PTFE Seals & Gaskets for Aggressive Media for the Petrochemical Industry
Chemically Inert PTFE Seals for High-Corrosion, High-Temperature Applications Sealing systems within chemical plants must operate reliably in corrosive environments that degrade elastomers and standard polymers. Concentrated acids, alkalis, oxidisers and solvents attack most sealing materials, resulting in leakage, downtime and contamination risks. Beldam Crossley designs and manufactures PTFE seals and gaskets engineered to perform reliably under extreme media exposure, temperature, and pressure. Using our Crossflon® materials, we provide long‑lasting sealing solutions for pumps, flanges, valves, pipework, mixers, and reactors. Selected Crossflon® Materials for Sealing Crossflon® 1000 Maximum chemical resistance and purity. Used for sealing high-corrosive media where contamination control and inertness are essential. Crossflon® 703 Enhanced wear resistance suitable for dynamic and high load applications in pumps, compressors, mixers and valves. Crossflon® 603 High rigidity and creep resistance under pressure. Ideal for static gasket applications and compressed flange sealing. Compared with elastomers such as Silicone, EPDM, and FKM, as well as plastics like UHMWPE or PVC, Crossflon® grades will not degrade, soften, or swell. They are engineered to maintain dimensional stability and sealing integrity even in highly aggressive environments. Applications Include pipe flanges and compressor gaskets dynamic pump seals valve seats shaft seals in mixing vessels dosing and transfer systems reactor and vessel interfaces Performance Advantages inert to strong acids/bases and oxidisers wide temperature capability reduced cold flow with filled grades food/pharma compliant grades available In modern petrochemical facilities, reliability is everything. Crossflon® sealing materials reduce process risk, extend maintenance intervals, and improve operational safety across aggressive media handling. PTFE Seals & Gaskets for Aggressive Media for the Petrochemical Industry CROSSFLON® MATERIAL TYPICAL PRODUCTS KEY CHARACTERISTICS 1000 High-purity gaskets, diaphragms, bellows, sight glass seals, Insulating bushes/spacers Maximum chemical resistance, inert to acids/solvents/bases, low contamination 703 Dynamic pump seals, compressor seals, high-load/pressure flange gaskets, valve stem packing, wear pads Enhanced thermal conductivity, reduced wear rates of wear. Good physical properties whilst retaining most of the chemical resistance of Virgin PTFE 603 Static flange gaskets, compressed sealing rings, valve seats, mixer bushings, pump housings Excellent balance of chemical, electrical insulation and mechanical properties. For applications requiring low cold flow and high compressive rigidity 403 Aggressive media seals, corrosive pipeline gaskets, reciprocating piston seals, compressor rings Similar properties to Crossflon 703, but with ultra-low coefficient of friction. Ideal for dry running or poorly lubricated applications 1404 High-temperature sealing elements, housing seals, compressor rings, pump/mixer seals Maintains seal integrity under high heat with excellent deformation resistance, kind to mating surfaces For more information speak to one of our expert engineers today +44 (0)1204 675 700 www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Newsletter December 2025
Engineering Giants: How Beldam Crossley Became a Global Skidway Leader
Interview: Inside the Rise of Beldam Crossley’s Skidway Systems How engineering precision, material science and global collaboration are redefining offshore loadout performance. When you sit down with Ian Harbottle, Divisional Manager at Beldam Crossley, you quickly realise that “skidway systems” are far more than just steel beams and bearing plates. They’re the unseen backbone of some of the world’s most ambitious offshore construction projects — systems that quietly carry tens of thousands of tonnes of engineered structures from shore to sea. “If we’re not the global leader in this product,” Ian begins, “we’re certainly one of them. We can logistically make that claim. Our products have been used to skid some of the world’s biggest offshore structures ever built.” From Bolton to the Global Stage Beldam Crossley has been manufacturing skidway systems for more than two decades, supplying fabrication yards and barge operators worldwide. But 2024 marked a milestone. “Last year was our record year,” Ian explains. “Some of the world’s largest topsides and jackets were skidded using our technology. It’s been an incredible period of growth — we’ve not only broken the £1 million turnover mark for skidways and bearings, but we’ve also expanded our customer base into new regions.” That growth, he notes, came on the back of both recovery and renewal. “There was a natural dip during COVID, as major fabrication projects were paused. What followed was a surge — yards catching up, and operators looking for proven, reliable systems. It’s been a case of experience meeting opportunity.” Engineering the Movement At the heart of every skidway system is Crossflon® XF225, a proprietary PTFE-based bearing material that Beldam Crossley bonds to steel backing plates to create ultra-low-friction tracks. These are then welded to skid beams, forming the base on which entire offshore structures slide during loadout or launch. “In