From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Test report on various types of water pump glands and packings including lead-wool and asbestos.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66a\3\ scan0139 | |
| Date | 29th January 1922 | |
| -2- Lead-wool packings Two sets of this type were tried in spite of all coaxing, they continued to leak. The lead does not form a smooth surface in the bore and on the sides; the water soon courses its way through. Asbestos rope glands (double). Using this type of gland in place of the 'Lion' glands, everything else being standard (E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} 70587) it was observed that leaking occurred in a short time, but after re-tightening the gland nut, a 4 hrs. run could be successfully accomplished. When spring loaded (20 lbs. spring) this preliminary leakage was eliminated. One set tested with a 10 lbs. spring completed a 4 hrs. run, but during most of the time, it seemed almost on the point of leaking. This test was later followed by a limiting load test. For these tests the glands were set with approx: 5 lbs. spring pressure, and run until leakage occurred. The gland nut was adjusted until this leakage was stopped and a 4 hrs. test completed. The limiting pressure in the cases observed was 14 lbs., from which it is assumed that 20 lbs. is a safe spring pressure. Asbestos rope glands (single) Of six glands tested only 3 proved satisfactory, even with 20 lbs. spring pressure. It was particularly noticeable that the single glands kept much cooler than the double glands. Asbestos rope impreganted with graphite. This material forms excellent glands and tests taken with double contd :- | ||