Importance

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Abstract

A non-planar flexible graphite sealing ring is used to control leakage in a fluid handling device where a shaft extends through the wall of the device. The flexible graphite sealing ring comprises a chevron-shaped cross section having approximately complementary inner and outer end faces that are made by laminating sheets of flexible graphite foil in layers transverse to the ring's axis. A plurality of flexible graphite rings are inserted over the shaft and into the stuffing box, occupying the space between the shaft and the stuffing box. The flexible graphite sealing rings are oriented so that each ring's inner end face adjoins the outer end face of another ring. Upon application of a compressive force the interaction between the dissimilar end faces causes an enhanced interference fit between the shaft and the stuffing box forming a seal. An asymmetrical chevron cross section of a sealing ring, and W- and V-shaped end rings are used in additional embodiments.

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First Claim