A metal seal is used when the application conditions are outside the specification limits of a polymer; extreme heat, extreme cold, extreme pressure, or a vacuum. With significant resilience coupled with the right material selection/coating for an application, a metal seal can be a very durable seal performing dependably year after year.
O-FLEX™ METAL SEAL O-RINGS
O-FLEX™ metal O-rings are designed to provide a sealing option for high-pressure/high-temperature applications that require minimal spring back. The O-FLEX™ metal O-ring is made from high strength metal tubing that is coiled, cut and welded to size. It is available in standard cross-section increments of 1/32”. The O-FLEX™ metal O-ring seating load can be adjusted to the application by varying the cross-section and tubing wall thickness.
- The Pressure Filled O-FLEX™ is designed for Performance Engine applications that require sealing at elevated pressure and temperature in a high cycling environment. The O-FLEX™ is filled with an inert gas that increases in pressure proportional to increases in system temperature. This results in an energizing effect that partially offsets the loss of material strength in service.
- MS O-FLEX™: O-FLEX™ Seals for Military Standards. O-FLEX™ Metal O-Rings are designed to provide a sealing option for high pressure/temperature applications that require minimal spring back. The O-FLEX™ is made from high strength metal tubing that is coiled, cut and welded to size. It is available in standard cross-section increments of 1/32”. The O-FLEX™ seating load can be adjusted to the application by varying the cross-section and tubing wall thickness. Typical applications include Performance Engines, Plastic Extrusion/Molding, Military Specifications, Aerospace and Chemical Processing.
O-Flex™ Types:
- The basic O-FLEX™ is designed for low to moderate pressure applications as high pressure may collapse the exposed tubing wall.
- The Self-Energizing O-FLEX™ is designed for high-pressure applications. Small holes are drilled in the tubing wall exposed to the system pressure. These holes create an energizing effect by allowing the pressure to enter the O-FLEX™. As a result, the pressure inside the seal increases with the system pressure and minimizes the possibility of collapsing the exposed tubing wall.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Custom shapes and sizes available
- Cross-section and wall thickness designed to control loading
- Available for internal and external pressure
- Styles: regular and vented/pressure balanced
- Range of materials (SS 321, Alloy 600, X750, 718) – others available
- Platings and coatings: silver, gold, nickel, PTFE (others available)
- Low Temperatures from -273°C t and Elevated extended use up to 1800°F. Short bursts of temperature up to 1,200°C (2,200°F)
- Pressure: from high vacuum to 500+ bar (7,252+ PSI)
- Leak range: approximately ≤ 1 x 10-4 std.cc/sec Air to ≤ 1 x 10-9 std.cc/sec He. The actual leak rate will depend on seal load, surface finish, and surface treatment.
- MS O-FLEXTM:
- already developed for off-the-shelf specified joint hardware
- Available for internal and external pressure
- Styles: regular and vented/pressure balanced
- Range of materials (SS 321, Alloy 600, X750, 718) – others available
- Platings and coatings: silver, gold, nickel, PTFE (others available)
- Temperature, pressure, leak rate: same as O-FLEX standard
- Nuclear Pressure Vessel seals:
- Available for internal and external pressure
- Styles: regular and vented/pressure balanced
- Range of materials (SS 321, Alloy 600, X750, 718) – others available
- Platings and coatings: silver, gold, nickel, PTFE (others available)
- Temperature range from -272° up to 800°C
- Pressure range from 10-10 mbar up to 3000 bar
- Leak range: Sealing level from bubble tightness down to approximately ≤ 1 x 10-4 std.cc/sec Air to ≤ 1 x 10-9 std.cc/sec He.
PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
- Nuclear: reactor pressure vessels, control rods, spent fuel casks
- Plastics/film: extrusion, spinnerets, fitters, hot runners
- Industrial: compressors, waste heat
- Automotive: head/cylinder sealing
- Defense/military: MS O-rings
Technetics Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) Closure Head Seals. In addition, Technetics Group sealing technology is used extensively as primary seals on spent fuel storage and transportation casks. The original article can be found on Technetic's website here.
Gallagher Fluid Seals is a distributor of metal seals from Technetics Group. For more information about metal seals or to see if they ight be a good fit for your application, contact us today.