Gland Packing
Asbestos gland packing — also called compression packing, valve packing, or pump packing — is a braided or twisted asbestos-containing rope material used to seal rotating shafts in pumps, valves, steam turbine glands, and similar mechanical equipment. Gland packing is compressed into the annular space (the “stuffing box”) between a rotating shaft and the equipment housing, then compressed by a follower gland to form a dynamic seal.
Asbestos was the dominant gland-packing fiber from the early 20th century through the 1980s due to its heat resistance, chemical resistance, and high tensile strength. The packing was typically square cross-section braided rope, supplied in cut lengths or on spools.
Exposure Pathway
Workers repacking pumps, valves, and turbine glands during routine maintenance had direct contact with asbestos fibers during three steps:
- Removing old packing — picking out the consolidated, hardened asbestos packing with a hooked tool, often releasing visible dust
- Cutting new packing — measuring and cutting fresh asbestos rope to length
- Installing new packing — pressing the new asbestos rope into the stuffing box
This work was performed by pipefitters, millwrights, mechanical maintenance workers, and powerhouse operators in power plants, refineries, ships, chemical plants, paper mills, and any facility with rotating mechanical equipment.
Major Manufacturers Named in Litigation
- Garlock — Garlock Style 98 and other braided asbestos packing
- John Crane — braided asbestos packing
- A.W. Chesterton — Chesterton 800 series and related products
- Anchor Packing
- Crane Packing
See Also
This page is informational only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. References to companies and products are drawn from publicly available litigation records and industrial trade literature.