Aramid Gland Packing & Braided Graphite Packing
International Seal supplies aramid gland packing, also known as braided aramid fibre packing, for industrial sealing applications requiring excellent abrasion resistance, high mechanical strength and reliable performance in demanding operating environments.
Aramid is a high-strength synthetic fibre known for its excellent tensile strength, wear resistance and mechanical durability. When manufactured into braided gland packing, it provides a robust sealing material suitable for pumps, valves, agitators and other rotating, reciprocating or static equipment. Our aramid gland packing range can accommodate different braided constructions, including aramid fibre packing and selected lubricated or composite packing materials, depending on application requirements.
International Seal supplies aramid gland packing to distributors, OEMs and industrial customers throughout the UK and internationally, supporting maintenance, replacement, repeat orders and volume requirements.
Aramid Gland Packing Specifications
Aramid gland packing combines excellent abrasion resistance with high mechanical strength, making it suitable for demanding industrial sealing applications.
- Excellent Abrasion & Wear Resistance
- High Tensile Strength
- Good Mechanical Durability
- Suitable for Demanding Pump Applications
- Good Resistance to Extrusion
- Braided & Lubricated Packing Constructions
- Square Section Packing Options
Operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and chemical compatibility depend on the packing construction, lubricant and specific operating conditions.
Aramid Gland Packing Sizes
Aramid fibre gland packing is available in a range of square cross-sectional sizes for industrial pumps, valves and demanding sealing applications. Our range includes packing options for maintenance, servicing and industrial process equipment, with coil and reel lengths available to suit different requirements.
The appropriate packing size depends on the equipment’s stuffing box dimensions, shaft or stem diameter and operating conditions.
| Cross-Section (mm) | Coil Length | Reel Length |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 4 × 4 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 5 × 5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 6 × 6 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 8 × 8 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 9.5 × 9.5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 10 × 10 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 12 × 12 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 12.5 × 12.5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 14 × 14 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 16 × 16 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 18 × 18 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 19 × 19 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 20 × 20 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 22 × 22 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 25 × 25 | 8 m | 25 m |
Aramid gland packing requirements may vary depending on operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed, process media and abrasion resistance requirements. Selecting the correct cross-section and packing construction is important for achieving reliable sealing performance, particularly in applications involving abrasive media or demanding mechanical conditions.
International Seal can review standard and customer-specific aramid gland packing requirements for industrial maintenance, equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout the UK and Europe.
For pricing and availability, please provide your required cross-section, packing length, quantity and application details.
What is Aramid Gland Packing?
Aramid gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from high-strength aromatic polyamide fibres, commonly known as aramid fibres. These fibres are recognised for their high tensile strength, toughness and excellent resistance to mechanical wear.
Aramid packing is installed into the stuffing box of pumps, valves and industrial equipment, where compression from the gland follower creates a sealing interface around the shaft or spindle. Unlike graphite gland packing, which is often selected for its thermal conductivity and high-temperature capability, aramid packing is particularly valued for its mechanical strength and resistance to abrasive operating conditions.
Aramid fibres may be impregnated with PTFE dispersions or lubricants to improve handling, reduce friction and support sealing performance. The exact properties depend on the fibre construction, braid density, impregnation and operating environment.
Aramid Gland Packing Properties
Excellent Abrasion Resistance
Aramid fibres provide excellent resistance to abrasion and mechanical wear, making suitable packing constructions useful in demanding industrial applications. This can be particularly beneficial in pumps handling abrasive or particle-containing fluids, where conventional packing materials may experience accelerated wear. However, aramid packing can itself be abrasive to shafts and sleeves, particularly where lubrication is inadequate. Shaft condition and material should therefore be considered during selection.
High Mechanical Strength
Aramid offers high tensile strength and excellent mechanical durability. These characteristics allow suitable braided packing constructions to resist mechanical stress and deformation under demanding operating conditions.
Resistance to Extrusion
The strength and structure of aramid fibres can provide good resistance to extrusion under compression. This makes aramid useful in certain higher-pressure sealing applications, including as reinforcement or end rings in composite packing arrangements. Actual pressure capability depends on the packing construction and equipment design.
Thermal & Chemical Performance
Aramid fibres provide useful thermal stability and resistance to a range of industrial fluids. However, aramid is not universally chemically resistant, and prolonged exposure to certain acids, alkalis and aggressive chemicals can affect its performance. Temperature and chemical limits must be checked against the complete packing construction, including any impregnations or lubricants.
Aramid Gland Packing Constructions
Different aramid packing constructions are available to accommodate mechanical loading, abrasion and operating requirements.
