Unloading method

摘要

An apparatus for unloading a stuffing box is formed from a resiliently deformable material. It features a base and a plurality of elongate finger elements. The finger elements are supported about the periphery of the base, and define outer boundaries of a hollow interior region. Each finger element supports an externally projecting lip. In the relaxed position of the apparatus, the lips project outside the cross-sectional profile of the base. In a compressed configuration, the lips are fully contained within the base's cross-sectional profile. When the apparatus is inserted into a stuffing box loaded with coaxially aligned annular packing elements, it assumes a compressed configuration until the lips clear the lowermost packing element to be removed. The apparatus then assumes a relaxed position with the lips engaging the underside of the lowermost packing element. The apparatus and the engaged packing elements are then withdrawn from the stuffing box.

主权项

1. A method of unloading a stuffing box packed with a plurality of coaxially aligned packing elements, each packing element having a central opening, comprising:
axially inserting an apparatus into the stuffing box through the openings of the packing elements, the apparatus having a first end and an opposed second end that is inserted, comprising:
a base situated at or adjacent the first end of the apparatus; anda plurality of elongate finger elements supported by the base and disposed about its periphery, each finger element supporting an externally projecting lip at or adjacent the second end, the finger elements defining outer boundaries of a hollow interior region; stopping insertion of the apparatus after the lips engage the underside of a packing element; and withdrawing the apparatus and its engaged packing element from the stuffing box.