The chemical industry is one of the most important industrial sectors in the world and a sector with the highest demands in terms of safety, efficiency and durability. Its products are of great importance for numerous processing industries, which is why the reliability of seals in chemical processes takes centre stage.
They prevent contaminants from entering the process and toxic or hazardous substances from escaping into the environment. Leak-free operation is essential, especially with sensitive and hazardous media that are not only harmful to health but also costly. Seals must also be able to withstand extreme operating conditions: from aggressive chemicals and corrosive media to high pressures and extreme temperature ranges from +320 °C to -30 °C.
Another critical aspect is the global and rapid availability of sealing solutions. Plant downtimes cause high costs, so a fast supply of spare parts is crucial to minimise production interruptions.
BLÄSSINGER meets these challenges with a portfolio of high-quality sealing solutions. Our range includes products made from robust, chemically resistant materials, including thermoplastics and elastomeric materials of the highest quality. These seals are developed for use under extreme conditions and offer maximum process reliability, durability and efficiency.
Thanks to our close cooperation with Freudenberg Sealing Technologies as a preferred partner as well as with other renowned suppliers and our deep understanding of the requirements of the chemical industry, we not only supply products but also solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of our customers. In this way, we actively contribute to optimising your operating processes and increasing plant availability.
FFKM O-rings (perfluorinated rubber) are also known as perfluorinated elastomers. FFKM materials are designed for thermal stability and almost universal protection against chemical substances and offer first-class sealing performance.
Special material compounds have been developed to provide outstanding performance for the various demands of the chemical industry. These include, in particular, low temperature materials (-30°C) and high temperature materials (+320°C) and are all-rounder materials with high media resistance. They can be used in both static and dynamic sealing systems.
Product advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance: FFKM O-rings withstand many chemicals, including aggressive acids, alkalis, solvents and organic compounds and are suitable for use in extremely corrosive environments.
- High temperature resistance: Application range from +320°C to -30 °C (depending on the specific compound). This means that the seals remain stable at extreme temperatures, making them ideal for processes with high thermal loads.
- Low gas permeability: Minimal gas permeation, which is important for vacuum and pressure-sensitive applications. Particularly suitable for handling reactive or toxic gases.
- Excellent sealing ability: Excellent elasticity and resilience at high temperatures and chemical exposure. Prevents leaks even in demanding environments.
- Durability and resistance: High ageing resistance even with prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals and temperatures.
Can be used in demanding environments: Use in static and dynamic sealing systems and compliant with cleanliness and safety requirements.
Areas of application
- Process systems (reactors, columns, agitators, pumps and valves)
- Heat transfer systems
- Piping systems
- Systems for gases and pressurised applications
- In extreme processes such as high-pressure systems, vacuum applications and reactors
Added value for your processes
- Greater process reliability
- Reduced operating costs
- Increased productivity
- Flexibility and versatility
- Improved process stability
- Sustainability and long-term planning
Download Whitepaper from Freudenberg https://www.fst.com/de/werkstoffe/ffkm-anwendungen/#Whitepaper
The FEP (fluoroethylene propylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) coated O-rings combine the elasticity of a classic O-ring with the exceptional chemical resistance of a fluoropolymer coating. They consist of an elastic core made of FKM (fluororubber) or VMQ (vinyl-methyl-silicone rubber), which ensures a uniform preload at the sealing point and thus guarantees reliable, full-surface contact pressure. The seamless closed casing protects the O-ring from aggressive chemicals and extreme temperatures, significantly increasing its service life and reliability. This special variant is ideal for applications where conventional O-rings reach their limits and there is a risk of leakage - especially with aggressive media or under extreme thermal loads.
Product advantages
- Chemical resistance: FEP and PFA are resistant to most chemicals. With excellent protection against strong acids, bases, organic solvents, halogens and oxidising agents. Suitable for use in corrosive and aggressive media
- Temperature resistance: FEP: Operating temperature range from approx. +205 °C to -60 °C. PFA: Operating temperature range from approx. +260 °C to -60 °C.
