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Choosing High Temperature Seals

Tag Archive: High Temp Material

  1. Choosing High Temperature Seals

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    High Temperature Seals

    Seals are an integral component for many industries including aerospace, marine, and automotive. In each of these industries, high temperature is often a key factor. Since high temperature dramatically impacts seal integrity, performance, and life, choosing the right material and design will directly impact whether the seal will endure and perform as required, or will break down and fail. As seals in high temperature applications are constantly pushed to their limits, several key factors must be considered.

     

    What are High Temperature Seals?

    High-temperature seals are specialized sealing solutions used to prevent leakage, contain pressure and avoid contamination. Standard high temperature seals are designed to withstand extreme heat conditions, typically ranging from 200°F to 450°F. These seals are commonly used in pumps, compressors, and agitators handling hot fluids, steam, or aggressive chemicals.

    APU Seal. RCF Technologies

    Selecting the Right High Temperature Seals

    High-temperature environments place extraordinary stress on seals, making the selection of the proper seal essential for both performance and lasting durability. Some of the key issues that must be addressed are thermal expansion, seal design and, of course, temperature range.

    High Temp engine seal made of orange rishon matrial by rcf technologies

     

    Why are Rishon® High Temperature Seals Different?

    Seals made by RCF Technologies are made utilizing Rishon® Material. Rishon, an extremely thermally stable material, is a composite comprised of our proprietary silicone and fiberglass. Rishon High Temperature seals function like other seals, but have a longer life, are more robust, and have an operating temperature range of -170°F to 850°F continuous, far exceeded the temperature range of other “high temperature” seals. Rishon seals can also take excursions down to cryogenic temperatures and all the way up to temperatures exceeding 1832°F (1000°C).

    High Temp Seal made of orange Rishon material by RCF Technologies

    Avoiding Compression Set

    Compression set occurs when a seal becomes permanently deformation after prolonged compression and heat exposure. High temperature seals are particularly susceptible to compression set for obvious reasons. Rishon seals have never taken a set in service, even at 850°F, which is why they offer a longer life than standard seals. Standard seals require 18 – 20% squeeze to energize. Rishon seals energize at approximately 6% squeeze, therefore, there is never enough compression to cause these seals to take a set, resulting in longer life and more reliable performance.

    High Temp Bulb Seal made of orange Rishon material by RCF Technologies

    RCF Technologies – The High Temperature Sealing Experts

    Extreme temperatures are tough on seals, but RCF has solutions. With 50 years of experience, our knowledge of both rubber and fabric allows RCF engineers to design parts utilizing the unique properties of Rishon Material resulting in creative solutions not achievable with other elastomeric materials.

    For more information about RCF High Temperature Seals, visit www.rcftechnologies.com.

  2. Solving the Two Most Common Problems with High Temperature Gaskets

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    Gaskets play a crucial role in maintaining a secure seal between connected parts or surfaces, preventing fluid leaks and energy transfer. However, when it comes to high temperature applications, gaskets face two primary challenges: compression set due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and extrusion or blow out caused by high pressure. Below, we will explore these two common problems and introduce innovative solutions provided by RCF Technologies to overcome these challenges.

    Problem 1 – Compression Set

    Exposure to high temperature over an extended period can cause gaskets to experience compression set, where the material loses its ability to bounce back to its original shape, leading to leakage. Different gasket materials have varying temperature limits. While metallic and composite seals can withstand temperatures above 1000°F (537°C), elastomeric or rubber gaskets have a lower operating temperature of around 350°F (177°C). However, there is a solution that surpasses these limitations.

     

    Rishon® Material for High Temperature Stability

    RCF Technologies offers a revolutionary material called Rishon®, which is a combination of RCF’s proprietary silicone and fiberglass. This unique composite allows Rishon® to withstand temperatures from -170°F to +850°F (-112.2°C to +454.4°C) continuously. Not only does Rishon® excel in high-temperature applications, but it is also an FAA-approved fire barrier in thicknesses as low as .027″. By incorporating Rishon® gaskets, you can avoid compression set and ensure a reliable seal even in extreme temperature environments.

     

    Problem 2 – Extrusion or Blow Out

    Extrusion or blow out from high pressure presents another challenge for gaskets. This occurs when the pressure forces the gasket material to deform or dislodge, resulting in leaks and potential system failure. Overcoming this problem requires an innovative approach.

     

    Solution: Rishon® Shim Gaskets for High-Pressure Applications

    RCF Technologies has developed a solution to combat extrusion and blow out using Rishon® material together with unique design innovations. By utilizing a 1–10 mm shim faced with a single ply of Rishon® on either side, the gasket gains the strength of a metal gasket while retaining the excellent sealing properties of rubber. This unique design ensures that no extrusion or blow out occurs, even in applications with narrow gaps, high pressures, or multiple bolt holes. With Rishon® shim gaskets, you can achieve a secure and reliable seal under extreme pressure conditions.

    Paulie Rose holding orange custom gasket made of Rishon material made by RCF Technologies

    Click here to watch video!

     

    Additional Custom Gasket Solutions by RCF Technologies

    In addition to addressing the two most common problems with high-temperature gaskets, RCF Technologies offers a range of custom gasket solutions tailored to specific applications. One notable example is the single-fastener gasket used for plumbing firewalls. This gasket features an overlapped split design, providing a completely fireproof seal while allowing easy access to wire bundles or tubes. This innovative solution minimizes weight, reduces installation and removal labor, and ensures utmost safety.

    Paulie Rose holding orange custom fireproof gasket made of Rishon material by RCF Technologies

    Click here to watch video!

     

    RCF Technologies: Your Partner in Custom Gasket Solutions

    When it comes to high-temperature gaskets, RCF Technologies is a leading provider of customized solutions. RCF offers gaskets in any thickness and configuration, with the option to bond them to metal plates or other materials, make them fireproof, or design them to be easily removable. Whether your application involves anti-icing, engine seals, thrust reversers, or plumbing firewalls, RCF Technologies can deliver tailored gasket solutions to meet your specific needs.

     

    In Conclusion

    High-temperature applications present unique challenges for gaskets, including compression set and extrusion or blow out. However, by leveraging the advanced Rishon® material and innovative designs offered by RCF Technologies, these problems can be effectively overcome. With Rishon® custom gaskets, you can ensure a reliable seal even in extreme temperature and pressure environments. For custom gasket solutions that address your specific requirements, RCF Technologies is your trusted partner. Contact RCF today to discover how their expertise can benefit your applications.