What Is Vee Packing? Understanding Its Unique Design And Function
Sometimes, a regular old o-ring won’t cut it. That is where vee packing comes in.
Vee packing sets offer a dynamic solution for reciprocating and high-pressure applications. Their distinctive V-shaped profile allows the seal to adapt and respond to a variety of pressures while maintaining efficiency.
Here at Marco Rubber, we offer high-quality vee packing sets customized to your specific needs. From the size to the number of rings to the height to the inclusion of male and female to the material, numerous considerations exist to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your vee packing sets.
Before we get there, though, let’s start with the basics: what are vee packing sets?
Understanding Vee Packing Sets
Vee packing is also known as chevron or parachute packing. It has a unique V-shaped profile that allows it to use pressure to create a seal. A vee packing set consists of three parts: a female adaptor, V-rings (also called pressure rings), and a male adaptor. The purpose of the adaptors is to give you a flat surface on the top and bottom.
The premise of a vee packing set is deceptively simple: the V-rings expand outward when pressure is applied. This is why they are sometimes called parachute packing. However, the science and engineering behind getting these sets exactly right require deep expertise. They often apply to very specific situations, so vee packing sets are usually customized.
Similar to o-rings, vee packing is a very common sealing solution; however, vee packing does not have a widespread standard like o-rings do. Occasionally, you will see a “standard” vee packing set called 6225, which refers to military sizing and not a universal standard. If 6225 configurations work for your application, that is phenomenal, but the versatility and power of vee packing are nearly endless when you customize it.
When we design vee packing sets, we consider the challenges your application will face, including:
- chemical exposure
- ozone exposure
- operating temperatures
- operating pressure
- rapid decompression
- static or dynamic application
- weather exposure
- steam or hot amines
Depending on your application, a vee packing set can adapt. Whether you need more V-rings or multiple materials for the V-rings, the versatility of vee packing sets as a sealing solution is nearly unmatched.
The Versatility of Vee Packing
Vee packing sets seal on both the outer and inner diameters, allowing them to seal both surfaces. The unique function of the V-rings is to absorb high amounts of pressure, specifically in reciprocating or dynamic applications. They are also used in semi-static applications, like a gate valve.
Vee packing sets are commonly made up of a rubber formulation, a mixture of rubber and fabric. They can also be made of plastics such as PTFE or UHMW. The type of material used heavily depends on the challenges your application will face, but the good news is that Marco Rubber has a rubber or plastic to face almost any challenge. For example, Markez® is our incredibly versatile and affordable line of FFKM. Plus, it is available with a very short lead time. If your application has high levels of chemical exposure or extreme operating temperatures, Markez® might be the right answer for you – and we can get it in place fast.
What makes vee packing so incredible, though, is that you are not limited to one material, like with an o-ring. Some seals are so particular that they might need V-rings made of multiple materials. The alternating or differing materials can allow the ring to stand up to differing pressures and challenges as needed. This is a powerful solution in seals where a single material o-ring fails.
But the versatility and adaptability of vee packing don’t end there. If your equipment has metal adaptors, your vee packing set might not need a male or female adaptor. Our experts can recommend a solution for those difficult applications if provided with the complete application data. In other words, Marco has the support to assist you with difficult vee packing applications.
Thanks to their versatility, we see vee packing sets go to work in a number of applications, including:
- hydraulic cylinders
- earthmoving equipment
- elevators
- car lifts
- garbage trucks
- rubber molding press
- extrusion press
- hydraulic stamping
- reciprocating pumps
- centrifugal pumps
- large valves
- forklifts
- log splitters
- robotics
Vee packing sets are common in industries rife with dynamic applications and challenging seals, such as:
- oil and gas
- automotive manufacturing
- rubber molding
- aerospace and defense
- hydraulics in heavy industrial plants
- municipal
- high rise elevators
- farming
- road construction
Marco Rubber’s Vee Packing Expertise
We craft superior vee packing sets designed to meet your exact needs. As an ISO 9001-certified facility, we follow rigorous quality control standards to develop ideal solutions. Our experts are highly trained in developing custom solutions that help you overcome your application’s obstacles.
Are Vee Packing Sets Right For You?
If your application has a challenging, high-pressure, reciprocating seal, vee packing sets could be your ideal solution. Their unique V-shaped profile allows for them to dynamically absorb large amounts of pressure, while the nature of having various V-rings allows for nearly endless opportunities. For higher-pressure applications, we can include more V-rings or change the materials used in V-rings for additional versatility.
In other words, vee rings are an adaptable, customizable solution for a wide range of seals. As big fans of o-rings, we don’t like to admit they aren’t always the right solution, but our ultimate goal is to get you the solution that works best for you. Seeing vee packing sets rapidly fix sealing problems that have given our customers countless headaches is truly incredible.
So are vee packing sets right for you?