Types of Pump Packing Materials

Flax

Flax packing, made from natural flax fibers, is a traditional choice for pump applications involving clean water and mild acids. Its soft and pliable nature allows for easy installation and conformity to the pump shaft, creating an effective seal. Flax packing is best suited for low-pressure and low-temperature applications, such as in centrifugal pumps handling cold water or lubricating fluids.

gland-packing

Acrylic

Acrylic packing, composed of synthetic acrylic fibers, offers excellent resistance to abrasion and a wide range of chemicals. Its low coefficient of friction minimizes wear on the pump shaft and stuffing box, extending the service life of the equipment. Acrylic packing is suitable for applications involving moderate temperatures and pressures, making it a popular choice for process pumps in various industries.

Novoloid

Novoloid packing, made from synthetic phenolic fibers, exhibits exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance. It is well-suited for high-temperature applications, such as in pumps handling steam or hot fluids. Novoloid packing’s low thermal expansion coefficient ensures a stable and reliable seal, even under extreme conditions.

Aramid

Aramid packing, constructed from aramid fibers, boasts high tensile strength and excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals. Its superior mechanical properties make it ideal for demanding pump applications, such as those involving abrasive slurries or corrosive fluids. Aramid packing can withstand high pressures and temperatures, making it a reliable choice for critical processes in industries like mining and chemical processing.

Packing

Filament polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Filament PTFE packing combines the chemical inertness and low friction properties of PTFE with the strength of filament fibers. This combination results in a packing material that offers exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including strong acids and bases. Filament PTFE packing is self-lubricating, minimizing wear on the pump shaft and ensuring smooth operation. It is suitable for applications involving corrosive fluids, high temperatures, and moderate pressures.

EXPANDED PTFE FIBERS

Expanded PTFE fiber packing is made from highly compressed PTFE fibers, resulting in a dense and flexible material. This packing type offers excellent chemical resistance, low friction, and superior sealing properties. Expanded PTFE packing is ideal for applications involving aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and pressures, such as in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries.

CARBON AND GRAPHITE PACKING FIBERS

Carbon and graphite packing fibers are known for their high thermal conductivity, excellent chemical resistance, and self-lubricating properties. These materials are well-suited for high-temperature and high-pressure applications, such as in pumps handling steam, hot gases, or abrasive fluids.

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FLEXIBLE GRAPHITE TAPE

Flexible graphite tape is a versatile packing material that combines the benefits of graphite with the flexibility of a tape form. It offers excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and conformability to the pump shaft. Flexible graphite tape is suitable for a wide range of applications, including high-temperature and high-pressure environments, as well as in pumps handling corrosive or abrasive fluids.

PURE GRAPHITE PACKING FIBERS

Pure graphite packing fibers are made from high-purity graphite, offering exceptional thermal conductivity and chemical resistance. This material is ideal for extreme temperature applications, such as in pumps handling molten salts or hot gases. Pure graphite packing fibers provide efficient heat dissipation, minimizing the risk of thermal damage to the pump components. They also exhibit excellent sealing properties, preventing leakage and ensuring reliable operation.

Packing MaterialTemperature LimitsPressure LimitsChemical CompatibilityAbrasion ResistanceShaft Speed RatingsTypical Applications
Flax-50°C to 120°CUp to 100 psiLimited, suitable for water and mild acidsLowLow to moderateClean water, cold water, and mild acids
Acrylic-50°C to 150°CUp to 300 psiGood, resistant to most chemicalsModerateModerate to highProcess pumps, moderate temperature and pressure applications
Novoloid-50°C to 250°CUp to 500 psiExcellent, resistant to most chemicalsHighModerate to highHigh-temperature applications, steam, and hot fluids
Aramid-50°C to 250°CUp to 500 psiExcellent, resistant to most chemicals and abrasive mediaVery highHighAbrasive slurries, corrosive fluids, and demanding applications
Filament PTFE-200°C to 260°CUp to 500 psiExcellent, resistant to almost all chemicalsModerate to highModerate to highCorrosive fluids, high temperatures, and moderate pressures
Expanded PTFE-200°C to 260°CUp to 1000 psiExcellent, resistant to almost all chemicalsHighHighAggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and pressures
Carbon and Graphite-200°C to 650°CUp to 1000 psiExcellent, resistant to most chemicals and abrasive mediaVery highHighHigh-temperature and high-pressure applications, abrasive fluids
Flexible Graphite Tape-200°C to 650°CUp to 1000 psiExcellent, resistant to most chemicals and abrasive mediaVery highHighHigh-temperature and high-pressure environments, corrosive or abrasive fluids
Pure Graphite-200°C to 650°CUp to 1000 psiExcellent, resistant to most chemicals and abrasive mediaVery highHighExtreme temperature applications, molten salts, and hot gases

FAQs

What is the best packing for a water pump?

For cold water applications, flax packing is a suitable choice due to its soft and conformable nature. In applications involving higher temperatures or mildly acidic water, acrylic or aramid packing may be more appropriate.

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