuation element 180 and the floor 178A of the chamber 178. The pressurized fluid moves the lower housing component 170 axially away from the relatively stationary actuation element 180 and the upper housing component 164. The lower housing component 170 contacts the upper portion 154 of the flange element 150, applying an axial biasing force to it. Subsequently, the lower flange portion 156 of the gland element 150 applies an axial biasing force to the packing element 110, which helps to form and maintain a fluid seal between the packing element 110 and the sleeve element 146.

[0075] The external operating subsystem 160 can apply pressure to the gland element 150, thereby loading the compression packing element 110. The present invention improves upon existing products that apply dynamic load to pump packing by using a relatively constant or uniform force or pressure instead of a spring force that is uneven and decreases over time. The pressure adjustment system 10 can use commonly available fluids such as compressed air or water, which can be supplied to the external operating subsystem 160 via a pressure regulator. Since the fluid pressure is adjustable remotely, the operator does not need to actively adjust the gland bolt, allowing workshop personnel to maintain a safe distance from rotating or non-rotating equipment. Furthermore, many factory regulations do not permit mechanics to be positioned near rotating elements after the pump has started. This prevents the packing from being used as an effective sealing solution in certain applications. In the present invention, the device can be configured so that the packing gland can be easily adjusted remotely (i.e., from a safe distance).

[0076] The packing load assembly 18 of the present invention has advantages over conventional pressure load systems. The external actuation subsystem 160 can use multiple actuation elements associated with each gland bolt. Specifically, the actuation elements of the external actuation subsystem 160 can be positioned on the opposite side of the gland bolt 90. Using the external actuation subsystem 160, a relatively uniform axial load force can be applied to the packing element 110. The external actuation subsystem 160 can be used in combination with conventional gland bolts and follower elements and can be installed without completely disassembling the sealing device. By using multiple actuation elements for each gland bolt, an additional axial biasing force can be provided in applications where it is necessary to reinforce the dynamic load on the packing element 110. Furthermore, by using multiple external load subsystems 160, the axial biasing force applied to the packing element can be increased without using high-pressure fluid. For example, the fluid pressure can be set to 100 psi (e.g., about 6.9 bar) or less.

[0077] Figures 10A-10D and 11 show different embodiments of the external actuation subsystem 160 according to the teachings of the present invention. The upper and lower housing components of the external actuation subsystem 160 shown in Figure 11 are configured to be positioned or mounted adjacent to the ground bolt 90, so that the head of the ground bolt directly secures the external actuation subsystem 160 to the ground element 150. Alternatively, the housing components may be configured to include an opening for accommodating the ground bolt 90. The housing components 164 and 170 of the external actuation subsystem 160 shown in Figures 10A-10D are configured to directly accommodate the ground bolt 90, thereby coupling the external actuation subsystem 160 to the shaft of the ground bolt 90. Thus, the ground bolt 90 secures the external actuation subsystem 160 to the ground element 150.

[0078] Figure 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a packing load assembly 18 using multiple external actuation subsystems 160 arranged around a plurality of gland bolts and fluidically connected to one another. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, four external actuation subsystems 160 are connected to the gland element 150 via four gland bolts 90. The external actuation subsystems 160 are fluidically connected to one another in series via a fluid conduit 196. The fluid conduit 196 can be fluidly connected to a fluid source 12 to supply pressurized fluid to the external actuation subsystems 160.

