The best way to seal devices is through compression packing, and the best compression package is carbon packing. Not just carbon packing, but carbon packing with PTFE braided packing for protection against chemical attack.
If this sounds strange to you, not to worry! This article has got you covered.
What is compression packing?
Compression packing is produced through different packing fibers. It is one of the oldest sealing devices there is. This sealing avoids product leakages and helps to prolong the lives of pumps, rotating equipment, and valves. When a pump or valve is sealed with compression packing, users get value for their money.
Now, there are several types of compression packing. They are Acrylic, Flax, Carbon, Filament PTFE, expanded PTFE, graphite, and aramid. Each of these packing methods has applications that they are most compatible with.
They are three major factors that affect the choice of a packing. First, you look at the fluid temperature, then the pH of the fluid being pumped, and finally, the shaft speed if you’re dealing with pumps.
In this article, we are going to focus on carbon fiber packing.
Carbon Fiber Packing
Carbon fiber packing is a highly optimal compression packing system used to seal valves and pumps in high-temperature applications. However, there is no one-size-fits-all system. You have to find the best option that suit your needs.
How is carbon fiber compression packing made?
This packing is produced from interwoven strands of carbon fiber. Some people use carbon fiber-coated yarn. The purity of the carbon packing is very important because the carbon purity is directly proportional to the chemical resistance and temperature of the end packing.
When searching, look for options that control leakages exceptionally, are durable, and very versatile so that you’ll get value for your money.
How to choose the right carbon fiber packing
As a beginner, choosing the right carbon fiber packing can be daunting. So, here are a few things you should keep in mind when searching for carbon fiber packing options.
What is the application?
What are you trying to seal? Is it a valve, centrifugal or rotary pump, or other types?
Carbon packing works best with pumps and valves.
The temperature range in applications
As mentioned earlier, carbon packing is often used for processes that require high temperature. If your application doesn’t, then you should consider other types of compression packing.
Pump or valve opening size
What is the size of the valve opening or pump you want to seal? This will help to know the quantity of carbon fibers to be used.
What speed should the carbon packing withstand?
This is a very important question. Is it withstanding centrifugal motions or high RPMs?
Knowing the speed helps the installer to set the right processes.
What is the packing protecting?
What media is the compression packing protecting from leaking?
Pressure
What pressure range will the carbon fiber packing be used?