Braided Packing for Pumps, Valves, and Rotating Equipment
Gland Packing
Gland packing is braided compression packing used to seal rotating and reciprocating shafts in pumps, valves, agitators, and marine equipment. The packing is cut to length, wound into the stuffing box, and compressed by a gland follower to form a seal against the shaft. Different fibre types suit different service conditions: PTFE for chemical duty, graphite for high temperature, aramid for abrasive slurries, and carbon fibre for high-speed or dry-running applications. We stock square and round cross-sections from 3 mm to 50 mm across all major fibre types.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
Fibre-dependent: PTFE -200 °C to +260 °C; aramid -100 °C to +260 °C; carbon fibre -200 °C to +280 °C; graphite -240 °C to +450 °C in air, up to +650 °C in steam
Thickness Range
3 mm to 50 mm cross-section
Available Forms
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Water, steam, and condensate (all grades)
- Acids, alkalis, and solvents (PTFE grades, pH 0–14)
- Hydrocarbons and petroleum products (graphite and carbon fibre grades)
- Weak to moderate chemicals (aramid grades with PTFE impregnation)
Limited Resistance
- Strong oxidisers: PTFE grades tolerate these, while graphite and aramid do not
- Abrasive slurries — aramid withstands abrasion but packing life is reduced
Not Recommended
- Molten metals: no packing grade is suitable
- Highly abrasive dry powders run without flush, which causes rapid shaft and packing wear
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Common Applications
- Centrifugal pump stuffing boxes
- Reciprocating pump and compressor rod seals
- Gate, globe, and butterfly valve stems
- Agitator and mixer shaft seals
- Marine stern tube and rudder stock seals
- Hydraulic press ram seals
- Rotary kiln and dryer seals
Not Recommended For
- Requires periodic gland adjustment; packing wears and bedding-in occurs during the first hours of operation
- Controlled leakage is normal. Packing is not a zero-emission seal, so mechanical seals are preferred where zero leakage is mandatory
- Shaft condition affects seal life: scored, worn, or eccentric shafts accelerate packing wear
- Aramid packing can be abrasive to soft shafts. Use it with hardened or ceramic-coated sleeves
- Maximum shaft speed varies significantly between fibre types, so always check the grade data sheet
Available Grades
PTFE Braided Packing
Pure PTFE yarn braided packing with PTFE dispersion lubricant. Near-universal chemical resistance (pH 0–14) and low friction coefficient. The default choice for chemical processing duty, food and pharmaceutical service, and any application where media compatibility is uncertain.
Graphite Braided Packing
Expanded graphite yarn braided packing, self-lubricating and thermally conductive. Handles continuous temperatures to 450 °C in air and up to 650 °C in steam at high pressures. Preferred for valves, steam service, and high-temperature hydrocarbon duty. Low coefficient of friction reduces shaft wear.
Carbon Fibre Packing
High-modulus carbon fibre braided packing with PTFE or graphite impregnation. Highest PV rating in the range (~15 MPa·m/s) — suited to high-speed pumps and dry-running or low-flush applications. Excellent dimensional stability under load.
Aramid Braided Packing
Para-aramid (Kevlar-type) fibre braided packing with PTFE impregnation. Outstanding abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. The go-to packing for slurry pumps, mining equipment, and applications involving abrasive particulate in the sealed fluid.
Combination Braid (Carbon/PTFE)
Hybrid construction with carbon fibre corners and PTFE body yarns. Combines the high PV performance of carbon with the chemical resistance and low friction of PTFE. A versatile choice for mixed-duty plants where a single packing grade is preferred.
Need Gland Packing?
We supply gland packing in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.