Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions related to the products and services we offer at FTL

Q. What products do FTL offer?

A. FTL is a leading manufacturer of engineered sealing solutions for a variety of industries. Our product range includes an extensive range of seals, bearings, packings and gaskets. Through constant research and development, FTL’s product offering is continuously expanding in both scope and quality.


Q. What lead times can I expect from FTL?

A. Companies across the world rely on FTL for our combination of custom-engineered solutions and responsive service. We work with critical applications on a daily basis, and when it comes to downtime we understand that every second counts. Our global supplier network is primed to act fast, whether it be standard or custom products which are required - and you will always be kept in the loop with honest, up-to-date information on lead times.


Q. What makes FTL different to other engineering companies?

A. At FTL, we take your sealing problem away and return with a fully engineered solution built around the precise needs of your application and industry. Every product and solution is optimised for the exact conditions under which it needs to perform. From the first call to our peerless aftersales service, it is our total approach to custom-engineered solutions which sets us apart. It's why FTL is a genuine one-stop-shop for bespoke sealing support.


Q. Which industries do FTL cover?

A. We will try to apply our expertise and experience to any engineering challenge, but the weight of our experience lies in five main industries - oil and gas, food and pharmaceuticals, power generation, heavy industry and transportation. However, if your application sits outside these industries, give us a call - we may still be able to engineer a solution to help you.


Q. How do I find a sealing specialist for my industry?

A. We are fortunate at FTL to be able to call upon an incredible breadth of engineering expertise, when it comes to designing and implementing the perfect sealing solution. Whatever your industry, there is a specialist at FTL able to provide the tailored service your operations deserve. Find your expert at our Meet the Team page.


Q. Where does FTL source its sealing products?

A. FTL works closely with a range of supply partners, specially selected for their ability to design and manufacture products which deliver exceptional performance in challenging operating environments. Visit our Partners page to learn more about our individual partners, and how by working together we can help to minimise downtime and optimise your operations.


Q. Can you show me what you've done for customers in the past?

A. We can tell you how innovative and customised our sealing solutions are, but we are incredibly proud of the fact that our customers tend to do much of the talking for us! We would encourage you to take a look at our Case Studies to get the best impression of the level of engineering support we routinely deliver.


Q. I have a problem but I don't know what I need! Can you help me?

A. Absolutely! Our engineers are never happier than when they've got a problem to solve. We'll listen to you, finding out everything we need to know about your application and industry, before designing and implementing a solution to exceed your expectations.


Q. Who are FTL?

A. FTL is a sealing specialist providing a complete design, development and manufacturing service across all industry sectors. FTL’s fully engineered sealing solutions, combined with responsive service and technical expertise, add value to your product or process by optimizing operational performance.


Q. Where is FTL based?

A. Established over 30 years ago, FTL’s manufacturing headquarters is in Leeds, England and operates out of a purpose built facility. FTL operates globally with a team of sales engineers and a sales office located in Houston, Texas, USA.

FTL is a member of IDEX Sealing Solutions, a division of IDEX Corporation and operates alongside Precision Polymer Engineering.


Q. Is VariPig capable of running in multi diameter pipelines?

A. Yes, we have recently run VariPig in a pipeline with a 75% differential in pipeline diameters.


Q. Can Varipig run with low drive pressures?

A. Due to the optimised seal disc design and centreline running break away and steady state friction values are very low allowing VariPig to be propelled by low drive pressure.


Q. Can VariPig operate in pipelines featuring Tight Bends, Tee’s and Wye’s?

A. Varipig can accommodate all these features especially tight bends.


Q. Does VariPig exhibit low disc wear?

A. Due to the optimised seal disc package, rotation in running and good centreline running capability seal disc wear is very low.


Q. Is VariPig redeploy able and adaptable to carry other features?

A. VariPig is both redeployable, and adaptable and can in fact be reconfigured, it is the ultimate customised bespoke pigging solution.

Q. What makes FTL different to other engineering companies?

A. At FTL, we take your sealing problem away and return with a fully engineered solution built around the precise needs of your application and industry. Every product and solution is optimised for the exact conditions under which it needs to perform. From the first call to our peerless aftersales service, it is our total approach to custom-engineered solutions which sets us apart. It's why FTL is a genuine one-stop-shop for bespoke sealing support.


