Asbestos Packing
Braided asbestos packing material used to seal valve stems, pump shafts, and rotating equipment.
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Description
Asbestos packing is a braided, plaited, or twisted rope-like material manufactured from asbestos yarn, often impregnated with graphite, PTFE, tallow, or other lubricants. It was used to prevent leakage around rotating shafts, reciprocating stems, and valve spindles in pumps, valves, mixers, and other industrial equipment. Asbestos content typically ranges from 70 % to 95 %, with the balance consisting of lubricants and binding agents.
Asbestos packing was an essential component in virtually every industry that used rotating or reciprocating equipment under pressure. From the 1910s through the late 1980s, it was the standard sealing solution in petrochemical plants, power stations, water treatment facilities, paper mills, food processing plants, marine vessels, and commercial plumbing systems. The material was available in square, round, and specialty cross-section profiles, in sizes from a few millimetres to over 50 mm.
The material is classified as friable because the braided asbestos yarns dry out over time, particularly in high-temperature or chemically aggressive environments. Worn packing sheds fibres into the surrounding area, and the routine process of removing and replacing packing (repacking) generates significant fibre release as the old material is pulled, cut, and scraped from the stuffing box or gland.
Repacking operations were among the most common sources of occupational asbestos exposure for maintenance engineers, pump mechanics, and pipefitters. The task requires working in close proximity to the material, often in confined spaces, and the cutting and fitting process creates localized but intense fibre concentrations.
Modern non-asbestos packing materials include graphite, PTFE, aramid fibre (Kevlar), carbon fibre, and various synthetic blends. These alternatives provide excellent sealing performance across a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and chemical environments. When repacking older equipment, always assume existing packing may contain asbestos unless the installation records confirm otherwise.
Pays où on le trouve couramment
Marques commerciales
Comment l'identifier
Asbestos packing appears as a square or round braided rope, typically grey, white, or black in colour depending on the lubricant used. It is found wound around valve stems, pump shafts, and inside stuffing boxes or gland assemblies. The material has a distinctive tightly braided texture. Graphite-impregnated packing is dark grey or black and may leave a dark residue. Used packing may be hard, dry, and crumbly.
Risque sanitaire et friabilité
Ce matériau a un niveau de risque de 3 sur 5.
Il est classé comme friable, ce qui signifie que les fibres d'amiante peuvent être libérées dans l'air avec une perturbation minimale. Cela en fait l'un des matériaux contenant de l'amiante les plus dangereux. Tout travail sur ou à proximité de ce matériau ne doit être effectué que par des professionnels agréés avec des mesures de confinement appropriées.
Que faire si vous trouvez ce matériau
Do not pull, cut, or scrape old packing without appropriate precautions. Keep the area damp during removal. Use RPE rated for asbestos work and disposable coveralls. Remove packing carefully using proper packing extractors rather than improvised tools. Collect all removed material and debris for disposal as asbestos waste. Replace with a non-asbestos alternative.
Questions fréquentes
How can I tell if my valve packing contains asbestos?
Is removing asbestos packing a licensed activity?
What are modern alternatives to asbestos packing?
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