simple terms,” Ian says, “our material forms the low-friction interface between the structure and the beam. It has extremely low friction values, it’s hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and it will take very high loads. In my view, it’s the best product of its type in the market.” The technology has been tested not just in laboratories but in the toughest environments on earth. “We always say lab testing gives you the theory, but real-world data gives you the truth,” Ian adds. “When our customers carry out a loadout, they record the pulling forces used to move these huge structures. From that, you can calculate friction. And those figures prove what we already know — that our specified values are achievable in real conditions.” Defining Offshore Scale To appreciate the scale of the challenge, Ian describes one of the projects in which Beldam Crossley’s systems played a part. “That particular topside weighed nearly 48,000 tonnes (Including the deck support frame) — to my knowledge, the largest ever skidded in the history of the world. I doubt it’ll ever get much bigger than that.” Projects like this demand a level of precision that goes far beyond basic manufacturing. Each plate must maintain dimensional stability under extreme pressure, resist environmental degradation, and perform reliably whether in the searing heat of the Middle East or the humidity of Southeast Asia. “You can’t afford inconsistencies,” Ian notes. “If one section grips harder than another, it can throw off the entire load-out. That’s why our customers trust us — the consistency of the product, the traceability, the testing — it all counts.” Breaking New Ground Beldam Crossley’s skidway technology has supported projects in the Middle East, Europe, Mexico, Malaysia, and China, with major yards now switching to their systems over traditional alternatives. “We even gained a new customer last year who had always gone to our biggest competitor. That was a big step forward — proof that performance speaks louder than price.” The company’s approach blends material science with hands-on engineering collaboration. Each system is tailored to suit its project’s geometry, loading and operational conditions. “Every yard and every vessel has a slightly different setup,” Ian explains. “We don’t just sell a plate — we work with engineers to make sure the interface is right, the tolerances are right, and that the whole system performs as one.” The Challenge of Sourcing the Right System Ask Ian what the biggest challenge is for clients sourcing a skidway, and his answer is immediate: “Integration. Getting every part — the beams, plates, and bearings — to work together under real-world conditions. The materials must carry extreme loads and maintain low friction, but they also have to be consistent, certified, and ready when the project needs them. That’s not something you can buy off the shelf.” With in-house design, material blending, machining, and testing all under one roof in Bolton, Beldam Crossley has positioned itself as a true engineering partner — not just a supplier. “That’s what makes the difference,” Ian concludes. “When you control the process from raw polymer to finished skidway system, you control performance, reliability, and delivery. That’s what our customers depend on.” About Beldam CrossleyFounded in 1876 and part of the Indutrade Group, Beldam Crossley specialises in engineered sealing, bearing and polymer solutions. Its Crossflon® range of advanced PTFE-based materials are used in critical applications across marine, subsea, aerospace, and energy sectors worldwide. en*******@***************co.uk +44 (0)1204 675 700 www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Crossflon® XS: A New Era in Subsea Bearing Materials
Beldam Crossley introduces a high-load, ultra-low-friction PTFE compound engineered for the demands of SURF systems, subsea structures, and offshore bearing assemblies. In the harsh and unpredictable conditions of offshore and subsea environments, materials face relentless mechanical stress, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to demanding operating cycles. Bearings, pads, and sliding components in SURF hardware, pipeline end terminations (PLETs), riser systems, and subsea modules are expected to perform without failure—often in constrained spaces, under enormous load, and with minimal opportunity for maintenance. Historically, PTFE has been the go-to for low-friction performance, but it has always come with mechanical limitations. Its inability to handle sustained compressive loads without deformation meant engineers were forced to add mechanical reinforcements, overbuild surrounding structures, or shift to costly composite alternatives. These compromises added weight, complexity, and time. Crossflon® XS, developed by Beldam Crossley, directly addresses this problem. It’s a new class of reinforced PTFE—engineered from the ground up for structural stability and dimensional integrity under stress. What distinguishes Crossflon® XS is its ability to retain the frictional benefits of PTFE while dramatically expanding the material’s pressure-bearing capabilities. It withstands compressive pressures up to 32 MPa in non-recessed designs, and up to 75 MPa when recessed—a significant leap beyond traditional filled PTFE materials. This extended performance envelope allows