Q. Who are FTL?

A. FTL is a sealing specialist providing a complete design, development and manufacturing service across all industry sectors. FTL’s fully engineered sealing solutions, combined with responsive service and technical expertise, add value to your product or process by optimizing operational performance.


Q. Where is FTL based?

A. Established over 30 years ago, FTL’s manufacturing headquarters is in Leeds, England and operates out of a purpose built facility. FTL operates globally with a team of sales engineers and a sales office located in Houston, Texas, USA.

FTL is a member of IDEX Sealing Solutions, a division of IDEX Corporation and operates alongside Precision Polymer Engineering.

Q. Which industries do FTL cover?

A. We will try to apply our expertise and experience to any engineering challenge, but the weight of our experience lies in five main industries - oil and gas, food and pharmaceuticals, power generation, heavy industry and transportation. However, if your application sits outside these industries, give us a call - we may still be able to engineer a solution to help you.

Q. Where does FTL source its sealing products?

A. FTL works closely with a range of supply partners, specially selected for their ability to design and manufacture products which deliver exceptional performance in challenging operating environments. Visit our Partners page to learn more about our individual partners, and how by working together we can help to minimise downtime and optimise your operations.

Q. What makes FTL different to other engineering companies?

A. At FTL, we take your sealing problem away and return with a fully engineered solution built around the precise needs of your application and industry. Every product and solution is optimised for the exact conditions under which it needs to perform. From the first call to our peerless aftersales service, it is our total approach to custom-engineered solutions which sets us apart. It's why FTL is a genuine one-stop-shop for bespoke sealing support.


Q. How do I find a sealing specialist for my industry?

A. We are fortunate at FTL to be able to call upon an incredible breadth of engineering expertise, when it comes to designing and implementing the perfect sealing solution. Whatever your industry, there is a specialist at FTL able to provide the tailored service your operations deserve. Find your expert at our Meet the Team page.


Q. Can you show me what you've done for customers in the past?

A. We can tell you how innovative and customised our sealing solutions are, but we are incredibly proud of the fact that our customers tend to do much of the talking for us! We would encourage you to take a look at our Case Studies to get the best impression of the level of engineering support we routinely deliver.


Q. I have a problem but I don't know what I need! Can you help me?

A. Absolutely! Our engineers are never happier than when they've got a problem to solve. We'll listen to you, finding out everything we need to know about your application and industry, before designing and implementing a solution to exceed your expectations..

Q. What products do FTL offer?

A. FTL is a leading manufacturer of engineered sealing solutions for a variety of industries. Our product range includes an extensive range of seals, bearings, packings and gaskets. Through constant research and development, FTL’s product offering is continuously expanding in both scope and quality.


Q. What lead times can I expect from FTL?

A. Companies across the world rely on FTL for our combination of custom-engineered solutions and responsive service. We work with critical applications on a daily basis, and when it comes to downtime we understand that every second counts. Our global supplier network is primed to act fast, whether it be standard or custom products which are required - and you will always be kept in the loop with honest, up-to-date information on lead times.


Q. Where does FTL source its sealing products?

A. FTL works closely with a range of supply partners, specially selected for their ability to design and manufacture products which deliver exceptional performance in challenging operating environments. Visit our Partners page to learn more about our individual partners, and how by working together we can help to minimise downtime and optimise your operations.


Q. Who are FTL?

A. FTL is a sealing specialist providing a complete design, development and manufacturing service across all industry sectors. FTL’s fully engineered sealing solutions, combined with responsive service and technical expertise, add value to your product or process by optimizing operational performance.


Q. Is VariPig capable of running in multi diameter pipelines?

A. Yes, we have recently run VariPig in a pipeline with a 75% differential in pipeline diameters.


Q. Can Varipig run with low drive pressures?

A. Due to the optimised seal disc design and centreline running break away and steady state friction values are very low allowing VariPig to be propelled by low drive pressure.


Q. Can VariPig operate in pipelines featuring Tight Bends, Tee’s and Wye’s?

A. Varipig can accommodate all these features especially tight bends.


Q. Does VariPig exhibit low disc wear?

A. Due to the optimised seal disc package, rotation in running and good centreline running capability seal disc wear is very low.


Q. Is VariPig redeploy able and adaptable to carry other features?

A. VariPig is both redeployable, and adaptable and can in fact be reconfigured, it is the ultimate customised bespoke pigging solution.