Gland Packings

FAQs about valve packing products

• What is gland packing?

  Gland packing, also known as packing seals or compression packing, is a sealing product used in mechanical systems to prevent fluid leakage along rotating or reciprocating shafts. It is fitted inside a stuffing box between the body and the shaft to provide a seal.
  
  Gland packing includes flexible materials like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), graphite, aramid fibres, or synthetic rubber. It comes in various sizes (e.g. 3-5mm with larger sizes exceeding 50mm) to fit different-sized stuffing boxes and shafts. Some will also have multiple reinforcements built into them to suit different applications. These products can be found in ropes, tapes, rings, or other shapes according to their specific needs.

• What is PTFE gland packing?

  PTFE gland packing, also known as Teflon packing, is a type of gland packing made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material. It is known for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction properties, and wide temperature tolerance. This gland packing type is commonly used in applications with high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive conditions, such as pumps, valves, and rotary equipment.

• What is the difference between gland packing and mechanical seals?

  Gland packing comprises flexible material wrapped around a rotating or reciprocating shaft within a stuffing box or gland. It relies on the compression of the packing material to create a seal against fluid leakage.
  
  A mechanical seal is a device that creates a dynamic sealing interface between two rotating or reciprocating components, typically a shaft and a housing or casing. It consists of two flat surfaces, one stationary and one rotating, held together by spring tension or other means to prevent fluid leakage.

• How long will my gland packing last?

  This depends upon your stuffing box's usage case and the environment in which it operates. Service intervals will have to be planned depending on the environment and media in which it operates. The gland packing material will perish over time and must be monitored for replacement.

• Can all gland packing tapes be used in high-temperature seals?

  Not all gland packing tapes are suitable for high-temperature seals. Some types, like PTFE and graphite, offer excellent heat resistance and can withstand elevated temperatures. Other types can degrade or melt at high temperatures.
  
  Selecting gland packing tapes designed explicitly for your application ensures reliable performance and prevents premature failure. Before choosing a gland packing tape for high-temperature seals, it is crucial to consider all factors, such as the operating temperature range, material compatibility, and application requirements.

• How do I remove and reinstall the gland packing?

  Please check with the selected product’s manufacturers. They will have specific installation procedures for their products' intended applications. However, here are some general instructions for removal and installation:
  
  - If necessary, begin by shutting down the equipment and allowing it to cool.
  - Loosen the gland or packing nut to relieve pressure on the packing material.
  - Use a gland packing removal tool to extract the old packing material from the stuffing box or gland.
  - Clean the stuffing box thoroughly to remove any debris or residue.
  - Install new gland packing material according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper sizing and compression.
  - Tighten the gland or packing nut to compress the new packing material and create a tight seal.
  - Restart the equipment and check for leaks, adjusting the packing compression if necessary.
  
  For pumps, new gland packing should be loose enough to leak upon starting, and the gland nut should then be tightened slowly until the leaking stops or is acceptable and the shaft still spins relatively freely.
  
  For valves, please seek the manufacturer for specific torque settings or compression percentages.

• What is a gland packing removal tool? Do I need one?

  Gland packing removal tools are specialised tools designed to remove old or worn-out gland packings in layers. They typically consist of hooked or serrated pointed tools that allow the user to safely grasp and extract the packing material.
  
  Tools like these simplify maintenance tasks and ensure the replacement of gland packing tapes without damaging the equipment.

• How long will it take for my products to arrive?

  This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected, it is usually next-day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been chosen, it will go by road freight, anywhere from one to 10 days, depending on your location. It usually averages three days.

• What warranty do I get?

  We provide a 12-month manufacturer's warranty on our range of gland packings. Contact us for more information.