Gland Packing — PTFE, Graphite, Aramid, Carbon & Fibre Packings
Technical Specification
| Types: | Braided PTFE, expanded PTFE, graphited PTFE, expanded graphite, reinforced graphite, aramid, PTFE + aramid, carbon fibre, graphite + carbon, acrylic and graphited acrylic, ramie and cotton, glass and ceramic fibre rope |
|---|---|
| Cross Sections: | Square sections in common metric and imperial sizes; contact us for your size |
| Supply: | Coils (sold by weight) or die-formed / cut rings |
| Related: | Braided, woven and expanded graphite tape |
| Note: | Figures are typical; confirm exact grade, size and rating with our team |
Choosing a Gland Packing
- Pump or valve: rotating pump shafts need packings that run cool and resist wear; valve stems need low leakage and low creep
- Fluid: chemicals, steam, oils, water or slurry
- Temperature and pressure: graphite and carbon handle the highest temperatures; PTFE handles the widest chemicals
- Shaft speed and abrasion: aramid and PTFE + aramid resist abrasive slurries
Gland Packing Types We Supply
| Packing | Typical use |
|---|---|
| PTFE / expanded PTFE packing | Chemicals, food and pharma pumps and valves |
| Graphited PTFE packing | General pumps; good heat dissipation and low friction |
| Expanded graphite / reinforced graphite packing | High-temperature steam and hydrocarbon valves |
| Aramid fibre packing | Abrasive slurries and high-pressure pumps |
| PTFE + aramid packing | Abrasive and chemical service combined |
| Carbon fibre / graphite + carbon packing | High temperature and high speed |
| Acrylic / graphited acrylic packing | Economical general pump and valve service |
| Ramie and cotton packing | Water, low-pressure pumps and general service |
| Glass and ceramic fibre rope | High-temperature static sealing and insulation (furnace and boiler doors) |
| Graphite tape (braided, woven, expanded) | Valve stems, flanges and threaded joints |
Asbestos-Free Replacements
Older specifications may still list asbestos or graphited asbestos packing. Asbestos is banned in Saudi Arabia; aramid, graphite, carbon fibre and PTFE packings are the standard replacements. Tell us the old specification and service and we will recommend the equivalent.
Installation Tips
- Cut rings with a square, clean butt joint and stagger the joints at 90° or 120°.
- Seat each ring individually.
- On pumps, allow a small controlled leakage for cooling; do not over-tighten the gland.
- Replace all rings at overhaul, not just the top ones.
See also: PTFE Tapes, Gland Packing & Seals, Graphite Sheet & Gaskets and Expanded PTFE Joint Sealant.
Send us your sizes, quantities and service conditions (fluid, temperature, pressure) and our Al Khobar team will confirm availability, lead time and a quotation for delivery anywhere in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Every order is supplied with a Material Test Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which gland packing is best for pumps?
A. It depends on the fluid and speed. PTFE and graphited PTFE suit chemical pumps, aramid suits abrasive slurries, and graphite or carbon suits hot service.
Q2. Which packing is used for high-temperature steam valves?
A. Expanded or reinforced graphite packing is the usual choice for high-temperature steam valves.
Q3. Do you supply die-formed packing rings?
A. Yes. Packing is available in coils or as die-formed or cut rings to your sizes.
Q4. What replaces asbestos packing?
A. Aramid, graphite, carbon fibre and PTFE packings, chosen to match the original service conditions.