DA-76-19-3 -- The Use and Misuse of Compression Packings PDF

Some fifteen years ago all market surveys made for the packing industry indicated that within this period of time packing would be supplanted by mechanical seals. This is to advise that the fifteen years have now passed and the packing industry is very much alive and a viable industry with a continued growth pattern.

The Compression Packing Division of F.S.A. considers mechanical seals an excellent product for use in pumps with varying fluids. However, there are many areas where a mechanical seal should not be used, and/or can be better sealed by the use of compression packing, both functionally and economically. The versatility of compression packing in conjunction with the development of many new packing materials has actually expanded its use. It is generally accepted that compression packing has a greater tolerance for mechanical inperfection than does a mechanical seal.

The wide range of chemical solutions, high temperature liquids, abrasive and corrosive elements found in modern ASHRAE operations presents a number of unusual challenges that must be met by the proper selection, application and maintenance of compression packings materials. This paper discusses different kinds of compression packing and explores many applications when compression packing is a good choice.