Article re-posted with permission from Parker Hannifin Sealing & Shielding Team.
Original content can be found on Parker’s Blog.
The O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division is now offering a rapid prototype program for solid and hollow spliced O-rings that will reduce lead times on small orders to improve sample and trial testing on enclosure projects. The program provides spliced rings available in a variety of cross sections and can be purchased in either solid or hollow profiles.
In the event that enclosure tolerances are large or the available compressive force is low, Parker engineers can design a custom hollow seal to help absorb large tolerances while providing very low compressive force compared to solid cord. Spliced rings with large inside diameters up to 95” are available in silicone and nitrile materials. Rings with inside diameters up to 57” are available in fluorocarbon. Cross sections of .070”, .103”, .139”, .210” .250” are regularly stocked and available to splice to the ring ID needed. The chart below outlines the current compounds, cross sections, and diameters available under the program.
Texas, USA - A thermal power station required a high-wearing, low maintenance bearing alternative for a condensate pump assembly. The line shaft and pump bowl bearings used in this vertical spindle pump operate in pure water conditions at a temperature ranging between 30˚C and 60˚C (86°F to 140°F). Removal and maintenance cost on the pump are high. Vesconite Hilube bearings were manufactured and fitted. Resultant performance has been impressive – the replacement bearings have run without fault for four years, on a pump assembly that has a seven yearly maintenance rebuild schedule.
Texas, USA - A water utility in Texas had over the years experimented with different grades of nylon bearings in its vertical spindle pumps, but with little success. The pumps operated in the abrasive conditions found in pit-wells. The combination of debris and sand would eventually lead to excessive wear of the original bushings and eventual seizure. The original parts were subsequently replaced with Vesconite Hilube, which requires no lubrication, does not swell and can operate in dirty conditions as characterized by the above. The re-fitted pumps have since been running without incident for over a year now.
Vesconite has been used for decades in a wide range of specialized pump bushing applications. The material thrives in water and exhibits excellent dimensional stability, with zero delamination. The result is low downtime and associated hassle factor. Its friction coefficient range of 0.1 – 0.2 allows for dry starting – an issue commonly associated with high wear rates in traditional bushing materials. Corrosion of the bushing is entirely eliminated with Vesconite, Vesconite Hilube is recommended for most pump applications.
In a world where we are bombarded with the belief that “more is better”, sealing science contradicts that theory with facts that show “thinner is better” when it comes to gaskets, as they provide improved load retention, pressure resistance and sealability. Yet thicker gaskets have their place for uneven, worn or damaged sealing surfaces. So how does a person make the right choice? What if there was a product that could do both?
GYLON EPIX™ is a family of gaskets that effectively seals a broader range of applications and is more forgiving during the installation process. GYLON EPIX™ allows the end user to save valuable turnaround time, reduce re-work, and lower costs, helping them to finish ahead of schedule and under budget.
The innovative GYLON EPIX™, provides superior functional performance by combining the traditional attributes of GYLON® with an innovative surface design. It offers a broader range of applications than traditional PTFE gaskets used in worn and pitted flanges. In addition, GYLON EPIX™ delivers the sealing and load retention properties of 1/16” and the conformability of 1/8”. The hexagonal profile provides improved compressibility and recovery. The profiled surface reduces the contact area during initial compression to concentrate the compressive force of the flange for improved sealability.
Gallagher recently published its Failure Modes for Elastomers in the Semiconductor Industry White Paper, now available for download on our site. This white paper discusses common issues that occur with elastomer seals in the semiconductor industry. The excerpt below is the second section of our new white paper, discussing Loss of Sealing Force, and Extrusion. To download the white paper in its entirety, visit our Resources Page, or click on the image to the right.
High performance elastomers are found in many applications in the semiconductor industry (see paper titled Perfluoroelastomers in the Semiconductor Industry). Though perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) seals are formulated to meet the highest performance requirements of integrated circuit (chip) manufacturers, even these elastomers can’t solve every sealing application nor will they last forever in service. Additionally, end users need to understand subtle performance differences between perfluoroelastomers in the same product line. For example, one product may be better at minimizing particle generation while another may be better for high temperature services.
The Orion Engineered Seals patented Bearing Protection Device (BPD) represents state of the art bearing protection technology and is the premier non-contacting bearing protection device offered. The BPD was designed with an understanding of the nature of the bearing housing environment under all operating conditions and utilizes the laws of physics to create what has proven to be the best performing and most cost effective way to protect the bearings of your rotating equipment.
Problem: Paper machines operate in hot, humid environments resulting in reduced bearing life, costly downtime and lost production.Paper machine bearings most often fail due to contamination ingress into the bearing housing.
Clamp seals guarantee fast and extremely secure tube connections in machines that are operated continuously. They are especially easy to install and re-separate. At drinktec 2017, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies presented its newly developed clamp seals, which not only reliably seal tube connections in production facilities – they also eliminate the costly conversion of connections to a “hygiene flange,” in accordance with DIN 11864. Unwanted over-compression into the interior space is prevented, guaranteeing secure, hygienic tube connections.
Gallagher recently published its Failure Modes of Elastomers in the Semiconductor Industry White Paper, now available for download on our site. This white paper discusses common issues that occur with elastomer seals in the semiconductor industry. The excerpt below is the first section of our new white paper, discussing groove design and seal leakage. To download the entire white paper, visit our Resources Page, or click on the image to the right.
High performance elastomers are found in many applications in the semiconductor industry (see paper titled Perfluoroelastomers in the Semiconductor Industry). Though perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) seals are formulated to meet the highest performance requirements of integrated circuit (chip) manufacturers, even these elastomers can’t solve every sealing application nor will they last forever in service. Additionally, end users need to understand subtle performance differences between perfluoroelastomers in the same product line. For example, one product may be better at minimizing particle generation while another may be better for high temperature services.