Freudenberg Sealing
- October 29, 2021
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ Topographic heat shields are designed for Lithium Battery Systems. Current battery cell and system development (e.g. increased energy density; ultra-fast charging) has a strong influence on the future safety of the battery system:
This market development creates more and more requests for “heat shields” within Lithium batteries, which are placed between the individual cells.
- In case of a severe cell malfunction (thermal runaway), the shields will slow down or even block the thermal propagation to an adjacent cell.
Between the cells, the often so-called “compression pads” are placed to adjust the mechanical load of the cell stack.
- In case of a severe cell malfunction (thermal runaway), the shields will slow down or even block the thermal propagation to an adjacent cell.
- July 23, 2021
Due to the growing energy density of battery systems, the developers of lithium ion batteries must satisfy ever higher safety requirements. It is especially crucial to keep a single damaged cell from overheating the entire battery module. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed an innovative heat shield for use in prismatic and pouch cells with almost no impact on the required installation space. It combines the high heat resistance of a silicone-based elastomer with the high insulating properties of air.
The goal is greater range without the battery growing in size and weight: High energy density, which has been battery developers’ top priority, creates a basis for the broad acceptance of electric vehicles. But the more energy is stored in a confined space, the greater the safety requirements. So precautions are essential in case a damaged cell overheats. Experts call the phenomenon
- June 09, 2021
The environmental demands placed on the hydraulic systems in large, heavy equipment can be extreme. Pressure, abrasive fluids, extreme temperatures and dirt can all impact the reliability and performance of the seals used to protect their mechanics. Fortunately for manufacturers producing construction, agricultural and mining machinery – among other, heavy-duty industrial applications – Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ proprietary 94 AU30000 polyurethane provides an outstanding solution.
The success distributors have witnessed with 94 AU30000 seals is attributed to several key benefits. Sealing solutions made from the AU30000 material are not only resistant to water and synthetic hydraulic fluids but can handle major temperature and pressure fluctuations better than any other existing polyurethane on the market. They also offer very high extrusion resistance, allowing them to last longer under more challenging applications than other solutions
- May 18, 2021
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is introducing a new generation of electrically conductive seals. In addition to preventing bearing damage caused by electrically-induced corrosion, the seals also increase electromagnetic compatibility. With these products, the supplier is making an important contribution to high-performance electric drives.
Electric cars with drive systems that operate at 800 volts instead of the usual 400 can recharge in just 15 minutes and produce enough power to drive several hundred kilometers. The power semiconductors in the inverter ensure that the direct current stored in the battery is converted into the alternating current required by the electric motor while driving. These power electronics are often positioned directly above the electric motor and are also known as an electric engine injection systems.
- November 17, 2020
Valves for the process industry must meet particularly high demands in terms of hygienic design, industry-specific approvals and resistance to CIP/SIP media. This also applies to the seals. Gallagher Fluid Seals' partner, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, has developed a new series of high-performance seals for butterfly valves. This was done in cooperation with their French customer Definox.
- November 11, 2020
Understanding the Difference Between Gasket Types
As our friends at Dichtomatik like to say, "where there are pumps and valves, there are also gaskets." Gaskets are critical components in fluid conveyance systems. There is a wide variety of types and materials that they can be made from. Many of the most commonly-asked questions revolve around which gaskets are right for which situations for a variety of industries including but not exclusive to: food & beverage, oil & gas, construction, agriculture, energy & power generation, and chemical processing.
While far from an inclusive list, GFS wanted to quickly touch on some of the most common gasket types and materials often asked about.
- October 06, 2020
In the safety-driven natural gas industry, system leaks are a dangerous and costly issue. Residential gas meters and regulators, in particular, are at risk when crucial components such as diaphragms are not optimally designed and manufactured for the environment in which they will work.
An advanced polymer technology, trademarked by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ Metflex Precision Moulding organization, addresses these challenges with fiber-reinforced materials that improve the reliability, functionality and longevity of critical gas system components. Diaphragms made using Metflex Dispersed Fibre Technology (DFT)™ offer better sealing performance, longer flex life, improved low temperature resilience and enhanced design capabilities than standard diaphragms made from fabric coated polymers. To date, more than 40 million DFT diaphragms have been used in medium and low-pressure application, primarily in North America but also in other regions of the world.