[0079] A third embodiment of the packing load assembly 18 of the present invention is shown, for example, in Figure 12-16. Similar reference numerals indicate similar parts through various figures. The illustrated packing load assembly 18 employs an external actuation subsystem 200 that uses a gland bolt as the actuation unit. Specifically, the external actuation subsystem 200 can move axially along the shaft of the gland bolt to move between a preloaded position and a loaded position. The illustrated packing load assembly 18 may include a gland element 210 that is coupled to a fixing device 50 by a series of fastening elements 220, such as a gland bolt 220. The gland bolt 220 has a shaft portion 222 and a head portion 224 coupled to the shaft portion 222 at one end thereof. A groove 226 is formed around the head portion 224 for accommodating a sealing element 228, such as an O-ring. The illustrated gland element 210 has a body with a fastener receiving opening 212 formed in an upper portion 214, the opening 212 being able to accommodate at least a portion of the shaft portion 222 of the gland bolt 220. The fastener receiving opening 212 is formed to penetrate the gland axially, allowing the gland bolt 220 to pass through it and connect to the fixing device 50. The upper portion 214 includes a top surface for contacting the surface of the external operating subsystem 200 and a lower end flange portion 216 for contacting the outermost axial part of the packing element 110 and applying an axial biasing force thereto. The illustrated fixing device 50 may include, for example, a pump housing and have a movable shaft 28 extending outward therefrom, containing a process fluid that needs to be sealed within the pump housing. The shaft 28 can rotate or move linearly (e.g., reciprocating) relative to the fixing device. The fixing device 50 may include a body 52 with a plurality of fastener receiving openings 54 formed therein. The fastener receiving opening 54 may include an optional insertion element 202 having a central opening 204 into which the end portion 222A of the shaft 222 of the ground bolt 220 is accommodated. The end portion 222A may be tapered or have a stepped structure, and the diameter of the end portion 222A is smaller than the diameter of the middle portion of the shaft 222.

[0080] Furthermore, the main body 52 of the fixing device 50 has a radially inward channel 56 having a bottom surface or flange portion 58 and an axially extending wall surface 60. The channel 56 accommodates packing elements, such as a series of annular packing elements 110, which form a seal between the shaft 28 and the main body 52 of the fixing device 50, thereby sealing the process fluid within the fixing device. The packing load assembly 18 may also include an optional sleeve element 146 coupled to the shaft 28 and rotatable with the shaft. The sleeve element 146 is positioned between the packing elements 110 and the shaft 28. The sleeve element 146 can act as a protective barrier and sealing interface between the shaft 28 and the packing elements 110, preventing fluid leakage from the fixing device 50 while ensuring an effective seal. The channel 56 may also accommodate one or more optional bushing or bearing elements, if desired or as needed, to help prevent one or more of the packing elements 110 from being accidentally pushed out of the channel 56. Therefore, during operation, the packing element 110 helps to form a seal between the fixing device and the sleeve element 146 or the shaft 28. The body of the fixing device 50 has an upper surface 52A and an opposing bottom surface. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the housing of the fixing device can have any selected configuration, and that the configuration illustrated herein is for illustrative purposes only.

[0081] The channel 56 formed in the fixing device 50 can also accommodate an optional support element such as a lantern ring 230. The lantern ring 230 can be positioned between the bottom surface 58 of the channel 56 and the packing element 110. The lantern ring 230 helps to axially position the packing element 110 within the groove 56, helps to maintain the correct axial and radial alignment of the packing element 110, and ensures these proper contacts and alignments for effectively sealing the device. The lantern ring 230 can also radially support the packing element 110. Radial support helps to prevent excessive deflection or misalignment of the sealing surface or face of the packing element that may occur due to forces and vibrations from the operation of the device. Proper radial support contributes to the lifespan and performance of the mechanical seal. The lantern ring 230 can also stabilize the packing element 110, especially in applications where some degree of misalignment or shaft deflection may occur.

[0082] The packing element 110 is compressible within an annular space formed by a channel 56 of a fixing device 50 (e.g., a stuffing box) positioned around the shaft 28. The gland bolt 220 can be used in combination with the external actuation subsystem 200 and the gland element 210 to compress the packing element 56 within the channel 56, forming a fluid-tight seal against the sleeve element 146. As the packing element 110 wears, the axial biasing load decreases over time, increasing fluid leakage around the shaft, thus requiring more periodic adjustment of the gland bolt or application of axial pressure to the packing element 110. Conventional biasing elements (such as springs) of various configurations and designs have been used to maintain the biasing load of the packing element 110 during the adjustment period. However, as the spring stretches, the load decreases, limiting the amount of axial movement. Thus, conventional biasing approaches have significant drawbacks and limitations.

