Packing Extraction Tool for Rotary Equipment Glands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools and methods for removing packing from rotating equipment, such as pumps, face challenges due to the need for significant pulling forces and limited access, making it difficult to extract the packing without causing damage or requiring excessive manual effort.
Innovation Solution
A tool adaptor with an anchor and drive mechanism that attaches to the packing and uses a powered driver tool to retract the anchor, allowing for efficient removal of the packing by converting rotary motion into translational movement, thereby reducing the force required and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual gripping methods are used to remove packing, then no special tool is required, but significant pulling forces are needed and the packing provides negligible purchase for gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a packing extraction tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the packing. The tool includes a gripping mechanism that attaches to the packing, a force application mechanism that generates pulling force, and a force transmission mechanism that transmits the force to extract the packing. This intermediary tool solves the problem by providing both the necessary gripping purchase on the packing and the mechanical advantage to generate sufficient pulling force without requiring the operator to directly grip the compressed packing.
2Productivity
If significant pulling forces are applied to remove packing, then the packing can be extracted, but the risk of damage increases and manual effort becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanisms including a ratchet mechanism that allows force application in one direction while preventing reverse motion, and a spring mechanism that stores and releases energy to assist in the extraction process. These dynamic elements enable controlled force application that progressively extracts the packing without sudden jerks that could cause damage, while maintaining high extraction efficiency through mechanical advantage and energy storage.
3Reliability
If radial clearance between shaft and gland is small, then the seal is effective, but physical access to the packing becomes difficult or awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the extraction tool to access the packing from the axial direction (end of the shaft) rather than requiring radial access through the tight clearance between shaft and gland. The tool can be inserted axially into the gland and engage the packing from the end, converting the access problem from a radial dimension with tight clearance to an axial dimension with sufficient space, thereby maintaining seal effectiveness while improving accessibility.
4Volume of moving object
If axial clearance between gland and motor is small, then the assembly is compact, but access to the packing for removal becomes physically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed to access the packing from the axial direction at the end of the shaft, bypassing the need for physical access to the narrow axial clearance between the gland and motor. By changing the access dimension from axial (where clearance is limited) to radial (where the tool can approach from the side), the solution maintains the compact assembly design while providing adequate accessibility for tool application and operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easier and more efficient extraction of packing from tight spaces, reducing the risk of damage and manual effort, while providing a method for effective removal of packing from rotating equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod coupled to the anchor tip... a rotary member including a threaded bore configured to threadably receive the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
an axial load element for resisting axial forces developed between the chassis and the rotary member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for removing packing from a gland or stuffing box of rotary equipment. The apparatus includes an anchor configured to attach the packing and a tool adaptor configured to couple the anchor to a driver tool. The anchor includes a member that extends from the tool adaptor and an anchor tip attached to a distal end of the member that is configured to attach to the packing. The tool adaptor comprises a chassis and a drive mechanism supported by the chassis. The drive mechanism engages with the member and a rotary output of the driver tool so that when the driver tool is actuated, the member is retracted relative to the chassis.