Only a few high-heat resistant sealing materials are suitable for machinery that operate with extreme temperatures. Sealing products that are used conventionally cannot bear the high-heat environments. They lose their mass and degrade the overall performance of the system resulting in leakage and poor performance. All of this brings the system to a close and increases the downtime.
Various components of machines are also merged together with the help of seals. The right sealing material blocks leakages and holds the system intact, giving the device the ability to function faultlessly. Sealing technology has been advancing and all the improvements have made the challenges faced in high-heat sealing solvable.
The most common issue with high-heat sealing is to look for the best suitable sealing material and procure it. As seals are majorly used across multiple industries, the demand is higher, but there are only a few high-heat resistant sealing materials that can combat extreme temperatures.
The most suitable material that will comply with all needs of a high-heat application holds the top-most priority.
High-Heat Seals and Challenges
Creating seals that can be used in devices that maintain room temperature seems easier. Seals for high-heat systems are harder to make. Rubber seals do not have the strength to withstand high temperatures. They eventually reduce and degrade affecting the entire system.
Materials containing resistance power against heat, on the other hand. work perfectly well. Steam turbines or even gas turbines are systems that heat up tremendously. Exhaust systems used in various industries also raise the temperature up to about 400℉. Usage of chemicals and strong fluids also add to the heat. Mica and graphite are the traditionally used materials for low-temperature systems, but they do not win against extreme heat. In the long run, strong polymers are the ones that get the job done.
Sealing Materials for Extreme Temperatures
Choosing the best suitable product for your sealing is crucial, which is why it’s important to possess significant knowledge on sealing materials and all of their traits.
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene, a polymer that can be extremely trustworthy in extreme temperature situations. This polymer has the strength to resist temperatures above 500⁰F. No harsh chemicals can manipulate PTFE to change its shape.
PEEK
Polyetheretherketone, a thermoplastic, possesses the same properties as PTFE. High resistance, unharmed body mass, and high levels of efficient performance.
FKM (Viton)
Fluorocarbon comes under fluoroelastomers and contains beneficial mechanical properties that help it to retain its original form, bear the heat of high levels and stay unaffected.
Viton displays good defiance against oils and fluids. Aircraft and automobile manufacturers prefer using Viton as it is the best-suited material for heavy machinery.
Fluorosilicone
The amalgamation of fluorocarbon and silicone results in Fluorosilicone. This gives Fluorosilicone the best of both worlds as it carries the benefits of both silicone and fluorocarbon. The advantages include high-combat abilities against liquids and stability during high temperatures of above 400⁰F.
Silicone
Silicone shows similarities to rubber. Just like Viton, silicone is also widely used for aircraft and automobile manufacturing. Another beneficial property of silicone involves it providing insulation and being UV resistant.
Choosing the Right Material Is Crucial
High-heat sealing challenges can worsen with the wrong choice of material. Combating materials and their properties prove to bring about all the needed solutions. Researching and consulting an expert for the right material selection is always recommended, as only the best-suited sealing material can get the job done smoothly when it comes to high-heat applications.
