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
Training for Sustainability
We’re on our way to upgrading our Carbon Literacy Accreditation from Bronze to Silver status, to have 50% of Beldam Crossley staff trained in the programme by the end of the year. The programme shows us how to put good intentions about reducing our carbon footprint into action. Becoming Silver accredited will be a significant step towards a more sustainable future for all. Carbon Literacy is just part of our commitment to sustainability. Since 2021, we’ve also been training for ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance. So far, 85% of our people have completed the initial awareness training which explores ways to celebrate and share the great work they do for their communities, people and the planet. If you share our values and passion for sustainability, and would like to be part of our journey to a greener future, visit our careers page. Explore exciting opportunities to join a team dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a significant difference.
Product Spotlight – Pilot® Compression Lidpack
Amazing fact – most ships afloat on the world’s oceans right now are carrying a Beldam Crossley product catalogue. Why? The answer begins with the very origins of the company. In 1876 a ship’s engineer called Asplan Beldam discovered a solution to an impossible problem. This solution allowed him to design specific products to improve efficiency in steam-drive vessels. Fast forward 128 years and Beldam Crossley’s marine products are renowned for their innovation and high quality. As a result, we’re recognised as industry leaders by the majority of marine engineers and purchasers – and that’s why we’ve worked with Ship Chandlers worldwide to ensure our product catalogues are a handy go-to on board almost every vessel. Approved by Lloyds DNV and the US Coast Guard, our Pilot Compression Lidpacks are used to seal hatches on bulk carriers. Wherever chemical and solvent cargoes are carried, they are unique. The construction and properties of our Lidpacks prevent any leakages from escaping – protecting the ship, its crew and cargo and our precious ocean ecosystems. We may have diversified into many different industries since Asplan Beldam but we’ve never left the high seas completely. So here’s to his ingenuity in 1876 which led to our Pilot Compression Lidpacks today.
Beldam Crossley saving a well-known Marine Shipping Company from losing a shipping contract
Recently, Beldam Crossley has saved a well-known Marine Shipping Company from losing a crude shipping contract in Europe. A new customer recently joined the Beldam Crossley family of customers for our Hatch Seal Lidpack range. This customer was on the brink of losing a shipping contract for crude on a VLCC (very large crude carrier). This was due to the hatch tank packing having leakage problems. This hatch tank had been manufactured and supplied by another well-known company. The hatches were suffering from loss of pressure, grease from the seals, oozing out of the hatch. It was spilling onto the deck, creating a danger of slippage to the crew and pollution to the environment. Lidpack However, Beldam Crossley was asked to step in and put the Lidpack 3801L hatch sealing product; rated for Naphtha and certified by DNV. We tested the product on the same VLCC and see if the problem could be resolved. As suspected, we knew with confidence that our Lidpack range, being the best in the hatch sealing market, would resolve the issue straight away. Consequently, this was conducted in a timely fashion. We received the thumbs up from the ship captain and are proud to say the seals passed the inspection. Therefore, resulting in ultimately saving the contract and gaining a happy new customer! Beldam Crossley Having been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876), we have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. We have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors. Additionally, Beldam Crossley Ltd employees pride themselves on looking after our customers, if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==
Sao Vang Skidway Installation
Here’s one of our recent launches, the Sao Vang Jacket being put out to sea on our PTFE Skidway system.
Best Uses For High-Temperature Sealing Rope
Rope Seal (also known as Cord Seal), allows designers and engineers the ability to increase operating efficiencies. By reducing leakage from hot gas in between aircraft engine components, turbines and high-temperature static sealing applications. They are designed to operate over many thermal and mechanical cycles. It can adapt to temperature and changes expansion rate between different components. Rope Seals are commonly made with an O-ring groove for the best sealing performance, however, there are other seals that can vary depending on the application. Our Rope Seals can operate at temperatures of up to 1200°C. Where are the Sealing Rope used? Rope Seals are mainly used within the Aerospace, but are not limited to a single industry. They have multiple purposes and so can be used in different scenarios. Gas turbine engine applications to power aircraft, trains, ships, pumps, gas compressors and electrical generators. High-temperature exhaust systems to help vent exhaust gases away from the main engine, disposing of the gases safely. Helps reduce gas flow between machined or cast surfaces during thermal cycling. Finally, rope seals can act as a flexible joint between components. Sealing Rope can be installed in a few different ways: Cut to a certain length such as 30m spooled lengths, which allows cutting to more accurate lengths on site. Similarly to the first installation option, rope seals can be cut accurately to meet customer specifications to allow for instant installation. Endless rings are used for easy installation on-site, which can also help to reduce gas flow even further by completely removing leakage where the cord seal ends touch. To learn more about sealing rope and the applications it can be used in, please visit here, or contact us today and find out how we can help with your sealing installation!
How Do Rotary Seals Work?