design engineers to reduce bearing sizes, eliminate steel recesses in some configurations, and simplify assemblies without sacrificing safety margins. Under ASTM D695 testing, Crossflon® XS reaches 51 MPa at 5% compressive strain, and maintains structural shape with less than 1% deformation after 24 hours at 14 MPa. It continues to perform across an extreme temperature range from –250°C to +260°C, making it ideal for both deep-sea cold conditions and high-temperature topside equipment. Friction performance is equally impressive. Crossflon® XS delivers a static coefficient of friction between 0.03 and 0.06, enabling smoother load transitions and eliminating stick-slip in linear bearing applications. It also resists water absorption (less than 0.01%) and is self-extinguishing when tested to ASTM D635, supporting material integrity in wet and fire-critical offshore zones. Unlike many other materials used in subsea applications, Crossflon® XS is manufactured entirely under one roof in the UK. Beldam Crossley controls every aspect of the process—from blending to machining—ensuring complete traceability, batch consistency, and rapid response to QA audits. For offshore operators and EPCs working within strict compliance frameworks, this is more than a convenience—it’s a risk reducer. The applications are wide-ranging. Crossflon® XS is suitable for use in subsea bearing blocks, modular skid assemblies, flowline deployment systems, and structural guides in motion-critical areas. It also allows rethinking of design standards in high-pressure interfaces, especially where previous PTFE grades would have been ruled out. “Crossflon® XS gives engineers freedom they didn’t have before,” said Ian Harbottle, Divisional Manager at Beldam Crossley. “We’re not talking about marginal gains. This is a material that moves PTFE into applications where it was never viable. You can design with confidence, reduce component count, and deliver performance at a level previously reserved for specialist composites.” With Crossflon® XS, Beldam Crossley is pushing the boundaries of polymer engineering to meet the real-world demands of subsea infrastructure—bringing strength, simplicity, and British manufacturing to the heart of offshore energy systems. About Beldam CrossleyBeldam Crossley is a UK-based manufacturer of high-performance sealing and bearing systems. Serving industries including offshore energy, nuclear, aerospace, and defence, the company develops proprietary material technologies backed by full in-house production capabilities and over a century of engineering excellence. en*******@***************co.uk +44 (0)1204 675 700 www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Staff Spotlight | Celebrating 39 Years of Excellence – Steve
At Beldam Crossley, we’re proud to celebrate the people who make our engineering movement possible — and few embody that better than Steve Tyrer, our long-serving Production Leader. With an incredible 39 years of service, Steve’s journey from apprentice to senior leadership is one built on loyalty, integrity, and a relentless drive for quality. Known among his team as firm but fair, Steve leads with quiet confidence and deep respect. He’s admired not just for his technical expertise, but for his ability to bring out the best in others — a balance of precision and people that defines our culture. “We’re never going backwards, only forwards. We’ve become so diverse, offering industry-leading products in many different sectors.” — Steve Tyrer Under Steve’s leadership, our precision machining team operates one of the most diverse arrays of PTFE production machinery in the UK — manufacturing bellows, seals, nozzles, and clean-room process components from FDA, WRAS and other approved Crossflon® materials to name just one area. His department’s capability underpins Beldam Crossley’s expansion into biopharma and chemical process OEM markets, where the need for purity, performance, ‘chemically inert’ and compliance is paramount. These components — crafted from our high-performance Crossflon® UHP and SL Series PTFE — are helping major Pharma and Bioprocess OEMs across Europe develop the next generation of equipment for sterile and chemical-resistant environments. Whether it’s a gasket for a bioreactor, a seal for a valve, or a bearing for an aseptic filling system, Steve and his team deliver with precision and care. Beyond technical excellence, Steve embodies our “Customer Focus” value — working together to give customers exactly what they need, staying proactive, learning from experience, and always making space for innovation and change. His calm leadership and unwavering commitment have made him a solid pillar within the Beldam Crossley community. Steve was recently recognised through our Reward & Recognition Programme for his contribution to a key customer project — a fitting acknowledgment of his craftsmanship and leadership. We’re immensely proud to have Steve as part of our story — and grateful for the stability, skill, and spirit he brings to every challenge. If you are one of our loyal customers, we can guarantee Steve has ensured your order was handled with expert care and precision. Enhance your process performance with our custom-blend PTFE precision machined components. 📩 Contact en*******@***************co.uk to learn more. .
Beldam Crossley Newsletter – Issue 2 Now Available!
