Caisson Packings
CAISSON PACKINGS FOR DRILLED SHAFT FOUNDATION APPLICATIONS
Denver Rubber Company (DRC) specializes in high-performance caisson packings designed for caisson foundation drilling operations. These packings serve as essential seals around kelly bars within the drilling armatures, ensuring reliable and precise performance in foundation construction projects.
Built for Caisson Foundation Drilling
A caisson foundation, also known as a drilled shaft, is a large, cylindrical foundation excavated deep into the ground and filled with concrete to create a solid, load-bearing support. This type of foundation is ideal for structures requiring deep and robust supports to handle significant weight, such as:
- Bridges
- Towers
- High-rise buildings
DRC’s caisson packings ensure optimal sealing and durability throughout the drilling and construction process, supporting the demanding requirements of these critical projects.
Premium Materials for Maximum Durability
DRC’s caisson packings are fabricated from 1/2″ oil-resistant rubber reinforced with 6 polyester fiber plies, ensuring superior strength and flexibility. Designed for challenging environments, these packings are built to reduce noise and vibration, adapt to varying site conditions, and handle high axial and lateral loads.
Kelly Bars and Compatibility
Over time, kelly bars (also known as grief joints, kelly joints, or kelly stems) naturally wear down. To address this, DRC offers a comprehensive caisson library featuring variations to fit both new and worn drills and bars. We ensure you’ll always have the right fit for your equipment.
Key Properties of DRC Caisson Packings
- Reduces Noise and Vibration: Engineered to minimize operational disruptions.
- Easily Adaptable to Varying Site Conditions: Designed to suit a wide range of challenging environments.
- High Axial and Lateral Loading Capacity: Built to handle the heavy loads required for foundation construction.
Sizing the Packings for Optimal Fit
Proper sizing is critical to the performance and longevity of caisson packings:
- Packing OD (Outer Diameter): Measure the cylinder carefully. If the cylinder has been honed or worn, standard packings may wear or delaminate. The OD of the packing must match the ID of the cylinder and fit tightly.
- Packing ID (Inner Diameter): Measure the rod. If the rod is worn, smaller ID packings may be required to ensure a snug fit around the rod.
Back-Up Rings: Essential for Performance
To maintain the integrity of caisson packings, back-up rings must be properly sized and managed:
- Snug Fit: The back-up ring that fits on top of the packings should match the cylinder’s OD precisely, with minimal rod clearance—only +/- .030.
- Regular Adjustment: Tighten the back-up ring on the packings regularly, particularly during heavy usage. We recommend tightening at least two times daily in high-demand operations.
Managing High Temperatures
While DRC’s caisson packings are designed to withstand temperatures up to 200°F, continuous exposure to high temperatures can reduce their lifespan:
- Prolonged use at temperatures above 180-200°F may cause rapid deterioration or delamination.
- To optimize performance, avoid severe temperature abuse and ensure proper system maintenance.
PROPERTIES
- Reduces noise and vibration
- Easily adaptable to varying site conditions
- High axial and lateral loading capacity
Specifications:
| Compound | 4610 | MOR |
| Test Standard | ||
| Tensile p.s.i. | ISO 37 | > 1800 psi |
| (MPa/MN/m2) | (12.5 MPa) | |
| Elongation @ Break | ISO 37 | > 400% |
| Hardness (Shore A) | ISO 48 | 60 + 5 |
| Abrasion Loss mm3 loss | ISO 4649-2002 (DIN 53516) | < 250 mm3 |
| After Ageing | ISO 188-2007 | 70°C-72 hrs. |
| Change in Tensile | -10 | |
| % Change in Elongation | -15 | |
| Ozone | ASTM D1171 | Pass |
| Temperature Range | -40F to +225F | |
| Fire Retardant | MSHA 30-CFR | N/A |
| MSHA 2-G | N/A | |
| Oil Swell (100oC @ 72 Hrs) | ASTM D-471 | |
| (IRM 903 Oil) | < 100% | |
| Surface Resistivity | ISO 284 | < 1 M/Ohm |
| Belt Specification | |||
| 6 ply CP MOR 1/32 x 1/32 | |||
| Cover Compound | MOR | ||
| Cover Gauge | |||
| Top | 0.031 | ||
| Bottom | 0.031 | ||
| Fabric | 18oz Spun Poly/Cotton | ||
| S & Z Twist | |||
APPLICATIONS
- Construction of damns
- Repairing ships
- Construction of bridges/piers
Why Choose Denver Rubber Company?
With over five decades of expertise, Denver Rubber Company is committed to delivering innovative solutions tailored to your needs. Our Colorado-based, ISO 9001:2015-certified company takes pride in providing high-quality products, fast turnaround times, and superior customer service to industries nationwide.
Contact Us Today
Have questions about caisson packings or need assistance with sizing and maintenance?
Reach out to Denver Rubber Company to learn more about our products, request a custom solution, or receive expert guidance.
Denver Rubber Company
Leading the Nation in Industrial Products and Fabrication Since 1972