- High mechanical flexibility: The core (e.g. made of silicone or FKM) ensures elasticity and resilience, while the FEP or PFA sheathing provides protection.
- Low friction and non-stick properties: The smooth, non-stick surface of FEP and PFA reduces friction. Enables easy installation and prevents sticking to sealing surfaces.
- Sealing performance: The sheathing prevents chemicals or gases from penetrating the core, which extends the service life.
- Abrasion resistance and wear protection: High resistance to mechanical abrasion and stress. Suitable for applications with dynamic movements or vibrations.
- Resistance to permeation: Very low gas permeability, minimising contamination or gas leakage. Protection of the core against chemical diffusion.
- Purity and suitability for sensitive applications: PFA in particular fulfils higher purity requirements and is ideal for high-purity applications, e.g. in the semiconductor industry.
Stuffing box packings are dynamic seals that have been specially developed for applications where the highest demands are placed on pressure resistance, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. They have proved particularly successful in pumps with moderately rotating shafts, as they are firmly pressed into the installation space and ensure a reliable seal even under changing temperatures and pressure conditions.
In the chemical industry, stuffing box packings are versatile and impress with their excellent resistance to concentrated acids, alkalis, solvents and extremely high temperatures. Their robustness and reliability make them the ideal choice for numerous critical processes.
Product advantages
- Pressure resistance: Suitable for applications with high pressures. Guarantees reliable sealing in demanding process conditions.
- Abrasion and wear resistance: High resistance to mechanical stress, e.g. from rotating or oscillating movements of shafts. Durable even with intensive use.
- Dynamic sealing properties: Adaptability to changing operating conditions such as pressure and temperature changes. Continuous sealing even with moderately rotating shafts or pump applications.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Available in various materials and designs (e.g. PTFE, graphite, aramid), depending on the application and process requirements. Adaptable to different installation spaces and areas of use. Easy insertion and readjustment in the installation space. Enables reliable and simple maintenance
- Versatility in application: Use in pumps, mixers, reactors and other rotating or oscillating devices. Particularly suitable for demanding processes in the chemical industry with aggressive and changing media
Flat seals are used wherever different system elements of a process system are securely connected to each other - for example in pipework, fittings or pumps. They ensure a reliable seal by being placed between two flanges that are firmly connected to each other with screws.
The choice of the right sealing material plays a decisive role in the chemical industry in particular. As the transported media are often highly aggressive, the gasket must not only be temperature-resistant, but also particularly resistant to solvents and chemicals. They are used wherever aggressive media, high temperatures and pressures need to be reliably sealed.
Product advantages
- Chemical resistance: Resistant to aggressive chemicals, acids, alkalis and solvents. Virtually inert to many corrosive media.
- Temperature and pressure stability: Suitable for extreme temperatures from deep minus degrees to high plus degrees. Resistant to high pressures in pipework systems and installations
- Mechanical adaptability: High elasticity and adaptation to unevenness for optimum sealing. Prevents leaks due to uniform surface pressure
- Resistance to ageing and weathering: Long service life due to low material fatigue. Resistant to UV radiation, ozone and oxidation.
- Versatility and wide range of applications: Can be used in pipework, reactors, pumps, heat exchangers and storage tanks. Available in various materials (PTFE, graphite, elastomers, metal-reinforced variants) for specific applications.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) shaft seals are designed for sealing media on rotating shafts. The seal design is characterised by a low frictional torque, good dry-running properties and simple installation. This results in particularly high functional safety and reliable sealing. Thanks to their high variability in terms of design, dimensions and material, they can be used in many applications. Circumferential speed, temperature, pressure and external dirt accumulation all play a role here. A large selection of PTFE compounds fulfils the requirements for wear resistance, friction coefficient or thermal conductivity. The excellent chemical and thermal resistance of PTFE makes shaft seals a reliable sealing solution for the chemical industry.