We’re delighted to bring you the second edition of the Beldam Crossley Newsletter. This issue highlights our latest innovations, important milestones, and stories that reflect the hard work and dedication of our team. From product developments to industry events and community achievements, this newsletter offers a clear view of how we’re continuing to build on our progress and strengthen our commitment to excellence. 👉 Read the newsletter (PDF)
Beldam Crossley Launches Crossflon® FG – Food Grade PTFE Now Fully EU-Compliant for Food Contact Applications
Beldam Crossley Launches Crossflon® FG – Food Grade PTFE Now Fully EU-Compliant for Food Contact Applications Bolton, UK – Aug 2025– Beldam Crossley, a UK-based manufacturer with 149 years of engineering excellence, is proud to announce the launch of Crossflon® FG, a newly certified food-grade PTFE material designed for demanding applications within the food and bever-age industry. Following rigorous testing, Crossflon® FG has been officially approved for food contact under EU Regulation 10/2011, and a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) is now available. This declaration confirms that Crossflon® FG has passed all necessary safety evaluations and can be supplied at every stage of the supply chain, in full accordance with Article 15 of the EU Plastics Regulation. “Crossflon® FG marks a significant step forward in our polymer innovation strategy,” said Dave Haxton, Managing Director at Beldam Crossley. “It allows us to serve our food and beverage customers with complete confidence – delivering high-performance, regulatory-compliant components that are built to last and made right here in the UK.” Why Crossflon® FG?Crossflon® FG is stronger than standard PTFE, more wear-resistant, and features a super clean ‘Eternal White’ colour, making it ideal for environments where hygiene, visibility, and contamination control are critical. With excellent low-friction properties, it is perfectly suited for frictionless systems that demand long-term reliability and safety. Applications now available in Crossflon® FG include: • PTFE Bearings for mixers, fillers, and conveyor systems• Bushes and Seals for shafts, valves, and rotating assemblies• Nozzles for filling, spraying, and dosing in hygienic processing lines• Guides and Liners for contact surfaces in food production equipment This new material is already in use across major cereal and chocolate production facili-ties in the UK and Europe, installed in a range of food processing and packaging equipment – confirming its performance in real-world, high-volume applications. Trusted by the Industry’s BestCrossflon® FG complements Beldam Crossley’s broader range of certified materials trusted by some of the world’s most regulated industries: • DNV and US Coast Guard-certified sealing solutions for marine• AS9100 Aerospace-grade polymer bearings• JOSCAR MOD and energy sector approvals• ISO 9001-certified quality management systemsConfidence Through Compliance The Crossflon® FG Declaration of Compliance is ready to be issued to customers and au-thorities on request, with full supporting documentation and test reports available. It can be provided throughout the entire product lifecycle, giving OEMs, equipment designers, and op-erators total peace of mind. “Our mission is to provide not only performance but trust,” added Haxton. “Crossflon® FG gives food producers a future-ready material that’s clean, compliant and engineered for opera-tional excellence.” To request the Declaration of Compliance or learn more, contact:en*******@***************co.uk | 🌐 www.beldamcrossley.co.ukFactory tours and on-site consultations available
REFLECTIONS: CELEBRATING 149 YEARS
Founded in the year 1876, Beldam Crossley sprang forth from the visionary mind of Asplan Beldam, whose legacy is deeply entwined with the Marine Engineering Industry. Asplan, a luminary of the Victorian era, emerged as a pivotal figure in the annals of UK industry. His illustrious memberships with the Institutes of Naval Architects and Mechanical Engineers culminated in the honour of being the inaugural president of the Institute of Marine Engineers. A man of remarkable intellect and vigour, he honed his craft through hands-on experience in various shipyards and engineering establishments. By the tender age of 26, he ascended to the roles of general manager and chief designer of both ships and engines at the Allibon Noyes shipyard along the storied Thames in London. From the outset, innovation was his guiding star, as he tirelessly pursued enhancements in engine efficiency, emerging as a pioneer in the realm of higher steam pressures. The prevailing wisdom of the time suggested that elevated steam pressures could yield greater power from every pound of coal consumed. Yet, this theoretical promise posed challenges for engineers in practice, leading many to adhere cautiously to the safe confines of 30-40 lb per square inch—the standard for most steam boilers. Undeterred, Asplan, after conducting successful trials, transformed the landscape by designing and patenting a boiler capable of producing steam at an extraordinary pressure of 150 lb per square inch. Such elevated pressures and exceptional engineering necessitated the use of superior packing seals, marking the inception of a remarkable tale… In the next issue: Unveil the record-breaking achievements born from Asplan’s groundbreaking inventions.
