Carbon Fibre Gland Packing & Braided Carbon Packing
International Seal supplies carbon fibre gland packing, also known as braided carbon packing, for industrial sealing applications requiring good thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and reliable performance in demanding operating environments.
Carbon fibre is an engineering material valued for its high tensile strength, dimensional stability and resistance to wear. When manufactured into braided gland packing, it provides a durable sealing material suitable for pumps, valves, agitators and other rotating, reciprocating or static equipment. Our carbon fibre gland packing range can accommodate different braided constructions, including carbon fibre packing and selected graphite-treated or lubricated carbon packing materials, depending on application requirements.
International Seal supplies carbon fibre gland packing to distributors, OEMs and industrial customers throughout the UK and internationally, supporting maintenance, replacement, repeat orders and volume requirements.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Specifications
Carbon fibre gland packing combines mechanical durability with useful thermal properties, making it suitable for demanding industrial sealing applications.
- High Tensile Strength & Mechanical Durability
- Good Thermal Conductivity
- Low Thermal Expansion
- Good Wear & Abrasion Resistance
- Suitable for Selected High-Temperature Applications
- Braided & Lubricated Packing Constructions
- Square Section Packing Options
Operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and chemical compatibility depend on the carbon fibre grade, packing construction, impregnation and specific operating conditions.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Sizes
Carbon fibre gland packing is available in a range of square cross-sectional sizes for industrial pumps, valves and demanding process equipment. Our range includes packing options for maintenance, servicing and industrial sealing applications, 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 |
Carbon fibre gland packing requirements may vary depending on operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed, process media and chemical compatibility. Selecting the correct cross-section and packing construction is important for achieving reliable sealing performance, particularly in applications involving elevated temperatures and demanding operating conditions.
International Seal can review standard and customer-specific carbon fibre 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 Carbon Fibre Gland Packing?
Carbon fibre gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from carbon-based fibres, which may be treated with lubricants or impregnated with other materials to improve sealing performance. It is installed into the stuffing box of pumps, valves and other industrial equipment, where compression from the gland follower creates a sealing interface around the shaft or spindle. Carbon fibre provides a useful combination of strength, thermal stability and dimensional control, making it suitable for selected demanding industrial sealing applications.
Unlike aramid gland packing, which is commonly selected for its abrasion resistance and mechanical toughness, carbon fibre packing can offer improved thermal characteristics and stability at elevated temperatures. Carbon fibre packing may also be graphite-treated or lubricated to reduce friction and improve performance at the sealing interface. The exact properties depend on the fibre grade, braid construction, density, impregnation and operating conditions.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Properties
Mechanical Strength & Durability
Carbon fibres offer high tensile strength and good dimensional stability. These characteristics allow suitable braided packing constructions to withstand demanding mechanical conditions while maintaining their structure under compression. Performance depends on the packing design, operating pressure and equipment configuration.
Thermal Conductivity
Carbon fibre packing can provide good thermal conductivity, helping transfer heat away from the sealing interface. This can be particularly beneficial in rotating equipment where frictional heat is generated between the packing and shaft. Thermal performance depends on the fibre type, packing construction and any additional impregnation materials.
Temperature Resistance
Carbon fibre provides good thermal stability, making suitable packing grades useful for elevated-temperature industrial applications. However, carbon-based fibres can oxidise in high-temperature, oxygen-containing environments. The maximum operating temperature therefore depends on the specific material construction, atmosphere and published manufacturer ratings.
Wear & Friction Characteristics
Carbon fibre packing can provide good wear resistance and mechanical durability. Graphite-treated or lubricated constructions may help reduce friction and improve sealing performance in appropriate pump and valve applications. However, unsuitable packing selection or insufficient lubrication can contribute to shaft wear, so equipment condition and installation requirements must be considered.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Constructions
Different carbon fibre packing constructions can be selected according to temperature, pressure, shaft speed and equipment requirements.
Braided Carbon Fibre Packing
Braided carbon fibre packing is manufactured from carbon-based yarns to create a durable sealing material with good mechanical strength and thermal stability. It is used in suitable pumps, valves and process equipment where dimensional stability and sealing performance are important.
