As a custom mechanical seal manufacturer, we know that the choice of metal alloy is a key factor that directly influences the strength, durability and performance of the seal.
Because each industry sector has specific needs, materials must be selected almost individually, to ensure optimum performance in demanding environments. So, how to know which type of mechanical seal is needed depending on your industry? Which materials should be chosen for a customised seal? And can customised mechanical seal solutions be designed to suit any industry?
What is a mechanical seal composed of?
To understand what type of seal each industry needs, we must first understand how a mechanical seal is composed and what are its main characteristics and uses depending on the industry:
A mechanical seal is composed of several critical parts, the most important of which are the sealing faces, both rotary and stationary. These faces are usually made of metal alloys specially designed to offer high hardness, wear resistance and compatibility with the fluid to be sealed.
The most common metal alloys used in sealing faces are stainless steels, tungsten carbide alloys and chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys. These alloys provide excellent corrosion and wear resistance, which is essential to maintain an effective seal throughout the life of the equipment.
But is any type of mechanical seal suitable for any industry? The answer is ‘No’, and the main reason is that certain applications require alloys with specific thermal properties to withstand high operating temperatures.
Manufacturers of custom mechanical seals for any industry
At Lidering we are dedicated to the manufacture of seals with different metal alloys, thus adapting to the working conditions of each application.
From our production centre strategically located in Tarragona (Spain), we are dedicated to the manufacture of custom mechanical seals and we work closely with our customers’ R&D departments and equipment manufacturers to develop customised solutions that optimise their industrial processes.
We have a wide catalog of mechanical seals. In addition to manufacturing standard mechanical seals, we also manufacture custom seals, adapting our production to each industry.
We manufacture customised mechanical seals for companies in all sectors:
Mechanical seals for the chemical industry
Mechanical seals for the petrochemical industry
Mechanical seals for the pharmaceutical sector
Mechanical seals for the water, treatment and purification sector
Mechanical seals for the food sector
Mechanical seals for the energy sector
Mechanical seals for the waste recycling sector
Mechanical seals for the paper sector
Mechanical seals for the maritime sector
The choice of component materials for the manufacture of mechanical seals by industry
Indeed, each industrial sector faces unique challenges that require specific materials. The choice of rubbing face materials and elastomers is very important, as well as the other metal components that make up a mechanical seal. It is necessary to know how to choose the most suitable material when manufacturing a mechanical seal in order to achieve maximum sealing performance and durability.
Here are some of the most common alloys used in the manufacture of mechanical seals according to industrial application:
Mechanical seals for the food and pharmaceutical industry
In industries where hygiene and safety are a priority, the materials used must comply with health regulations such as the American FDA and the European Regulation EC1935/2004.
The most recommended material for most mechanical sealing solutions in the food and pharmaceutical industries is SS316L stainless steel, thanks to its high corrosion resistance and ability to meet the sanitary certifications required for this specific industry.
Mechanical seals for chemical industry
Chemical processes can be highly corrosive, so mechanical seals for the chemical industry must be made of alloys resistant to these aggressive products. Recommended materials are, for example, DUPLEX (excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance), HASTELLOY® (especially resistant to extreme chemical environments) or URANUS® (offers high resistance in industrial applications exposed to acids and abrasive substances).
Mechanical seals for the petrochemical industry or industrial refrigeration compressors
Mechanical seals for the petrochemical industry or industrial refrigeration systems must withstand extreme temperature and pressure conditions. In this case, the best option is to use alloys such as AM350 or Inconel® (with excellent mechanical and thermal resistance, ideal for harsh environments).
Other alloys for special applications in the manufacture of mechanical seals
At Lidering, in addition to the diversity of alloys that must be taken into account according to each application, we manufacture mechanical seals in titanium and other materials, customising the sealing according to the requirements of each customer. In this case, titanium alloys are used in sectors that require maximum resistance to corrosion and lightness at the same time.
Looking for more information about the manufacture of custom-made mechanical seals?
