For fluid sealing, different types of packing can be used. Graphite packing and polytetrafluoroethylene packing are commonly used sealing materials, usually in a braided form. The biggest difference between these two fillers is that graphite is the natural form of carbon, while PTFE is a synthetic material. The yarn undergoes multiple heat treatments to obtain the shape and structure of the required filler.
Let us understand the difference between PTFE filler and graphite filler from the following aspects:
1. Composition
Graphite is an inorganic form of pure carbon. Graphite filler is a black braided sealant made of pure carbon. They can be mixed with other elements or polytetrafluoroethylene to enhance functionality.
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. It is a white synthetic polymer polymerized by tetrafluoroethylene. Teflon yarn can be lubricated into flexible packing with better performance.
2. Attributes
High-quality graphite yarns are woven together to form graphite fillers. Their coefficient of friction is very low. The graphite filler can be a thermal conductor. PTFE is a high-strength resin with a low coefficient of friction. It has strong corrosion resistance, such as chemicals, acids, gases, etc.
Teflon is a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene, which is widely used to make non-stick cookware. Teflon prevents shaft wear and is also used as a very good insulating material for electrical purposes. The multi-yarn filler is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which has good strength and lubricating properties.
3. Application
Graphite packing is suitable for agitators, valves and shafts that handle chemicals, acids, etc. They are also used in applications involving high pressures, greater shaft speeds and high temperatures.
Expanded graphite packing is used in steam turbines and high temperature valves. Teflon board manufacturers also serve customers to handle fuel gas, mineral oil and synthetic oil, steam water, sewage and more.
Teflon fillers are used in industrial plants to treat corrosive substances and oxidants, except for molten alkali metals. PTFE packing is an ideal material for most corrosive media. They are used in pharmaceutical, food, aerospace, electrical and many other industries.
Teflon enveloped gaskets are used for safer handling and management of highly active substances in industrial plants.
4. Benefit
Expanded graphite filler is a perfect substitute for asbestos filler. Simplified installation and fast maintenance are some of the benefits of graphite packing.
PTFE filler has a long shelf life due to its low coefficient of friction. Multi-yarn PTFE filler can be designed for food and medicine according to FDA requirements.
Graphite filler can be treated with polytetrafluoroethylene to obtain better benefits, such as preventing color pollution and obtaining better stability. Graphite, as well as PTFE fillers, are cost-effective because they are durable and require low maintenance.
There are various fluid sealants on the market. Choosing the right packing depends on the pH value, temperature and required shaft speed. It is best to study the thermal and chemical properties of braided yarns that affect filler properties.