Product advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance: PTFE is resistant to most chemicals, including concentrated acids, alkalis and solvents. High resistance to aggressive media and extremely corrosive substances
- Wide temperature resistance: Suitable for applications at extreme temperatures from +260 °C to -200 °C.
- Low friction and high wear protection: This reduces wear on both the sealing material and the shaft. This property extends the service life of machines and reduces maintenance costs
- High sealing performance: PTFE shaft seals offer excellent sealing performance under high pressure and vacuum conditions. Effective sealing even under changing operating conditions and dynamic movements.
- Durability and reliability: Robust design and high resistance to ageing, UV radiation and oxidation. Low susceptibility to material fatigue and long-term stability even under demanding conditions.
- Compatibility with various applications: Suitable for rotating shafts in pumps, compressors, agitators and other machines.
PTFE grooved seals are seals that can be pressurised on one side and are highly resistant to chemicals. They are mainly used in valve construction in the general chemical and petrochemical industries. The lip seals consist of a PTFE sealing element and a spring, which is responsible for sealing rotating and translational movements. The metal spring ensures that the sealing lips retain their preload, even when the PTFE expands due to heat, and thus guarantees the permanently elastic properties.
Further advantages of lip seals are their suitability for high pressures, vacuum applications and their optimisation for static and moving applications (lifting, rotating and swivelling movements). They offer good dry and emergency running properties as well as high resistance to ageing. Standard material variants include modified PTFE, PTFE with glass fibre, carbon fibre, carbon and glass.
Product advantages
- Universal chemical resistance: Resistant to aggressive chemicals, acids, alkalis and solvents. They are ideal for handling highly reactive or corrosive substances.
- High pressure resistance: By selecting different spring types, the contact pressure can be optimally adapted to the respective requirements.
- Reliability in dynamic and static applications: They offer reliable sealing performance under changing operating conditions such as vibrations, temperature changes or shocks, e.g. in pumps, agitators and fittings.
- Excellent dry and emergency running properties: Even if there is temporarily no lubrication or extreme operating conditions prevail. This protects the sealing surfaces from damage and ensures the functionality of the system.
- High ageing resistance: Particularly resistant to ageing, UV radiation and oxidation, which extends the service life of the seals and reduces maintenance costs.
- Versatility at application temperatures: They offer high resistance at extremely low and high temperatures.
- Compact design: The low installation height of the lip seals allows them to be used in systems with limited installation space, such as those often found in the chemical process industry, without compromising the performance of the seal.
The chemical industry is characterised by a large number of processes in which corrosive, toxic and explosive media are pumped, agitated and transported, making mechanical seals the answer to the critical application problems in this sector. Pumps and agitators equipped with mechanical seals to seal the shafts are used extensively in all process steps. The need to prevent the leakage of corrosive or flammable products that could enter the atmosphere is critical to maintaining a safe working environment and regulatory compliance. Mechanical seals are specifically designed to meet these challenges. They guarantee an excellent seal and prevent leaks.
Product advantages
- Resistance to aggressive chemicals: High-quality materials such as PTFE, carbon, graphite and ceramic protect against aggressive chemicals such as acids, alkalis and solvents.
- High temperature resistance: This makes them indispensable for applications in high-temperature processes such as reactors, furnaces and pressure vessels.
- High pressure resistance: Reliable sealing even at high pressures in pumps and reactors. They prevent leaks even under extreme pressure conditions.
- Low wear and long service life: Special materials are used, particularly in applications with abrasive media or high mechanical loads, to ensure long operation without seal failure.
- Good performance at high rotational speeds: Their ability to effectively seal dynamic movements without causing leakage increases the efficiency of systems where constant rotation is required.
- Low friction and energy efficiency: The low friction results in less heat generation and prevents overheating, extending the life of the seals and machines.
- Versatility and adaptability: Mechanical seals can be adapted to specific operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, medium and movement.
- Easy installation and replacement: which simplifies the maintenance and operation of equipment in the chemical industry.
