Flax Packing
Long fiber flax packings for water, brine, and cold oil service on centrifugal shafts, reciprocating rods, plungers, and rams. Economical, easy to install, and lubricated throughout without graphite.
Flax is the original packing fiber and still the most economical choice for cold water and marine service. Long fiber flax yarns are braided and lubricated throughout, so the packing seats quickly, seals well against water and brine, and is easy to cut and install in the field.
Anchor Seals Inc. stocks two flax styles. Style 386 is an INTER-LOCK braid lubricated without graphite for waste water plants and paper mills. Style 380 is a square braid lubricated with double rendered tallow for cold water, brine, and cold oils on reciprocating and rotary equipment. Both are available by the spool or as pre-cut rings.
Two Flax Styles
Why Flax Packing
High grade long fiber flax for strength and a smooth running surface.
Lubricated throughout, so the packing seals from the first day and does not dry out.
Style 386 contains no graphite for clean water and paper mill service.
Style 380 uses double rendered tallow to minimize rancidity in storage and service.
Resistant to petroleum, mild acids, and alkalis.
Easy to cut, install, and adjust in the field.
Flax Packing Styles
Match the style to your equipment and service. Scroll the table on smaller screens.
| Style # | Description | Construction | Service | Temperature | pH | Shaft Speed | Pressure (psig) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 386 | Constructed from high grade long fiber flax, lubricated throughout (not graphite). Easy to install, economical to use with interlocking time-proven materials. | INTER-LOCK Braid | Used in waste water treatment plants, paper mills, and similar fluid-intensive industries for sealing service on centrifugal or rotary shafts and reciprocating rods, plungers, and rams. | +220°F | 5-9 | 1200 fpm | 150 |
| 380 | Square flax long fiber manufactured from the finest flax, thoroughly lubricated with double rendered tallow (to minimize rancidity). Resistant to petroleum, mild acids, and alkalis. | Square Braid | Recommended for use against cold water, brine, and cold oils on both reciprocating and rotary rods and pump plungers. | +220°F | 5-9 | 1000-1200 fpm | 500 |
Ratings are maximums for each style. Confirm limits for your specific media, temperature, and equipment with an Anchor Seals Inc. representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Mechanical PackingsWhere is flax packing the right choice?
Flax is the economical standard for cold water, brine, and marine service: waste water plants, paper mills, water pumps, and stern tubes. It is not suited to high temperature, high speed, or aggressive chemical service, where carbon, graphite, or PTFE packings take over.
What is the difference between Style 386 and Style 380?
Style 386 is an INTER-LOCK braid lubricated without graphite, which makes it the cleaner choice for water treatment and paper mill service and lets it run to 1200 fpm on rotary shafts. Style 380 is a square braid lubricated with double rendered tallow and is rated to 500 psig, so it is the choice for cold water, brine, and cold oil on reciprocating rods and plungers.
Why is the packing lubricated with tallow?
Tallow is a traditional lubricant for flax that keeps the fibers supple and helps the packing seat and seal against the shaft. Double rendering removes impurities that would otherwise turn rancid, so Style 380 stores and runs cleanly.
Can Anchor Seals Inc. cut flax packing to size?
Yes. Both styles are stocked on spools in standard cross sections and can be supplied as pre-cut rings for a specific shaft and bore. Send us the dimensions and number of rings and we will quote a kit.
