Graphite Gland Packing & Braided Graphite Packing
International Seal supplies graphite gland packing, also known as braided graphite packing, for industrial sealing applications requiring high-temperature resistance, good thermal conductivity and reliable sealing performance.
Graphite is widely used in industrial sealing applications because of its low-friction characteristics, thermal stability and ability to operate in demanding environments. When manufactured into gland packing, it provides a flexible sealing material suitable for pumps, valves, agitators and other rotating, reciprocating or static equipment. Our graphite gland packing range includes flexible graphite and selected graphite-based braided packing constructions, with reinforced options available depending on application requirements.
International Seal supplies graphite gland packing to distributors, OEMs and industrial customers throughout the UK and internationally, supporting maintenance, replacement, repeat orders and volume requirements.
Graphite Gland Packing Specifications
Graphite gland packing combines thermal stability, good heat dissipation and low-friction characteristics, making it suitable for demanding industrial sealing applications.
- Excellent Thermal Conductivity
- Suitable for High-Temperature Applications
- Low-Friction Sealing Characteristics
- Good Resistance to Many Industrial Chemicals
- Suitable for Pumps, Valves & Process Equipment
- Braided & Reinforced Packing Constructions
- Square Section Packing Options
Operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and chemical compatibility depend on the packing construction, reinforcement materials and specific operating conditions.
Graphite Gland Packing Sizes
Graphite gland packing is available in a range of square cross-sectional sizes for industrial pumps, valves and high-temperature 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 |
Graphite 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 demanding industrial environments.
International Seal can review standard and customer-specific graphite 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 Graphite Gland Packing?
Graphite gland packing is a sealing material manufactured from flexible graphite yarns or other graphite-containing fibres, commonly formed into braided square-section packing. 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.
Graphite is particularly valued for its excellent thermal conductivity, low-friction properties and resistance to elevated temperatures. Unlike many conventional organic packing fibres, graphite can maintain useful sealing properties in high-temperature environments when the appropriate grade and construction are selected. Some graphite packing constructions incorporate reinforcing fibres or wires to improve mechanical strength and resistance to extrusion. The exact performance depends on the graphite content, braid construction, reinforcement, operating atmosphere and equipment conditions.
Graphite Gland Packing Properties
High-Temperature Resistance
Graphite provides excellent thermal stability and is frequently selected for demanding high-temperature sealing applications. Suitable flexible graphite packing grades can withstand elevated temperatures in steam and other industrial environments. However, graphite can oxidise at high temperatures in the presence of oxygen, meaning temperature limits depend significantly on the operating atmosphere. The manufacturer's specified continuous temperature rating should always be used when selecting a packing grade.
Thermal Conductivity
One of the primary advantages of graphite is its ability to conduct and dissipate heat. Good thermal conductivity can help manage frictional heat generated at the shaft and packing interface, making appropriate graphite-based constructions useful in certain rotating equipment.
Low Friction
Graphite has naturally low-friction characteristics, allowing suitable packing grades to provide effective sealing while helping limit resistance at the shaft or spindle. Correct gland adjustment remains important to avoid excessive loading, unnecessary wear and heat generation.
Chemical Resistance
Graphite provides good resistance to many industrial process fluids, including numerous acids, alkalis and hydrocarbons. However, it can be unsuitable for certain strongly oxidising environments, and chemical compatibility may be affected by reinforcement materials or other additives. Material suitability must therefore be confirmed against the process media and operating conditions.
Graphite Gland Packing Constructions
Different graphite packing constructions can be selected according to the operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and mechanical requirements.
Flexible Graphite Gland Packing
Flexible graphite gland packing is manufactured using expanded or flexible graphite yarns, providing excellent thermal conductivity and conformability. It is commonly selected for high-temperature valve stem sealing and suitable industrial process applications.