Safety concerns and costs associated with gas leaks and equipment failures
- August 19, 2020
Strict hygiene regulations in the food industry present major challenges for sealing technology. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is enhancing its proven portfolio of hygienic sealing solutions with two products that are also designed for high-pressure applications. This was made possible thanks to special design solutions and the premium elastomer and PTFE materials developed in-house.
Food processing demands strict hygiene and cleanliness standards. It’s also important to ensure that no substances can migrate from the materials coming in contact with food, which could lead to contamination of the product. With its hygienic product line, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed sealing solutions that fulfill food industry standards and are also resistant to CIP/SIP media. The Hygienic Forseal and Hygienic Pressure Seal are the newest members of this innovative product family.
One of the basic requirements for sealing solutions in accordance with the hygienic design standards is a dead-space-free construction. It prevents the collection and settling of product residues and micro-organisms in undercuts, for example. The selection of applied materials and their resistance to hot water, steam, acids, alkalis and high pressures are also relevant. Observing the deformation at the relevant temperature plays a particularly important role in detecting distortions and the associated formation of dead spaces at an early stage in the product development.
- July 01, 2020
Valves are indispensable components in the hygienically sensitive systems used in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Until now, there were no high-pressure valves available for food-product contact applications that conformed to 3-A® standards. These global hygiene standards address the design and manufacturing of components that come into contact with food.
Bardiani Valvole approached Gallagher's partner, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, for help in developing a solution to tap into its material expertise. As a result of joint cooperation, Freudenberg engineers developed a main rod seal that was both 3-A® compliant and capable of handling high-pressure of up to 2175 psi (150 bar) that the customer’s valve required. The main rod seal incorporates proven Freudenberg technology with advanced component design in an entirely new combination that is also compatible with other industrial high-pressure valves.
Prototypes produced without any tools
The 3-A® compliant main rod seal combines a sealing lip, manufactured from EPDM 302 or Fluoroprene® XP 43, with a backup ring made of PTFE. Freudenberg’s product engineers were inspired by the design of a proven shaft seal and an O-ring with a backup ring. In order to meet development and cost deadlines, the team initially produced one-off prototypes to share with Bardiani Valvole using the unique capabilities of Freudenberg Xpress®, a fast turnaround, high-quality manufacturing service that can generate custom seals in as little as a day. It offers machined seals made of original materials and original profiles for prototypes, spare parts or economical small series.
By eliminating the need to set up manufacturing tooling to produce sample parts, this results in considerable cost and time advantages for the customer. Thanks to special turning and milling techniques, individual designs can be tuned to exact specifications. The tailor-made sealing solution for the new high-pressure valve could also be produced economically in an extremely short time. The Freudenberg Xpress® Service is represented at numerous Freudenberg sites worldwide, enabling rapid delivery of spare parts, for example.
The seal’s design is free of dead space and prevents residue infiltration from process and cleaning media. It is hygienic, easier to clean, and compliant with all relevant material specifications for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industry applications. Both materials used have very good thermal resistance and excellent mechanical properties. They also meet the demanding requirements for use in Cleaning in Place and Sterilization in Place (CIP/SIP) processes.
- June 03, 2020
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has launched series production of a modular sealing unit that combines a classic radial shaft seal with a plastic outer case. The design promotes better long-term seal performance and longevity, is easier to assemble, and significantly lowers manufacturing costs in comparison with traditional metal-encased radial shaft seal units. Freudenberg has developed the innovative sealing concept for use in general industry applications that are especially focused on small, electric household appliances.
Whether it’s to knead bread dough, mix a cake batter, puree soup ingredients or blend a smoothie, most people reach for an electric kitchen appliance to get the job done. The durability of the appliance depends largely on how well the seal at the outlet point of the drive shaft protects the interior from ingress of food residue or liquids. Seals made of high-quality elastomers or the polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) combine low wear with excellent long-term resistance against leakage. In the past, a metal case was the best option available to maintain the integrity of the seal’s performance over a long period of time. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has now succeeded in developing a modular sealing concept with a plastic case that meets the specific requirements for long-term performance as well as those made of metal. There are three major advantages to the new design: Significantly, in the price-sensitive, small appliance industry, the lower production costs associated with forming enclosures from plastic is an important consideration. In addition, Freudenberg's modular sealing unit concept accommodates the integration of additional components, such as shaft bearings. Finally, because small appliance housings are typically made from plastic, fastening the seal case to the appliance housing is easier to achieve.