ESDU 83031 enables the most suitable type of sealing arrangement to be selected at the initial design stages. Contact, clearance and membrane seals are considered (of which contact seals are the most important and widely used type) and their mode of operation and characteristics are described. A flowchart assists you in selecting the one appropriate to your requirements. If a contact seal is chosen, there are four classes considered: moulded seals, compression packings, mechanical packings, and piston rings. Another flowchart assists you in choosing between them, using comprehensive tabular data on seal materials, their fluid compatibility and other properties to arrive at the most satisfactory design. The performance of the contact seals is discussed in terms of film thickness, leakage, friction, life, lubrication and surface finish requirements, material compatibility, and limits of operation. ESDU 80012 treats the selection of seals for rotary applications.