[0083] One basic principle of a third embodiment of the packing load assembly 18 of the present invention is to employ an external actuation subsystem 200 that functions as a fluid-powered actuator mounted externally to the gland element 150 and the gland bolt 220, and in contact with and mounted around the gland bolt 220. The external actuation subsystem 200 acts to axially bias the gland element 210 relative to the packing element 110. The actuation part of the external actuation subsystem 200 is actuated by an externally regulated pressure source that supplies a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, nitrogen, or water. A pressure regulator 16 can be used to adjust the axial force applied to the gland element 210, and thus substantially adjust the uniform load transmitted to and applied to the packing element 110.

[0084] An external operating subsystem 200 of the present invention is shown, for example, in Figure 12-16. The illustrated external operating subsystem 200 is mounted around a ground bolt 220 and is configured to be axially movable along the shaft 222 of the bolt 220 in response to or based on the pressure of a fluid introduced into the external operating subsystem 200 from a fluid source 12. In one embodiment, the external operating subsystem 200 includes a housing 242 that forms a first, i.e., upper housing component 250 and a second, i.e., lower housing component 260. The upper housing component 250 can have any selected shape, and in one embodiment it is circular. The lower housing component 260 has a shape similar to or complementary to the upper housing component 250. The upper housing component 250 has a body 252 including an upper portion 254 and side walls 256, the upper portion 254 and side walls 256 forming a chamber 258. The upper housing component 250 is coupled to and configured to overlap the lower housing component 260.

[0085] The illustrated lower housing component 260 has a body 262 including a floor or bottom 264 and side walls 266, the bottom 264 and side walls 266 forming a chamber 268. The chamber 268 is sized and configured to accommodate the head portion 224 of the gland bolt 220. Specifically, a sealing element 228 fitted into a groove 226 of the bolt head portion 224 engages with the inner surface of the side walls 266 to form a fluid-tight seal. The outer diameter of the side walls 266 of the lower housing component 260 is smaller than the inner diameter of the side walls 256 of the upper housing component 250, so that the lower housing component 260 fits inside and into the upper housing component 250. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the side walls 266 of the lower housing component 260 is larger than the outer diameter of the bolt head 224, so that the lower housing component can move freely axially along the gland bolt. The lower housing component 260 may also include an optional housing sealing element 248 that provides a secondary seal between the lower housing component 260, the head portion of the gland bolt, and any combination of the upper housing component 250. The housing sealing element 248 can be mounted in an optional groove formed adjacent to the end or edge of the side wall 266. Alternatively, the housing sealing element 248 can be housed in the edge of the side wall 266 to form a seal between the housing components.