Braided Aramid Fibre Packing
Braided aramid packing is manufactured from high-strength aramid yarns, providing a durable sealing material for demanding industrial applications. It is commonly used in suitable pumps and other equipment where abrasion resistance and mechanical strength are important.
PTFE-Impregnated Aramid Packing
Aramid packing may be impregnated with PTFE dispersions or lubricants to reduce friction and improve sealing characteristics. These constructions are often selected where a combination of mechanical durability and controlled shaft friction is required.
Aramid-Reinforced Composite Packing
Aramid fibres can also be combined with PTFE, graphite or other packing materials in composite braided constructions. Aramid corner reinforcement, for example, can provide mechanical support while other yarns contribute lower-friction or thermal characteristics. The correct construction should be selected according to the operating conditions and equipment requirements.
Typical Aramid Gland Packing Applications
Aramid gland packing is widely used in industrial applications requiring abrasion resistance, mechanical strength and durable sealing performance.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Slurry & Abrasive Fluid Pumps
- Water Treatment Equipment
- Pulp & Paper Processing
- Mining & Mineral Processing
- Industrial Agitators & Mixers
- Process Equipment
- Chemical Processing Equipment
- Reciprocating Equipment
- Maintenance & Replacement Packing
- Heavy-Duty Industrial Sealing
Suitability for abrasive fluids depends on the packing construction, shaft condition, lubrication and operating conditions.
Aramid Packing for Pumps & Industrial Equipment
Aramid gland packing is particularly suited to selected pump applications where mechanical strength and abrasion resistance are important.In pumps handling abrasive or particle-containing fluids, suitable aramid packing constructions can provide improved resistance to wear compared with less mechanically robust materials. PTFE-impregnated or lubricated aramid packing may help reduce friction at the shaft interface.
Aramid may also be used as reinforcing end rings alongside other packing materials, helping provide additional mechanical support within a packing set. Correct installation, gland adjustment and lubrication are important to avoid excessive shaft wear and achieve reliable sealing performance. For high-speed or temperature-critical applications, alternative packing constructions may offer more suitable frictional and thermal characteristics.
Aramid Gland Packing Material Selection
Aramid gland packing is commonly selected where abrasion resistance, mechanical strength and durability are important. Compared with PTFE gland packing, aramid generally offers greater resistance to mechanical abrasion, while PTFE provides broader chemical resistance and lower friction.
Graphite gland packing may be more suitable for high-temperature applications requiring good heat dissipation. Carbon fibre gland packing can provide an alternative combination of mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and chemical resistance.
Graphited PTFE gland packing may be selected where low friction and improved heat dissipation are priorities.T he correct packing material should always be selected against the operating media, temperature, pressure, shaft speed and equipment design.
Aramid Gland Packing FAQs
What is aramid gland packing?
Aramid gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from high-strength aramid fibres. It is commonly used in industrial pumps and equipment requiring abrasion resistance and mechanical durability.
What is aramid gland packing used for?
Aramid gland packing is used to seal shafts and spindles in pumps, mixers, agitators and other industrial equipment, particularly where mechanical loading or abrasive operating conditions are present.
Is aramid gland packing suitable for abrasive applications?
Yes. Suitable aramid packing constructions provide excellent resistance to abrasion and can be used in certain applications involving slurries or particle-containing fluids.
Can aramid gland packing be used in pumps?
Yes. Aramid packing is commonly used in industrial pumps, including suitable centrifugal pumps and equipment handling abrasive fluids.
Does aramid gland packing cause shaft wear?
Aramid fibres can be abrasive to shaft surfaces, particularly when lubrication is inadequate or the shaft sleeve is unsuitable. Correct packing selection, installation and operating conditions are important to minimise wear.
What is PTFE-impregnated aramid packing?
PTFE-impregnated aramid packing is manufactured using aramid fibres treated with PTFE dispersions or other lubricating materials. The impregnation can help reduce friction and improve sealing performance while retaining much of the mechanical strength associated with aramid fibres.
What is the difference between aramid and graphite gland packing?
Aramid is generally selected for abrasion resistance and mechanical strength, while graphite is commonly preferred for applications requiring high-temperature performance and good thermal conductivity.
Need Aramid Gland Packing?
International Seal supplies aramid gland packing for pumps, agitators and demanding industrial process equipment across the UK and internationally. Send us your required packing cross-section, quantity and application details, and our team will provide a competitive quotation.
For abrasive or specialist applications, include the operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and process media so that the suitability of the packing material can be reviewed.