The magnitude of losses associated with worn packing rings of any design can become large and the costs related to a reduction in performance are large enough to warrant having complete distortion awareness measurements taken to maintain control of the final seal clearances, which in turn, help in minimizing the associated losses.

A Distortion Assessment provided by STAR FIELD FIT™ includes the following:

• Diaphragm & Packing Box Measurements (spills strips applicable, as well)
  • Hook fit diameters (admission & discharge side) upper & lower halves
  • Vertical diameter - upper & lower halves
  • Bore diameters (bolted together if needed)
  • Diaphragm drop check (to determine if dished)

• Rotor Measurements
  • Diameters at all packing locations (a minimum of three (3) readings per location)
  • Total number of rotor lands and depth of rotor lands

• Packing Ring & Spill Strip Information
  • Verify and record 'As Found' OEM part numbers on packing rings and spill strips
  • Visually inspect parts and record observations
  • Verify proper materials for manufacture
  • Reverse engineer parts which were not identified or previously modified

STAR - DEFENDING THE DESIGN CLEARANCE