Why Lidpack® 3801L is the Gold Standard in Marine Hatch Packing Seals
Beldam Crossley, the UK’s only manufacturer of marine hatch packing seals, is now offering next-level delivery and support through a strategic partnership with SEM Endustriyel in Turkey. This expansion ensures two-day delivery of its flagship Lidpack® 3801L compression seals to key marine hubs across Europe. Why Lidpack® 3801L is the Gold Standard in Marine Hatch Packing Seals Developed for marine and tanker hatch applications, Lidpack® 3801L is a DNV-certified, US Coast Guard-approved packing seal designed to withstand harsh chemicals, temperature extremes, and aggressive fuels—including Naphtha, making it ideal for IMO2 and IMO3 chemical tankers and land-based road tanker manlids. Its proprietary PTFE and elastomer composition ensures: Rapid Dispatch from Turkish Distribution Centre Recognising the critical nature of emergency seal replacements, Beldam Crossley now holds local stock of Lidpack® 3801L in Istanbul, slashing delivery times from three weeks to just two days. This not only boosts response capability for marine operators but also reduces the carbon footprint compared to international freight. On-Board Service, Local Support This logistics and service boost is made possible through Beldam Crossley’s exclusive partnership with SEM Endustriyel, led by Onur, a former naval officer and experienced marine engineer. Their combined expertise brings: From Manufacturer to Strategic Partner The 2024 partnership marks a key milestone in Beldam Crossley’s evolution from product manufacturer to full-service sealing solutions provider. Marine operators can now expect faster support, expert advice, and reliable sealing performance backed by 149 years of engineering experience. Order Marine Hatch Packing Seals with Confidence If you’re responsible for tanker maintenance, marine cargo integrity, or chemical transfer safety, choose Lidpack® 3801L—the trusted name in marine hatch packing seals. Engineered in the UK, stocked in Turkey, and supported by on-site expertise across Europe. 👉 Contact Beldam Crossley today to enquire about Lidpack availability, technical specs, or local servicing in your region. FAQs: Marine Hatch Packing Seals Q: What is a marine hatch packing seal? A: It’s a sealing element used to create a tight, leak-proof closure on cargo hatch lids of chemical and oil tankers. Lidpack® seals are designed for pressure resistance, chemical durability, and DNV compliance. Q: What materials are used in Lidpack® 3801L? A: It is a composite of chemically-resistant elastomers and PTFE materials designed for durability and performance under marine conditions. Q: Where can I get it? A: Lidpack® is stocked in the UK and now in Istanbul for rapid shipping to Europe and surrounding regions. Q: Is it certified? A: Yes. Lidpack® 3801L is DNV-approved and holds US Coast Guard certification, validating it for use on marine vessels handling hazardous cargo.
Beldam Crossley Lidpack® Hatch Seal Solution for Chemical and Crude Oil Tankers
Beldam Crossley, a global leader in sealing solutions for critical industrial applications, has announced its DNV-certified Pilot® Lidpack® 3801L hatch seal – the only product of its kind recommended for use with Naphtha in crude oil transportation. This pioneering seal is proven in the marine industry for safety, environmental compliance, and cargo integrity. With over 40,000 chemical tankers operating worldwide transporting hazardous cargoes such as crude oil, methanol, and benzene; the need for robust, leak-free sealing has never been greater. Beldam Crossley is the only seal manufacturer globally to manufacture recommended hatch seals for Naphtha, reaffirmed through DNV retesting certification every ten years and which is a game-changer for the industry. The Lidpack® range, available in 3800 and 3801L, offers an energised rubber core and several proprietary materials including a chemically inert wrap of PTFE for maximum chemical resistance. Braided PTFE yarn for strength and abrasion resistance and outer layers of PTFE for total impermeability are other key USP’s of the range. This results in zero leakage, from hatch lid operations which has earned the product certifications from both DNV and the U.S. Coast Guard, and Lloyds registered. Designed for marine chemical and solvent transportation, Lidpack® sets a new industry benchmark for reliability, environmental stewardship, and onboard safety. In just 18 months, all major shipping companies in Istanbul have converted to Beldam Crossley seals, eliminating the risk of leaking hatches and avoiding fines linked to failed pressure build-up tests. “Leaks not only endanger marine ecosystems and crew but also lead to significant financial penalties for the captain and the ship itself. A failed pressure test requires either immediate repair or vessels face costly delays and regulatory fines of 10% of the total cargo value which we have seen imposed into the thousands of pounds and leaving port delays, “said Lee O’Connor, Marine sales executive at Beldam Crossley. In 2024 alone, Beldam Crossley resolved six major hatch leak incidents across six international fleets, reinforcing its commitment to global maritime safety. The company also supports retrofit solutions for vessels worldwide, helping operators remain compliant and efficient. Additionally, the Lidpack® solution helps prevent the costly sea and rain water ingress into the cargo holds contaminating shipments, hatch leakage and ingress are plaguing the sea transport industry, Beldam Crossley Ltd Lidpack is the cure. Beldam Crossley continues to lead with innovation and responsibility, providing cutting-edge solutions that protect cargo, crew, and the marine environment. For more information, visit www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
