Liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems operate under some of the most extreme conditions in industrial engineering. At temperatures approaching -320°F, conventional sealing technologies quickly reach their limits.
Materials behave very differently at cryogenic temperatures. Elastomers lose elasticity, metals contract,
High-performance sealing solutions are rarely defined by geometry alone. In demanding environments with high pressure, extreme temperatures, aggressive media, or tight leakage requirements the success of a seal is determined just as much by how it is manufactured as by how it is designed. This is especially true for canned metal lip seals and spring-energized PTFE seals,
Cryogenic testing carries a certain authority. When a component survives exposure to extreme cold, it’s tempting to treat that result as definitive proof of performance in service. Passed the cryo test? Good to go.
In reality, cryogenic testing is far more nuanced. While it can provide critical insight into material behavior and system response at low temperatures,
“How much pressure can this seal handle?”
The answer to this question depends on a number of parameters and conditions. But the principle limiting factor in the pressure handling of any seal system is the extrusion gap.
Commonly referred to as the “E-Gap,” the extrusion gap is one of the most critical design aspects in any high-pressure application. Seal design, type, and material are all influenced by the extrusion gap and the desired pressure handling capability.
What exactly is an extrusion gap, and why is it so important in the successful design of a sealing system? Let’s find out.
In terms of sealing systems, the extrusion gap is defined as the clearance between the hardware components.
In a piston configuration, this would be the clearance between the piston and bore. In a rod configuration, this is the clearance between the rod and housing it’s passing through.
The extrusion gap can be expressed in terms of radial or diametral clearance, which can lead to some confusion. Our partners at Eclipse define the E-Gap by stating it as the radial clearance. The radial clearance is equal to the diametral clearance divided by two.
It’s important to note that while hardware components might be machined to have a specified clearance, this gap might not be perfectly realized or maintained.
At LNG export and import terminals, swivel arms are among the most relied-on pieces of equipment during loading and unloading. When they operate as intended, they enable smooth movement, controlled flow, and safe transfer of product. When they don’t, downtime adds up fast.
Yet even with stringent maintenance schedules and skilled repair teams, swivel
In demanding industrial environments, selecting the right seal design can determine whether equipment operates efficiently or fails prematurely. Among the many sealing options available, cased lip seals and spring-energized seals are two high-performance designs frequently used in rotating,
One of the most common questions in sealing technology is: How much pressure can a particular seal handle? The answer depends on several factors, but the principal limiting factor in any seal system’s pressure capacity is the extrusion gap, often referred to as the “E-Gap.”
This
Rod Seals are the most important seal within any hydraulic sealing system. Rod Seals prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid to the outside. Additionally, Rod Seals help contribute, in combination with a Wiper Seal, to preventing contamination of the environment. GFS Rod Seal profiles are available as single acting (pressure from one side) or double acting (pressure from both sides).
This blog article will discuss the different profile, their recommended applications, and operating
At Gallagher Fluid Seals, we’ve built our reputation over the past 70 years by engineering high-performance sealing solutions that meet the evolving demands of today’s industrial markets. From servicing top-tier OEMs and MROs to supporting distributors across the U.S. and Europe, our mission has remained constant: deliver quality seals, on time, and at a competitive price.
Spring-energized metal seals provide numerous advantages in oil and gas applications, including but not limited to MWD and LWD tools, couplings, subsea compressors, enclosures/vessels, christmas trees, electronic submersible pumps and flowmeters. Extreme operating pressures and temperatures, together with more difficult resource recovery, zero tolerance for failure and environmental concerns, are placing unprecedented demands on this equipment.
