The Low Tolerance Spec

Today I would like to address a simple way to begin the process of picking out the correct gasket or seal material.  I like to use the acronym TEMP as the first step in choosing the correct material for an application.  

Why is someone who is out of Atlanta GA writing a blog about Crown Bumpers that are used on drilling rigs?  The answer is two fold...  One, I spent a few years living in Mississippi and learned to appreciate the oil & gas market.  I spent quite a bit of time traveling the great states of Louisiana and Texas and had the great pleasure of meeting folks who worked in the energy, oil and gas market.  I made friends with folks who would spend weeks away from their families working on rigs.  Big sacrifices are made on the parts of folks who work in this industry.  Two, we are a Parker distributor and I'm always interested and excited when Parker or any of our supplier has new product offerings.  This brings me to the topic of today's blog; Parker's Crown Bumper System.

Leaks can occur anywhere on a system where mating surfaces exist. This concept is commonly associated with large mating surfaces where possible pressure leakages can cause system failure.

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber created by polymerization of chloroprene. Because of its polychloroprene factor, neoprene can resist extreme temperatures. Neoprene shows good chemical stability, high tensile strength, resilience to oil, flame resistance, and has the ability to maintain elasticity over a wide temperature range.

Neoprene and polyethylene are part of the same synthetic family and share similar properties. Polyethylene is a product of the polymerization of ethane, and was first used during 1898 in Germany.

As we know gaskets are seen as the most important element in sealing systems compared to flange and bolting components. All these are very important components when sealing any system from environmental influence.

Gasket manufactures have evolved over the years to provide new and improved innovations for all sorts of gaskets and seals. Die cutting gaskets is ultimately the simplest and most cost effective process manufactures offer. Through the years this method has evolved to incorporate low watt lasers to cut gaskets into intricate shapes and designs. This article will go in-depth into how these processes work.

PTFE is a fluorocarbon solid consisting of carbon and fluorine. PTFE has water repellent qualities, as well as low coefficient of friction against solids. It is best known by its brand name Teflon®. It is commonly used in non-stick coating for pans and other cookware. Its non-reactive, and often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals. PTFE is a thermoplastic with a high melting point compared to other plastics and rubbers. It has great dielectric properties making it suitable for insulation in cables and connector assemblies.

The surfaces in contact with a seal determine what type to use. The surface can either be static or dynamic, in motion or without movement. Static seals are usually used when there is no relative motion between mating surfaces. Dynamic seals are the opposite. They are used when there is motion between surfaces. This can be either reciprocating or oscillating motions.

All metals exhibit certain properties unique to themselves. Metals used in seals and gaskets must meet certain application criteria in order to function as designed. This article will go in-depth of common concerns of metallic properties and how they react under compression or pressure.