Reinforced Graphite Gland Packing
Reinforced graphite packing incorporates additional materials, such as metallic or textile reinforcement, to improve mechanical strength and packing stability. Selected constructions may be suitable for demanding valve applications involving high temperatures and pressures. The reinforcement material must be compatible with the operating environment.
Graphite-Based Composite Packing
Graphite can also be incorporated into composite braided packing materials, including PTFE-graphite and other fibre constructions. These materials can offer different combinations of friction, thermal conductivity, chemical resistance and mechanical durability. The appropriate construction should be selected against the equipment and operating conditions.
Typical Graphite Gland Packing Applications
Graphite gland packing is used across industrial applications where high-temperature performance, heat dissipation and reliable sealing are required.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial Valves & Valve Stems
- Steam Valves & Steam Systems
- Chemical Processing Equipment
- Refinery & Petrochemical Equipment
- Industrial Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Power Generation Equipment
- Heat Transfer Systems
- Process Vessels & Equipment
- Agitators & Mixers
- Maintenance & Replacement Packing
- High-Temperature Industrial Sealing
The suitability of graphite packing for rotating equipment depends on the specific braid construction and published operating limits.
Graphite Packing for Pumps & Valves
Graphite gland packing is frequently used in industrial valves and selected pump applications where thermal stability and sealing performance are important. In valve applications, flexible graphite packing can provide a reliable seal around a valve stem exposed to elevated temperatures and process pressures. Reinforced graphite packing constructions may be selected where additional mechanical strength or extrusion resistance is required.
In rotating pumps, thermal conductivity can help dissipate frictional heat at the sealing interface. However, the packing construction must be appropriate for the shaft speed, lubrication conditions and equipment design. Correct packing installation and gland adjustment are essential to achieve reliable sealing performance without excessive friction or wear.
Graphite Gland Packing Material Selection
Graphite gland packing is commonly selected for applications requiring high-temperature performance, thermal conductivity and low friction. Compared with PTFE gland packing, graphite generally provides better thermal conductivity and can be suitable for higher-temperature environments.
Aramid gland packing may be preferred where abrasion resistance and mechanical durability are important, while carbon fibre gland packing can provide an alternative combination of strength, chemical resistance and temperature capability.
Graphited PTFE packing may be more appropriate where the benefits of PTFE chemical resistance and graphite-assisted heat dissipation are required in a single construction. The correct packing material should always be selected against the operating media, temperature, pressure, shaft speed and equipment design.
Graphite Gland Packing FAQs
What is graphite gland packing?
Graphite gland packing is a sealing material manufactured from flexible graphite or graphite-containing fibres. It is commonly used in pumps, valves and industrial equipment requiring elevated-temperature sealing performance.
What is graphite gland packing used for?
Graphite gland packing is used to seal shafts and valve stems in industrial equipment, particularly where heat resistance, thermal conductivity and low-friction characteristics are important.
Is graphite gland packing suitable for high temperatures?
Yes. Suitable graphite packing grades provide excellent high-temperature performance. However, maximum operating temperature depends on the construction and atmosphere, particularly where oxygen exposure could cause oxidation.
Can graphite gland packing be used in steam applications?
Yes. Suitable flexible graphite packing grades are commonly used in industrial steam valves and related equipment. The packing must be rated for the operating temperature, pressure and equipment design.
Can graphite gland packing be used in pumps?
Yes. Certain graphite-based packing constructions are suitable for pumps. However, not all flexible graphite valve packing grades are designed for continuous rotating service.
What is the difference between graphite and PTFE gland packing?
Graphite generally offers better thermal conductivity and greater high-temperature capability, while PTFE provides excellent resistance to a broader range of aggressive chemicals.
Is graphite gland packing chemically resistant?
Graphite provides good resistance to many industrial chemicals, but may be unsuitable for strongly oxidising media. Chemical compatibility depends on the graphite grade and any additional reinforcement materials.
Need Graphite Gland Packing?
International Seal supplies graphite 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.