Mechanical Packings
Anchor Seals Inc. supplies a wide range of braided, die-formed, and injectable packing for pumps and valves from Anchor, Teadit, Garlock, New England Braiding, and Slade, with materials for every temperature, pressure, and chemical service.
Mechanical packing, also called compression packing, seals rotating pump shafts and reciprocating valve stems by compressing braided or molded rings inside the stuffing box. It remains the most cost-effective sealing method for slow-speed, abrasive, high-temperature, and frequently serviced equipment across steel, power, chemical, pulp and paper, and municipal water plants.
Anchor Seals Inc. stocks pump and valve packing in graphite, PTFE, flax, Kevlar, carbon, aramid, and metallic constructions rated from cryogenic to +850°F in atmosphere and +1200°F in steam, with pump packing to 500 psi and 4,800 fpm and valve packing to 10,000 psi. Specialty grades cover NSF-61 potable water, FDA food contact, oxygen service, and low emission requirements. Our engineers cross-reference existing styles and recommend the right material and construction for each application.
Packing From the Manufacturers You Trust
Anchor branded compression packings stocked for fast delivery on common pump and valve sizes.
Braided pump and valve packings in graphite, PTFE, carbon, and aramid yarns for chemical and process service.
Garlock compression packing styles for pumps, valves, and rotary equipment across power, chemical, and municipal markets.
Precision braided packings from New England Braiding Company for general industrial and specialty applications.
Slade engineered packing systems for low friction, low emission valve and pump sealing.
Pump Packing and Valve Packing at a Glance
Ratings below are for the full range we stock. Individual styles vary, so confirm limits for your specific material.
Pump Packing
Valve Packing
Browse Packing by Type
Select a packing family below for materials, styles, and service limits.
AIP Injectable Packing
Injectable packing compound installed with a gun to fill irregular stuffing boxes and cut downtime.
Carbon Graphite Fiber Packing
High-temperature, chemically resistant carbon and graphite yarns for pumps and valves.
Fabric Packing and Rubber Packing
Duck and rubber laminated packings for water, low-speed, and general service equipment.
Flax Packing
Natural fiber packing for marine, water, and low-pressure applications.
Garlock Packing
The Garlock compression packing line for pumps, valves, and rotary equipment.
Kevlar & Soot Blower Packing
Aramid reinforced packing for abrasive slurries, high shaft speeds, and soot blower service.
Metallic Packing
Foil-wrapped metallic packings for high-temperature, high-pressure valve and reciprocating service.
New England Braiding Company
Braided pump and valve packings from New England Braiding Company.
PTFE Packing
Chemically inert PTFE yarns for corrosive media, food grade, and FDA compliant service.
Slade Packing
Slade engineered packing systems for low friction, low emission sealing.
Synthetic Fiber Packing
Acrylic, aramid, and other synthetic yarn packings for general industrial pump service.
Teadit
Teadit braided compression packings for chemical, refining, and process industries.
Valve Stem Packing
Braided and die-formed rings for control and isolation valves, including low emission options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mechanical packing?
Mechanical packing, also called compression packing, is a set of braided or die-formed rings installed in the stuffing box around a pump shaft or valve stem. When the gland is tightened, the rings compress against the shaft and bore to control leakage. It is the oldest and most widely used method of sealing rotating and reciprocating equipment.
What is the difference between braided, die-formed, and injectable packing?
Braided packing is woven from continuous yarns such as graphite, PTFE, or aramid and cut to length on site. Die-formed packing is pre-molded into precise rings, typically flexible graphite, for valve stems and high-pressure service. Injectable packing is a moldable compound pumped into the stuffing box with a gun, which fills irregular or worn boxes and allows re-packing without disassembly.
How do I choose the right packing material?
Start with the media being sealed, then the temperature, pressure, shaft speed, and any regulatory requirements such as FDA, NSF-61, or low emission service. PTFE handles aggressive chemicals, graphite and carbon handle high temperature, aramid and Kevlar handle abrasion and high speed, and flax suits water and marine service. Anchor Seals Inc. can cross-reference any existing style and recommend a match.
Is some leakage normal with pump packing?
Yes. Braided pump packing is designed to weep a small amount, typically a few drops per minute, which lubricates and cools the packing and the shaft sleeve. Running pump packing completely dry shortens its life and can score the shaft. Valve stem packing, by contrast, is set to seal with no visible leakage.
When should I use packing instead of a mechanical seal?
Packing is often the better choice for slow-speed or reciprocating shafts, dirty or abrasive services, equipment that is frequently opened for maintenance, and budgets where a low upfront cost matters more than zero leakage. Mechanical seals are preferred where leakage cannot be tolerated or where reduced maintenance justifies the higher initial cost. Our engineers can help you weigh the two for a specific piece of equipment.
Can Anchor Seals Inc. cut packing to size or supply pre-cut rings?
Yes. We stock packing in spools and can supply pre-cut rings for specific shaft and bore dimensions so your maintenance team can install straight from the package. Contact us with the shaft diameter, bore diameter, and number of rings and we will quote a kit.
