The France tangent-cut packing ring design eliminated a variety of piston rod sealing problems and paved the way for the development of higher pressure compressors. While today's compressor packing rings are offered in a range of new sophisticated materials, this original France design remains an industry standard.

For over 100 years, France has remained in the forefront of sealing component technology with a variety of innovations. During the 1940s, France followed its first revolutionary design with the introduction of bakelite packing rings for sour gas applications. At the same time filleted joint packing rings were introduced to facilitate successful compressor operation up to 50,000 psi. The 1950's witnessed the development of a carbon filled PTFE packing, piston and rider ring material for use in non lube service. This material was the first in what has evolved into the complete line of proprietary filled PTFE materials trademarked FLUR-O-FRAN®

These developments were followed by the introduction of the "sandwich" ring concept designed to reduce extrusion under high suction pressure, and the HI-FLO™ valve designed to perform well in a wide range of operating conditions by providing very minimal resistance to flow.

The recent introduction of the FRANLON™ line of packing rings, piston rings, rider rings and valve discs has expanded the scope of France Compressor Products' list of available materials to include a complete line of proprietary space age thermoplastics.

These innovations, coupled with a research and development program of new materials and new component designs, have allowed France to establish its reputation as an industry leader in compressor sealing component technology.

To maintain this leadership, France has made a commitment to the future. The company's ongoing investments in state-of-the-art manufacturing methods include the acquisition of laser cutting machine tools, thermoplastic molding machines and an enlarged thermoplastic blending facility. These additions have expanded the prime manufacturing abilities of France Compressor Products while providing total control components manufacturing-from raw material to finished products.

Today, France Compressor Products represents the best of over a century of experience in quality and innovation, combined with leadership focused on the future.

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