What packing materials do petroleum pumps operating at high temperatures typically use?

Petroleum pumps operating at high temperatures typically utilize aluminum or babbitt as packing materials due to their ability to withstand the elevated thermal conditions without degrading. Aluminum offers a balance of lightweight strength and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for high-temperature environments, while babbitt, a type of metal alloy that is particularly good at resisting wear, is often used in bearing applications within these pumps.

These materials maintain their structural integrity and performance under stress, which is essential in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of petroleum pumps. Other materials such as plastic and rubber can fail at high temperatures, while wood and cork are not suitable for the demanding environments of petroleum applications. Silicone and nylon might withstand some heat but are generally not employed due to their limited resistance compared to metal materials like aluminum and babbitt.