How do you select technical seals? Article in the bi-monthly magazine “Główny Mechanik”

We had the pleasure and opportunity to co-author an article in issue 2/2022 of the bimonthly magazine “Główny Mechanik” – a free publication focused on maintenance and industrial production. This magazine is dedicated to professionals employed in manufacturing companies or involved in industrial production. The first issue was published at the beginning of 2015, and it continues to provide valuable knowledge on industrial maintenance to this day.

Article Topic

The topic of the article is the selection of technical seals. The article begins with the premise that a technical seal is an essential component without which a device, machine, or structure cannot operate. It is often underestimated, but the correct selection of a seal can significantly enhance operational efficiency and safety.

The article is divided into several sections, which we summarize below.

Section I: What Aspects Should Be Considered When Selecting a Seal?

According to the article, the most important factors influencing the choice of a seal include:

– type of system, device, and connections that require sealing;

– mechanical load level;

– temperature;

– pressure;

– flow speed;

– type of medium.

These parameters determine which type of seal will be most suitable. It is not an easy task — unfortunately, incorrect seal selection can lead to premature wear, inadequate sealing, or even failure, resulting in production downtime.

Therefore, our company, KKM Polska, also offers technical consulting services to assist clients in selecting the appropriate technical seals: https://uszczelnieniatechniczne.pl/doradztwo-techniczne/.

Section II: Types of Seals

This part of the article explains how technical seals are classified. One method involves categorizing seals based on their construction as either single-component or multi-component. Another classification is based on shape, distinguishing flat gaskets, round seals, and packings.

When dividing seals by application, they can be categorized as static seals, rotary seals, or reciprocating seals.

This is just a brief overview of the content presented in this section. For a deeper understanding, we encourage you to read the full article, linked at the end of this post.

Section III: Materials

This part of the article explores the importance of selecting the right material for the seal. The most commonly used materials for gasket production include:

– rubber, e.g., NBR, EPDM, SBR, Viton (FKM/FPM), silicone (VMQ), Kalrez (FFKM);

– plastics, including thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and thermoplastic elastomers;

– polyurethane (PU);

– metals such as copper, lead, aluminum, nickel, titanium, steel;

– fabrics,

– graphite.

In the latter part of Section III, you can learn more about seals made from combinations of materials, pricing levels, and the temperature ranges of selected seals.

We encourage you to read the full article on the “Główny Mechanik” website at:

https://glowny-mechanik.pl/2022/06/23/jak-dobierac-uszczelnienia/