[0086] Furthermore, the floor 264 of the lower housing component 260 has a central opening 270 that is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the shaft 222 of the gland bolt 220. The opening 270 also has a groove 272 that accommodates a sealing element 274. The sealing element 274 contacts the outer surface of the bolt shaft 222 and forms a fluid-tight seal so that the pressurized fluid in the chamber 268 is sealed inside without leaking beyond the sealing element 274. The bottom 264 of the lower housing component 260 may also be configured to accommodate an anti-rotation element 290, which is housed or mounted in a corresponding hole formed in the gland to prevent the external operating subsystem 200 or the lower housing component 260 from accidentally rotating during use. When the upper housing component 250 and the lower housing component 260 are assembled, the bolt head portion 224 fits into the chamber 268, and the head portion 224 and the bottom, or floor, portion 264, of the lower housing component 260 define a fluid gap, or space, 280 within the chamber 268. The axial range of movement of the head portion 224 within the chamber 268 is defined by the height of the chamber 268 within the external operating subsystem 200. A fluid port 282 may also be formed in the lower housing component 260. The fluid port 282 can be formed in the side wall 266 or the floor portion 264 of the lower housing component 260. In one embodiment, the fluid port 282 is formed in the side wall 266 and communicates with the fluid gap 280. The fluid port 282 is connected to an external fluid conduit 198, such as a fluid supply pipe, to fill or supply working fluid to the fluid gap 280. Before filling the external actuation subsystem 200, it is positioned in a preloaded position as shown in Figure 15B, in which the head portion 224 of the gland bolt 220 is adjacent to or in contact with the bottom portion 264 of the lower housing component 260. The fluid gap 280 is defined by the lower surface of the head portion 224, the bottom portion 264, and optionally the side wall 266, depending on the axial position of the head portion 244 within the chamber 268. In one embodiment, a lip portion 224A can be formed on the lower surface of the head portion 224 to separate the head portion 224 from the floor 264.The lip portion 224A may optionally include a fluid passage (not shown) communicating with a fluid port 282, thereby allowing fluid to flow into the fluid gap 280 through the fluid port 282 and the fluid passage. When the external actuation subsystem 200 is sufficiently filled by the introduction of pressurized fluid into the fluid gap 280, the fluid applies pressure to the underside of the head portion 224, causing the external actuation subsystem 200 to move axially downward along the shaft 222 of the gland bolt 220 and engage with the gland element 210. The bottom surface of the bottom portion 264 of the lower housing component 260 contacts the gland element 210, applying an axial biasing force to it. The flange portion 216 of the gland element 210 presses the packing element 110 axially downward, as shown in Figures 15A and 16, thereby applying an axial biasing force to the packing element 110.

[0087] During operation, the external operating subsystem 200 is mounted around the bolt 220 by passing the bolt shaft 222 through the opening 270 of the lower housing component 260, allowing the head portion 224 to be positioned within the chamber 268. Next, the upper housing component 250 is positioned on top of the lower housing component 260 and fixed thereto, thereby holding or housing the head portion 224 of the gland bolt 220 between them. The gland bolt shaft 222 passes through a fastener receiving opening 212 formed in the gland element 210, and the end portion 222A of the shaft is housed in a fastener receiving opening 54 formed in the fixing device 50. The flange portion 216 of the gland element 210 is positioned adjacent to the outermost axial packing element 110, preferably in contact with it, and applies an axial biasing force. When the external actuation subsystem 200 is first mounted on the packing load assembly 18, or when the pressure of the process medium is higher than the pressure in the fluid gap 280 of the external actuation subsystem 200, the external actuation subsystem 200 is positioned in a preloaded position, as shown in Figure 15B. Next, the fluid source 12 supplies pressurized fluid to the fluid gap 280 via the fluid conduit 198 and fluid port 282. The pressure of the pressurized fluid is higher than the pressure of the process medium, and as a result, the external actuation subsystem 200 moves axially downward along the shaft 222 of the gland bolt to the loaded position, as shown in Figures 15A and 16. The sealing elements 228 and 274 form a fluid-tight seal, holding the pressurized fluid within the fluid gap 280. The lower housing component 260 of the external actuation subsystem 200 is pressed against the gland element 210, thereby causing the flange portion 216 to apply an axial biasing force to the packing element 110.

[0088] The external operating subsystem 200 can apply pressure to the gland element 210, thereby loading the compression packing element 110. This invention improves upon existing products that apply dynamic load to pump packing by providing a relatively constant force instead of an uneven, decreasing spring force. The pressure adjustment system 10 can use commonly available fluids such as compressed air or water, which can be supplied to the external operating subsystem 200 via a pressure regulator. Since the fluid pressure is adjustable remotely, operators do not need to actively adjust the gland bolt, allowing workshop personnel to maintain a safe distance from rotating or non-rotating equipment. Furthermore, many factory regulations do not permit mechanics to be positioned near rotating elements after the pump has started. This prevents the packing from being used as an effective sealing solution in certain applications. This invention modifies the device so that the packing gland can be easily adjusted remotely (i.e., from a safe distance).

