Packing & Jointing (IMPA 81)
IMPA section 81 covers the packing and jointing materials that seal flanged joints, valve glands and machinery covers across a ship's piping and machinery. The highest-frequency consumable is expanded graphite sheet — products such as Novaphit SSTC, IMPA 81-12-86 — cut to gaskets on board for steam, fuel and exhaust service where temperature and pressure are high. Gland packing for pumps and valves and pre-formed high-temperature gaskets round out the category. Engineers source these by IMPA code, material grade and sheet thickness, because the wrong gasket material on a hot or high-pressure joint fails quickly and risks a leak. This hub organises the common packing and jointing materials and the selection guidance that keeps a sealed joint reliable in demanding service.
Selecting gasket material
Expanded graphite suits high-temperature steam and exhaust joints; the IMPA code and sheet thickness define the product. Match the material grade to the joint's temperature and pressure to avoid early failure.
Regulatory overview
Jointing materials in fuel, steam and exhaust systems must meet the temperature and pressure rating of the joint; class records expect documented material grade for safety-relevant joints, and asbestos-free certification is mandatory.
Dominant OEMs
Common sub-components
- Expanded graphite sheet
- Gland packing
- High-temperature gaskets
- Spiral-wound gaskets
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Related
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most common marine jointing material?
- Expanded graphite sheet, used to cut gaskets on board for high-temperature steam, fuel and exhaust joints.
- How do I select a gasket sheet?
- By IMPA code, material grade and sheet thickness, matched to the joint's temperature and pressure.
- Is asbestos-free certification required?
- Yes. Marine jointing materials must be certified asbestos-free.