6 specific examples of aggressive media that spring energized seals can withstand
Posted by handaspring
Spring energized seals are designed to withstand aggressive media across a variety of applications, showcasing their versatility and reliability in challenging environments.
Here are some specific examples of aggressive media that these seals can effectively handle:
Corrosive Chemicals: Spring energized seals are capable of withstanding exposure to highly corrosive chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. The use of materials like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) ensures excellent chemical resistance, making these seals ideal for chemical processing equipment.
Oil & Gas Industry
High-Pressure Environments: In both upstream and downstream operations, spring energized seals are utilized to withstand extreme pressures encountered during drilling, extraction, and processing activities. Their ability to maintain sealing integrity under high pressures prevents leaks and ensures operational safety.
Corrosive Gases and Liquids: These seals can resist corrosive gases and liquids common in oil and gas exploration and production, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which can cause corrosion in metal components.
Aerospace Applications
Extreme Temperatures: Spring energized seals are engineered to operate under extreme temperatures, ranging from cryogenic conditions to high heat, encountered in aerospace applications. Materials like PTFE and composite materials filled with glass or carbon fibers enable these seals to maintain performance in such environments.
Energy Sector
Aggressive Fluids: In energy production facilities, they are exposed to aggressive fluids, including steam, hot water, and various chemicals used in power generation processes. Their construction from materials like stainless steel and Elgiloy springs ensures durability against these aggressive fluids.
Medical Devices
Sterilization Processes: Seal springs used in medical devices must withstand repeated sterilization processes, including autoclaving and exposure to harsh cleaning agents. The choice of materials, such as PTFE and advanced polymers like PEEK, ensures compatibility with these processes.
Automotive Industry
Lubricants and Fuels: In automotive applications, they come into contact with lubricants, fuels, and coolants, which can be aggressive towards many sealing materials. The seals’ design and material selection allow them to resist degradation from these media.
These examples illustrate the robustness and versatility of spring energized seals in handling aggressive media across various industries. By leveraging high-performance polymers and metals, these seals provide reliable sealing solutions even in the most demanding conditions, contributing to operational efficiency, safety, and environmental protection.
