What materials are best for a high pressure face seal?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on selecting appropriate materials for a high-pressure face seal designed to withstand internal gas pressures of 3000 psig. The context includes considerations of material properties, seal design, and operational conditions such as temperature and gas chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Blake J raises concerns about using elastomer face seals at high pressure and the potential for issues with the threaded connection made of aluminum.
  • Baluncore inquires about the size of the retaining part, the temperatures, and gas chemistry involved, suggesting that flat ceramic face seals may be suitable for rotating connections.
  • Baluncore describes the O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) design and its functionality at high pressures, indicating it works well with hydraulic fluids.
  • Blake J indicates a preference for using an elastomer seal, noting that it will be a static seal for inert gases without temperature extremes, and expresses confidence in avoiding extrusion issues with proper design.
  • Another participant mentions that elastomer seals may not be suitable for dynamic loads, suggesting a different approach may be necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of elastomer seals for high-pressure applications, particularly concerning static versus dynamic loading conditions. No consensus is reached on the best material or design approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details on the dimensions of the retaining part and the exact gas chemistry, which may influence material selection. There are also unresolved considerations regarding the impact of dynamic loads on seal performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Engineers and designers working on high-pressure sealing applications, particularly in contexts involving gas containment and material selection for seals.

blakej
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Hi,
I'm doing a design which requires a face seal with internal gas pressure of 3000 psig. An elastomer face seal at that pressure may run into some issues. The threaded connection between the parts that retain the seal is small and the female thread is alum which will strip under high torque which may make using a metal seal challenging. Any material suggestions I should check out for this face seal?
Thanks!
Blake J
 
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How big is the small part that retains the seal?
What temperatures and gas chemistry does it need to handle.

Is this a rotating connection or static. Pump drive shafts sometimes employ flat ceramic face seals.

An ORFS = O-Ring Face Seal, has two flat surfaces, one with a circular groove to hold an O-ring. The O-ring seats against the outer surface of the groove. When tightened the ring is fully enclosed but any pressure pushes it against the outer joint between the surfaces. You must make sure that the faces are flat so as to prevent extrusion of the O-ring.

ORFS works quite OK at 3000 psi with hydraulic fluid. http://www.ryco.com.au/index.php?id=221
 
Thanks Baluncore, I'm going to use a face seal with an elastomer. It's a static seal for use with various inert gasses and no temperature extremes. If I bottom out metal to metal on the outside of the groove, I shouldn't have to worry about extrusion like I would if sealing in a bore w/o a backup ring.
 
Dynamic loads are a horse of a different color. An elastomer seal may not be suitable.
 

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