Basic Questions To Ask When Deciding On Using Aluminum Seals For Your Factory's Machinery
If you are giving your factory's machinery an overhaul, you may decide to change out the seals in some of your heavy equipment, such as your crush washers or compressors. If you are considering using aluminum seals, check out these basic questions and answers about their properties to help you decide if they are the best choice for your needs.
Are The Seals Able To Withstand Changes In Temperature?
Aluminum seals are able to withstand temperatures ranging from -58 degrees to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows them to tolerate fluctuations in temperature, as well as extreme temperatures for a longer period of time.
Although the seals themselves can withstand hot or cold temperatures, you must also consider what is surrounding them. For example, if the seals are enveloped by a rubber seal, they can only be exposed to the temperatures specified by the rubber's specifications. If the rubber gets too cold or hot, it may become brittle or melt, negating the benefits of the aluminum seal.
Are They Safe To Use Around Chemicals?
If your factory uses caustic chemicals during production, you may be concerned about their effect on the aluminum seals. You may worry about corrosion that would cause the seals to fail, resulting in downtime because they have to be replaced or the machinery becomes damaged because of the failure.
Fortunately, aluminum seals are compatible with a number of chemical compounds often used in manufacturing plants. For example, their compatibility rating with acetate solvent is excellent, meaning they are highly resistant to the reactions that cause deterioration of the metal.
If your company uses hydraulic systems, the aluminum seals may be a good choice for your pumps and equipment. The seals are compatible with both pure and synthetic hydraulic oils. This means they can be exposed to the oils constantly during operations without fear of them rusting or corroding within a short time period.
If your factory uses gases during operations, such as hydrogen gas, aluminum seals can be used around the intake and output valves. The seals are compatible with hydrogen. Also, their pressure rating, as discussed in the next section, is strong enough to contain the gas, minimizing the chance of it leaking when used by your employees.
How Strong Are Aluminum Seals?
Aluminum seals have a yield strength of 40 ksi, meaning they are moderately strong. Standard seals are able to withstand 15 psi. However, you may be able to special order thicker seals that could withstand higher pressure.
The strength of aluminum seals comes from their construction. When the materials are selected for making them, single sheets are used. This negates the need for joints that occur when multiple pieces are welded together.
Anytime a seam exists, there is a break in the strength and continuity of the seal. Any type of stress can wear at the joint, increasing the chance it will break due to prolonged exposure. Because aluminum seals do not have a seam or joint, there are no stress points. This increases their strength and durability.
The strength of the seals makes them ideal for use in equipment that is in constant motion or vibrates during operation. For example, they can be used as seals inside the gear boxes that keep your assembly lines running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The above answers cover the basics of aluminum seals and how they can be beneficial for your plant. However, if you still have more questions, you may want to ask the representative from your industrial supplier. They can answer your concerns and give you more specific details about aluminum seals. Visit websites like http://www.phoenixspecialty.com/ for more information.
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