To perform unfailingly in industrial environments consist of high-pressure, high temperature, harsh chemicals, and radiation, durable and firm seals are required. Elastomeric and polymer seals are not preferred as they fail to provide superior performance in such aggressive industrial environments. So, which is the most cost-effective and reliable solution available to obtain the highest level of sealing in demanding industrial applications? Read on to know more.
Metal Seals – Dependable Sealing Solution for Safety-Critical and Extreme Applications
Metal seals provide high integrity metal to metal sealing as they meet the challenges of temperatures, cryogenics, corrosive chemicals, and intense radiation. High resistance to wear and tear resistance make them a preferred choice for challenging industrial applications than elastomeric and polymer seals.
They offer superior performance in aggressive industrial set ups due to:
- Production using Robust Raw Materials: Considering the aggressive nature of the application areas, metal seals are manufactured using quality materials that can withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions. Some of the finest range of metals used in the manufacturing includes, stainless steel and high strength nickel alloys. Several grades of stainless steel such as 304, 316, 321, and 347 are generally used in the seal production process. The selection of the appropriate stainless steel grade is based on the application area, manufacturing process, and customer preferences. Also, in order to augment sealing properties such as higher load and spring-back values, metal seals are hardened, or annealed. This superior construction ensures the metal seals’ reliability, functionality, and operational excellence when used in harsh industrial set ups.
- Fine Finished for Added Protection : In order to modify surface properties and to withstand aggressive environments, metal seals are provided with superior coatings. Some of the commonly used coatings that can withstand high temperatures, oxidation, and chemicals include:
- Silver
- Gold
- Copper
- Nickel
- Indium
- Lead
- Tin
- Teflon
- Oil and petrochemical
- Reactors/ Nuclear Power Plants
- Aerospace
- Chemical
- Automotive
- Space Exploration
- Military
- General Industrial
Along with enhancing the physical properties, these specialized paintings and coatings help to create a malleable outer surface layer.
Meeting the Toughest Challenges
Metal seals are manufactured to high levels of quality to meet challenges in the industrial environments. They are extensively used in critical applications in the following markets:
The reliability of the sealing system is crucial especially for use in safety-critical applications. That is why metal seals are largely preferred for applications in stringent conditions.
