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PTFE/aramid packing in boiler feedwater pump saves over $2000/year

Journal Article · · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
OSTI ID:6135153

This article describes a polytetrafluoroethylene/aramid packing for boiler feedwater pumps which has saved DuPont Company's Savannah River Plant over $2000/yr. Although the packing is more expensive than the material previously used, the one year minimal service life, compared to less than 8 weeks for the packing previously used, has already saved more than $2000, and the packing is still in service. The yellow packing is made of a chemical resistant aromatic polyamide (aramid) fiber that has high tensile strength and good thermal stability. A low friction coating of chemically inert Teflon PTFE and a non-silicone, temperature stable lubricating oil, are applied to the individual fibers by a patented process before they are interbraided. The dimensionally stable packing can be used with fluids and slurries over a 1-13 pH range and at temperatures from -360 to 570/sup 0/F.

Research Organization:
Savannah River Plant, DuPont Co., Aiken, SC
OSTI ID:
6135153
Journal Information:
Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States) Vol. 46:1; ISSN CHPCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English