At Beldam Crossley, we understand that rotary seals are a cornerstone of high-pressure applications, especially in lubricant control devices. Their purpose is vital: to retain lubricants while protecting against harmful contamination, ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of critical equipment. Here, we’ll explain how rotary seals function and highlight the factors you should consider when choosing one for your application. The Functionality of Rotary Seals Rotary seals operate by creating a barrier between the shaft and the casing, ensuring that lubricants are retained within the system while contaminants are kept out. This dual-action protection is essential for maintaining the integrity of the system and the efficiency of its components. Key Mechanisms: Lubricant Retention: The seal pushes lubricant into the lip and shaft, aided by the hydrodynamic action of the rotating shaft, which acts like a pump. Contaminant Exclusion: The seal prevents external materials such as water, dust, sand, or grit from entering and contaminating the lubricant. This is especially critical in harsh or dirty environments. The Importance of Rotary Seals System Protection By retaining bearings and lubricants, rotary seals enhance the durability and reliability of machinery. Excluding contaminants prevents damage to system components, reducing the likelihood of costly breakdowns. Friction and Heat Management As the seal slides against the rotating shaft, frictional heat is generated. Rotary seals minimise this heat, preventing excessive wear, corrosion, and system failure. Factors like shaft speed, surface condition, pressure, and lubricant type all influence heat generation and must be carefully managed. Enhanced Service Life The stronger a rotary seal’s ability to maintain lubricant and exclude harmful materials, the longer the service life of the equipment. High-quality seals are a cost-effective investment in long-term performance. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rotary Seal To ensure optimal performance, consider these critical factors when selecting a rotary seal: Frictional Heat Tolerance: Can the seal withstand the heat generated by high-speed rotations without degrading? Compression and Fit: How well does the seal compress to create a secure fit without over-stressing the material? Operating Temperature Range: Does the seal maintain its integrity across the full range of temperatures it will encounter? Shaft Surface: The texture, smoothness, and materials of the shaft can impact the seal’s performance and lifespan. At Beldam Crossley, we specialise in rotary seals with extremely low friction properties, making them ideal for demanding rotational processes. Our seals are engineered to last, even in the most challenging environments. Why Choose Beldam Crossley Rotary Seals? Our rotary seals are designed with precision to meet the needs of a variety of industries, from renewable energy to heavy industry. With exceptional durability, low-friction operation, and resistance to extreme conditions, they’re built to keep your systems running efficiently and reliably. Learn More About Rotary Seals We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into how rotary seals work and their importance in maintaining equipment performance. If you’d like to explore more about rotary seals or other sealing solutions, visit our blog page or contact our team for expert advice: Contact Us. Beldam Crossley – Sealing Excellence for Every Application.
What Are Lip Seals and How Are They Used?
At Beldam Crossley, we specialise in producing bespoke lip seals tailored to the unique requirements of each application. Combining innovative design with our proprietary PTFE recipes, our lip seals deliver superior performance across a wide range of industries, from chemical processing to aerospace, motorsport, and green energy, including wind turbines. Understanding Lip Seals A lip seal is a dynamic sealing component primarily used for rotary shafts. Its purpose is twofold: Retaining Lubricants: Lip seals keep lubricants contained within the system to ensure smooth operation. Preventing Contamination: They block external debris and contaminants from entering critical areas. Historically, lip seals were made from elastomers. However, at Beldam Crossley, we’ve revolutionised this design by introducing PTFE as the primary material. This shift significantly enhances performance, efficiency, and durability. The Advantages of PTFE Lip Seals By leveraging the unique properties of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), our lip seals push the boundaries of traditional elastomer seals. Key benefits include: Wide Temperature Range: PTFE operates effectively from -250ËšC to 260ËšC, making it suitable for extreme conditions. Reduced Friction: Low friction properties allow systems to run cooler and faster, increasing efficiency and extending seal life. Media Compatibility: PTFE is chemically resistant, making it ideal for use with a wide range of fluids and harsh environments. Self-Energising Designs: Our seals can incorporate built-in energising features or additional components like springs or steel reinforcements for enhanced performance. Applications Across Industries Lip seals are indispensable in numerous industries, delivering precision and reliability in critical applications: 1. Chemical Industry Challenge: Preventing contamination in processing lines. Solution: PTFE’s chemical resistance ensures safe and efficient sealing in pumps, valves, and pipelines. 2. Marine and Automotive Sectors Challenge: Sealing dynamic systems exposed to harsh conditions. Solution: Durable, low-friction seals withstand extreme environments, extending operational life 3. Renewable Energy: Wind Turbines Challenge: Efficient sealing within the turbine nacelle. Solution: Our bespoke gearbox seals are designed to contain synthetic oils at speeds of 2–3 m/s and ambient temperatures, ensuring optimal performance. 4. Aerospace and Motorsport Challenge: High-speed, high-temperature systems. Solution: PTFE seals support cooler and faster-running systems for maximum efficiency and reliability. Why Choose Beldam Crossley Lip Seals? With decades of expertise and a commitment to innovation, Beldam Crossley is at the forefront of sealing technology. Our PTFE lip seals deliver unmatched durability, efficiency, and reliability, making them the preferred choice for demanding applications. Key Features of Our Lip Seals: Customised designs tailored to your specific needs. Superior materials that handle extreme conditions with ease. Proven performance in critical industries worldwide. Learn More About Lip Seals Whether you’re in the chemical industry, renewable energy, or aerospace, our lip seals are designed to exceed your expectations. Explore our sealing solutions or contact our team to discuss how Beldam Crossley can help optimise your operations. Beldam Crossley – Sealing Excellence Across IndustriesJTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==
