Compression Packing

ARAMID PACKING

Aramid and fiber braided packing refers to a type of sealing material used in various industrial applications to create a tight and reliable seal around rotating or reciprocating shafts in pumps, valves, and other equipment. This packing is typically made from aramid fibers, such as Kevlar®, or other high-strength fibers, which are braided into a rope-like structure and impregnated with a lubricant or sealing agent. Here are key points about aramid and fiber braided packing:

  1. Material Composition: Aramid fibers, such as Kevlar®, are synthetic fibers known for their exceptional strength, heat resistance, and abrasion resistance. Other high-strength fibers, such as carbon fibers, graphite fibers, or synthetic polymers like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), may also be used in braided packing. These fibers are braided into a dense, flexible, and pliable rope or packing ring.

  2. Braiding Process: The aramid or fiber braided packing is created through a braiding process where the fibers are woven or braided into a tight and continuous pattern. This braided structure allows the packing to be flexible, conformable, and capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures.

  3. Impregnation: The braided packing is typically impregnated with a lubricant, such as PTFE dispersion, graphite, or other sealing agents, to enhance its sealing properties, reduce friction, and improve heat dissipation. The lubricant also helps prevent leakage and wear of the packing during operation.

  4. Properties of Aramid and Fiber Braided Packing:

    • High Strength: Aramid and fiber braided packing exhibits high tensile strength, allowing it to withstand mechanical stress and pressure in dynamic sealing applications.

    • Heat Resistance: The packing is capable of operating at high temperatures, making it suitable for use in applications where elevated temperatures are encountered.

    • Chemical Resistance: Depending on the impregnation and fiber type, the packing may offer resistance to various chemicals, acids, and solvents, enhancing its durability and longevity.

    • Low Friction: The lubricated surface of the packing reduces friction against shafts and equipment, minimizing wear and extending the lifespan of the sealing system.

    • Sealing Performance: Aramid and fiber braided packing provides effective sealing against fluids, gases, and steam, making it suitable for sealing applications in pumps, valves, agitators, and rotary equipment.

  5. Applications: Aramid and fiber braided packing is commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas, power generation, marine, pulp and paper, and food processing. It is used in various equipment and machinery requiring dynamic shaft sealing, including pumps, mixers, compressors, turbines, and hydraulic systems.

  6. Installation: The packing is typically cut to length and wrapped around the shaft or valve stem, forming a tight seal when compressed against the housing or stuffing box. Proper installation and adjustment are important to ensure optimal sealing performance and longevity of the packing.

Overall, aramid and fiber braided packing is a versatile sealing material known for its strength, heat resistance, chemical compatibility, and sealing effectiveness in demanding industrial applications.

EXPANDED PTFE PACKING


Expanded PTFE braided packing is a type of sealing material used in industrial applications to create effective seals in pumps, valves, and other equipment where dynamic shaft sealing is required. It is made from expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), a synthetic fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction coefficient, high temperature tolerance, and non-stick properties. Here are key points about expanded PTFE braided packing:

  1. Material Composition: Expanded PTFE braided packing is primarily composed of expanded PTFE fibers that are intertwined or braided into a rope-like structure. The expansion process creates a fibrous and flexible material with increased porosity and surface area, enhancing its sealing properties and conformability.

  2. Expansion Process: During the expansion process, the PTFE material undergoes controlled stretching and heating, causing the polymer chains to elongate and form a microstructure of interconnected fibers. This expanded structure retains the desirable properties of PTFE while improving its flexibility, compressibility, and sealing effectiveness.

  3. Properties of Expanded PTFE Braided Packing:

    • Chemical Resistance: Expanded PTFE is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, bases, solvents, and corrosive fluids, making it suitable for sealing applications in harsh environments.

    • Temperature Stability: Expanded PTFE can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from cryogenic conditions to elevated temperatures, without compromising its sealing performance.

    • Low Friction: The low friction coefficient of PTFE reduces wear and frictional heat generation, ensuring smooth operation and extended packing life.

