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Where Is Tallow Packing Used? Applications and Selection Guide
Published: · 3 min read
Tallow packing (lubricated cotton gland packing) is the most common soft packing, from water pumps to ship shafts. Which media, temperatures and pressures suit it, and when should you switch to PTFE or graphite? A manufacturer's guide.
Tallow packing, also sold as lubricated or greased cotton packing, is the best-selling soft gland packing in the world. It is interbraided from cotton yarn and impregnated with tallow, paraffin and graphite. It is produced in two colours, yellow (standard) and white; it is inexpensive, easy to find and easy to install. Can it be used everywhere? No. This article explains the right applications for tallow packing, its limits, and when you should move to another packing.
Where tallow packing performs best
1. Water pumps
Centrifugal and reciprocating water pumps are the home market of tallow packing. In clean water, cooling water, seawater and lightly contaminated wastewater it runs trouble-free up to 120 °C and 20 bar. The tallow impregnation lubricates the shaft and prevents heat build-up at start-up.
2. Valves
In the stuffing boxes of gate, ball and globe valves it provides static or slow-moving sealing up to 50 bar. It beds down easily on valve stems; once the gland is set it needs little attention.
3. Ship shafts and engine rooms
Thanks to its seawater resistance and low cost it has been the standard material in stern tube stuffing boxes, bilge and ballast pumps for decades. 5, 10 and 15 kg spools are ideal for onboard stores.
4. Agriculture and irrigation
Irrigation pumps, deep-well pumps and agricultural equipment favour it for easy maintenance and low price. For pumps handling muddy water, the graphited (dark) type is recommended.
5. Municipal water and wastewater plants
Used in large volumes in pumping stations, treatment plants and network valves. Standard sections shipped from stock matter for maintenance planning.
Limits: when not to use tallow packing
| Condition | Limit | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Above 120 °C | Graphite packing |
| pH | Below 5 or above 9 (acids, alkalis) | PTFE Teflon packing |
| Medium | Solvents, strong chemicals, food/pharma product | PTFE Teflon packing |
| Shaft speed | Above 8 m/s | PTFE or graphite packing |
| Pressure | Above 20 bar in pumps, 50 bar in valves | Graphite or wire-reinforced graphite |
Tallow is an organic fat; it carbonises at high temperature and dissolves in strong chemicals. Under these conditions the packing hardens, scores the shaft and starts to leak.
Correct size and installation
The cross-section is (Box bore − Shaft diameter) / 2. Rings are cut at 45°, installed with the joints staggered by 90°, and the gland is hand-tightened first. After start-up, adjust gradually until a few drops per minute remain; this drip cools the packing. See our article on packing sizing and installation for details.
Why quality matters
Two tallow packings sold under the same name can be worlds apart. Low-density, lightly impregnated imports braided from recycled yarn harden within months and need frequent replacement. At Yaman Tekstil Salmastra we use first-grade cotton yarn, original paraffin and tallow, and we check the impregnation ratio on every batch. Do not compare our product with Far East goods on price; compare on total maintenance cost.
Summary
Tallow packing is the most economical and reliable choice for pumps and valves handling water, seawater and light oils within 120 °C and pH 5–9. If your conditions exceed these limits, switch to PTFE Teflon or graphite packing. Not sure which packing suits you? Send your medium, temperature, pressure and shaft diameter through the quote form and our factory will reply the same day.