[0089] The external operating subsystem 200 of the present invention provides a single external actuator that works in cooperation with a ground bolt to apply an axial biasing force to the packing element 110.

[0090] Therefore, it should be clear that the present invention effectively achieves the objectives described above, which are included in the objectives made clear from the foregoing description. Since certain modifications can be made to the above configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention, all matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not as restrictive.

[0091] Furthermore, the following claims should be understood to encompass all the general and specific features of the invention described herein, and it can also be said that all statements relating to the scope of the invention fall within that scope.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting the axial biasing force applied to a set of stacked packing elements mounted within a fixing device, A fluid source that supplies the source of fluid, A pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure of the aforementioned fluid to form a pressurized fluid, A packing load assembly for sealing a process fluid within the fixing device, comprising a packing load assembly for applying the axial biasing force to the packing element from a pressure regulator via the pressurized fluid, wherein the packing load assembly A ground element attached to the fixing device by multiple ground bolts, A system comprising an external actuation subsystem coupled to at least one of the plurality of gland bolts for directly applying an axial actuation force to the gland element in response to the pressurized fluid, wherein the gland element includes an external actuation subsystem for applying an axial biasing force to the packing element in response to the axial actuation force.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the gland element includes an upper portion having an upper surface that contacts the bottom surface of the external operating subsystem, and a lower end flange portion having a surface that contacts the outermost axial part of the packing element and applies the axial biasing force thereto thereto.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the external operating subsystem includes an upper housing component and a lower housing component that is separable from the upper housing component and movable axially relative to it.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the upper housing component has a main body having a central portion that is shaped to accommodate the gland bolt and is positioned between opposing first end regions and second end regions, the first end region having a first retaining opening for accommodating a first retaining element, and the second end region having a second retaining opening for accommodating a second retaining element.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the external operating subsystem further includes first and second plug elements coupled to the body of the upper housing component, each of the first and second plug elements including a groove formed on its outer surface for accommodating a plug sealing element.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first plug element is coupled to the bottom surface of the first end region by the first retaining element, and the second plug element is coupled to the bottom surface of the second end region by the second retaining element.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the lower housing component includes a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central portion disposed between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, the first chamber portion having a first chamber for housing a first operating element, and the second chamber portion having a second chamber for housing a second operating element.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first actuation element includes a first central cavity sized and configured to accommodate the first plug element and a first groove formed on its outer surface for accommodating the first sealing element, and the second actuation element includes a second central cavity sized and configured to accommodate the second plug element and a second groove formed on its outer surface for accommodating the second sealing element.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the first plug element, when positioned within the central cavity of the first actuation element, connects the first actuation element to the upper housing component, and the second plug element, when positioned within the central cavity of the second actuation element, connects the second actuation element to the upper housing component.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber each have an inner wall and a floor, the first sealing element of the first actuation element contacts the inner wall of the first chamber to form a fluid-tight seal between the first chamber and the first actuation element, and the second sealing element of the second actuation element contacts the inner wall of the second chamber to form a fluid-tight seal between the second chamber and the second actuation element.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second chambers has a fluid port for receiving the pressurized fluid, and when the pressurized fluid is introduced into the first and second chambers, the pressurized fluid moves the lower housing component axially away from the upper housing component and toward the gland element, thereby applying the axial biasing force to the gland element.

12. The system according to claim 4, wherein the ground bolt includes a bolt shaft and a bolt head, the central portion of the upper housing component has a fastener receiving opening for accommodating the bolt shaft, and the bolt head secures the external operating subsystem to the ground element.

13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the external operating subsystem is movable between a preloaded position in which the external operating subsystem does not sufficiently apply the axial operating force to the ground element and a loaded position in which the external operating subsystem applies the axial operating force to the ground element.

14. The system according to claim 3, wherein the external operating subsystem is movable between a preloaded position in which the lower housing component does not sufficiently apply the axial operating force to the ground element and a loaded position in which the lower housing component applies the axial operating force to the ground element.