    • Flexibility and Conformability: The braided structure of the packing allows it to conform tightly to shafts, valve stems, and irregular surfaces, providing a reliable and leak-free seal even in applications with shaft movement and vibration.

    • Non-Absorbent: Expanded PTFE is non-absorbent and does not swell or degrade when exposed to moisture or fluids, maintaining consistent sealing performance over time.

    • Non-Stick Properties: PTFE's non-stick surface prevents adhesion of contaminants, debris, and particulates, minimizing the risk of packing wear and reducing maintenance requirements.

  4. Applications: Expanded PTFE braided packing is widely used in industries such as chemical processing, petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, and food processing. It is employed in pumps, valves, agitators, mixers, and rotary equipment requiring effective and durable shaft sealing.

  5. Installation and Maintenance: Expanded PTFE braided packing is installed by wrapping it around the shaft or valve stem and compressing it using packing glands or stuffing boxes. Proper installation, adjustment of compression, and regular maintenance are essential for optimal sealing performance, longevity, and equipment reliability.

Overall, expanded PTFE braided packing offers excellent chemical resistance, temperature stability, low friction, flexibility, and sealing effectiveness, making it a preferred choice for demanding industrial sealing applications where reliability and performance are critical.

CARBON FIBER AND GRAPHITE PACKING


Carbon fiber packing and graphite packing are two types of high-performance sealing materials used in industrial applications for creating effective seals in pumps, valves, and other equipment. Although they share similarities in their composition and properties, there are key differences between the two materials. Let's explore each type:

  1. Carbon Fiber Packing:

    • Material Composition: Carbon fiber packing is made from high-strength carbon fibers that are braided or twisted into a dense and flexible rope-like structure. The carbon fibers used are typically derived from carbon-rich precursor materials like polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch.

    • Properties:

      • Strength and Durability: Carbon fiber packing exhibits exceptional tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability, making it suitable for high-pressure and high-speed applications.

      • Chemical Resistance: Carbon fiber has good chemical resistance against a wide range of chemicals, including acids, solvents, and hydrocarbons.

      • Temperature Resistance: Carbon fiber can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in applications where elevated temperatures are encountered.

    • Applications: Carbon fiber packing is commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and marine. It is used in pumps, valves, agitators, and rotating equipment requiring reliable and high-performance shaft sealing.

  2. Graphite Packing:

    • Material Composition: Graphite packing is made from flexible graphite material, which is derived from natural graphite or synthetic graphite flakes. The graphite flakes are processed and compressed into sheets or tapes, which are then cut or braided into packing forms.

    • Properties:

      • Self-Lubricating: Graphite has inherent lubricating properties, reducing friction and wear on packing surfaces and shafts.

      • Chemical Resistance: Graphite is highly resistant to chemicals, acids, alkalis, and most organic solvents, making it suitable for corrosive environments.

      • Temperature Resistance: Graphite has excellent thermal conductivity and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

    • Applications: Graphite packing is widely used in industries such as petrochemical, refining, pulp and paper, HVAC, and water treatment. It is used in pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and steam applications requiring reliable sealing and thermal conductivity.

Both carbon fiber packing and graphite packing offer excellent sealing performance, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and durability. The choice between the two materials depends on specific application requirements, such as pressure, temperature, fluid compatibility, and operational conditions. Proper installation, compression adjustment, and maintenance are essential for optimizing the sealing performance and longevity of both types of packing.

SPECIALTY PACKING PRODUCTS

LOW EMISSION 

- STYLE 2236 flexible graphite with inconel wire, Low Emission 

 

INJECTABLE PACKING 

- JAMPAK 27 PTFE fiber with lubricant graphite 

 

LUBRICUP CONE PACKING  

STANDARD TEFLON AND GRAPHITE CONE PACKING ALONG WITH DURAGOLD CONE PACKING 

 

PACKING SETS 

DIE FORMED AND PREFORMED SETS 
CHEVRON VPACKING (available in NEO FAB, VITON, AND PTFE)