Posted to News on 23rd Sep 2013, 00:00
Using low cost seals can be a false economy
Production processes utilising hazardous chemicals such as acids and amines, very often at elevated temperatures of 150°C or more, occur in a wide range of manufacturing industries including oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and semiconductor. The combination of corrosive fluids and high temperatures can be particularly destructive for any sealing elements used in valves, pumps and other equipment forming part of a production process and associated pipework.
>Interruptions to production processes through leaks and breakdowns resulting from seal failures can prove to be very costly, as well as having potential ramifications of causing environmental damage and jeopardising workforce safety.
>The DuPont Kalrez Spectrum 6380 perfluoroelastomer sealing parts are a non-black product specifically developed for chemical processes involving hot, aggressive amines. In addition, this product has an excellent overall chemical resistance and mechanical properties making it suitable for applications involving both static and dynamic sealing requirements. This cream coloured product is a prime choice for sealing operations with harsh aggressive chemicals, and it can withstand a maximum continuous service temperature of 225°C, with short-term excursions to higher temperatures also being permissible.
>O-ring seals in this material are available from stock in a wide range of both British Standard Imperial and metric sizes from the UK authorised distributor Dichtomatik. These Kalrez products are unique to DuPont and are only available through recognised and authorised distributors. This ensures that the raw material and all the production and manufacturing processes involved are controlled by DuPont within their own facilities, giving them an extensive bank of knowledge and expertise of the chemistry and raw materials required to maintain product performance for a wide range of difficult and problematic sealing applications.
>It is the combination of chemical and thermal resistance that sets the Kalrez product apart from other elastomers, with the combination of ingredients also forming a unique chemical structure which ensures the chemical bond is virtually unbreakable. Where valves, pumps or other in-line products are being supplied by OEMs for difficult process applications, it is recommended that appropriate DuPont Kalrez Spectrum 6380 O-ring seals are specified as original fitments to provide the maximum service reliability, performance, longevity and operating safety required.