15. The system according to claim 2, wherein the external operating subsystem is configured to move axially along the gland bolt and includes an upper housing component and a lower housing component that are coupled to each other.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the ground bolt has a bolt head and a bolt shaft, the lower housing component has a chamber formed therein having side walls and a floor, the floor portion of the chamber has a central opening for accommodating the bolt shaft, and the bolt head is sized and configured to be accommodated within the chamber.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the external operating subsystem is movable between a pre-loaded position in which the bolt head is positioned adjacent to the floor of the lower housing component and a loaded position in which the bolt head is positioned adjacent to the upper housing component.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the bolt head has an outer circumferential surface having a groove formed for accommodating a bolt sealing element, and the lower housing component is sized and configured such that the bolt sealing element is positioned in a fluid seal engagement with the side wall of the chamber.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein a groove for housing a shaft sealing element is formed in the central opening of the floor portion of the chamber, and the shaft sealing element engages with the shaft of the gland bolt to form a fluid-tight seal.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the lower housing component has a fluid port formed therein for communicating the pressurized fluid with the chamber in order to move the external operating subsystem between the preloaded position and the loaded position.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein an anti-rotation element for coupling with the ground element is attached to the bottom surface of the lower housing component, and the anti-rotation element prevents the external operating subsystem from rotating relative to the ground element during use.

22. A pressure adjustment system for a fixing device using a set of stacked packing elements, A fluid source that supplies the source of fluid, A pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure of the aforementioned fluid to form a pressurized fluid, The packing load assembly includes a packing load assembly that seals the process fluid within the fixing device and applies an axial load force to the packing element from the pressure regulator via the pressurized fluid, wherein the packing load assembly A ground element having a body, wherein the body is The top surface, the opposing bottom surface, and the sides, Multiple fastener receiving openings formed in the main body for housing fastener elements, A ground channel formed on the bottom surface of the main body, which forms a ground pressure chamber, A gland element having a fluid supply port formed on the side surface and communicating fluidly with the gland channel, A pressure regulation system comprising a follower element that is movable in the axial direction and communicates with the ground channel.

23. The pressure regulating system according to claim 22, wherein the ground channel includes a bottom wall surface, opposing first and second side wall surfaces radially spaced apart from each other, and sealing channels formed in each of the opposing first and second side wall surfaces for housing sealing elements.

24. The pressure adjustment system according to claim 23, wherein the follower element includes a first end having a bucket-shaped structure and an opposing second end having a stem-shaped structure, the bucket-shaped structure comprises a U-shaped body having opposing first and second side walls and a bottom wall to form a pressure chamber, and the stem-shaped structure has a foot at its end for contacting the outermost of the plurality of packing elements in the axial direction.

25. The pressure regulating system according to claim 24, wherein the bucket-shaped structure is sized and configured to be at least partially housed within the ground channel of the ground.

26. The pressure adjustment system according to claim 25, wherein the follower element is capable of moving between a first preload position in which the follower element is positioned at its outermost axial position and a second load position in which the follower element moves inward axially and the foot of the follower element contacts the outermost of the plurality of packing elements in the axial position and applies a load to it.

27. The pressure adjustment system according to claim 25, wherein the follower element is capable of moving between a first preloaded position in which the bucket-shaped structure of the follower element is positioned within the ground channel and the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is in contact with the bottom wall of the ground channel, and a second loaded position in which the follower element moves inward in the axial direction and the upper surface of the bucket-shaped structure is separated from the bottom wall surface of the ground channel in the axial direction.

28. The pressure regulation system according to claim 25, wherein the gland pressure chamber of the gland and the pressure chamber of the follower element cooperate to form a pressurizing chamber, and the pressurizing chamber selectively moves the follower element axially as a function of the pressure of the fluid in the pressurizing chamber.

29. The pressure regulating system according to claim 26, further comprising an electronic device for communicating with and controlling the pressure regulator, the electronic device for controlling the pressure of the pressurized fluid that exits the outlet and is delivered to the packing load assembly.

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