Graphite-Treated Carbon Fibre Packing
Carbon fibre packing may be treated with graphite-based lubricants or dispersions to improve frictional characteristics and heat management. These constructions can be suitable for demanding pump and valve applications where both mechanical strength and thermal performance are required.
PTFE-Impregnated Carbon Fibre Packing
Selected carbon fibre packing constructions may incorporate PTFE dispersions or lubricants to reduce friction and support sealing performance. The addition of PTFE can influence the packing's temperature and chemical compatibility limits. The correct construction should be selected against the operating media and equipment conditions.
Typical Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Applications
Carbon fibre gland packing is used in industrial applications requiring mechanical strength, dimensional stability and suitable thermal performance.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Chemical Processing Equipment
- Petrochemical Equipment
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- Mining & Mineral Processing
- Industrial Agitators & Mixers
- Process Equipment
- Heat Transfer Systems
- Maintenance & Replacement Packing
- Heavy-Duty Industrial Sealing
Suitability for specific applications depends on the selected packing construction and published operating limits.
Carbon Fibre Packing for Pumps & Valves
Carbon fibre gland packing is used in suitable pump and valve applications where mechanical durability and thermal performance are important. In rotating pumps, suitable carbon fibre packing constructions can help manage frictional heat and provide effective sealing around the shaft. Graphite-treated or lubricated constructions may offer additional advantages where reduced friction is required.
In valve applications, carbon fibre packing can provide a durable sealing interface around valve stems exposed to demanding operating conditions. Correct packing selection, installation and gland adjustment are essential to prevent excessive friction, leakage or shaft wear. The packing construction should be matched to the equipment's operating pressure, shaft speed, temperature and process media.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing Material Selection
Carbon fibre gland packing is commonly selected where mechanical durability, dimensional stability and thermal performance are important. Compared with Aramid Gland Packing, carbon fibre may provide better thermal stability and heat transfer characteristics in suitable constructions, while aramid is frequently selected for demanding abrasive applications.
Graphite Gland Packing is commonly specified for high-temperature valve sealing and applications requiring excellent thermal conductivity.
PTFE Gland Packing may be more suitable where broad chemical resistance and low friction are priorities.
Graphited PTFE Gland Packing offers an alternative where PTFE chemical resistance and graphite-based frictional characteristics are required. The correct packing material should always be selected against the operating media, temperature, pressure, shaft speed and equipment design.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing FAQs
What is carbon fibre gland packing?
Carbon fibre gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from carbon-based fibres. It is used in pumps, valves and industrial equipment requiring mechanical durability, dimensional stability and suitable thermal performance.
What is carbon fibre gland packing used for?
Carbon fibre gland packing is used for sealing shafts and valve stems in industrial pumps, valves, agitators and process equipment.
Is carbon fibre gland packing suitable for high temperatures?
Yes. Suitable carbon fibre packing constructions can provide good high-temperature performance. However, the maximum operating temperature depends on the material grade, impregnation and operating atmosphere.
Can carbon fibre gland packing be used in pumps?
Yes. Certain carbon fibre packing grades are suitable for rotating pumps, provided the shaft speed, pressure, lubrication and other operating conditions fall within the manufacturer's ratings.
Can carbon fibre gland packing be used in valves?
Yes. Carbon fibre packing can be used for industrial valve stem sealing where the selected construction is appropriate for the operating temperature, pressure and process media.
What is the difference between carbon fibre and graphite gland packing?
Carbon fibre packing generally emphasises mechanical strength and dimensional stability, while flexible graphite packing is commonly selected for its conformability and high thermal conductivity. The performance of both materials depends on the specific packing construction.
Is carbon fibre gland packing chemically resistant?
Carbon fibre packing offers resistance to a range of industrial fluids. However, suitability depends on the fibre grade, impregnation and operating conditions, particularly in strongly oxidising environments.
Need Carbon Fibre Gland Packing?
International Seal supplies carbon fibre gland packing for pumps, valves and 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 specialist applications, include the operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and process media so that the suitability of the packing material can be reviewed.