Simon Atkinson

Decompression modelling of elastomer seals promises to eliminate downtime

Abstract Major operational cost savings have already resulted for critical process plant from a project known as ‘Modelling of Decompression in Elastomer Systems’. This BHRSolutions project has created a software model that predicts explosive decompression in elastomer systems. This article looks at what is involved.

Mechanical seals eliminate water and chemical leakage

Abstract The two case studies presented here explain how mechanical seals have been able to eliminate water and chemical leakage from pumps in use at two UK-based facilities.

Freudenberg investigates use of conductive plastics for radar sensor housings

Radar sensors for assistance systems and highly automated driving must be reliably shielded from environmental influences, using robust housings and seals. Until now, they were protected by aluminium carrier housings that Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) securely sealed with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) seals. The company is now investigating the use of carrier housings made from plastics that facilitate significantly increased heat conductivity. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process, but it also results in weight savings.

Mechanical seal with metal bellows and Plan 66A solve process pump sealing problems

High demands are placed on the seals that are used in process pumps employed by refineries. When crude oil or crude oil products are transported, these seals are exposed to high temperatures. In addition, solids in the crude oil rub against the sealing surfaces and wear them out. This brief article reveals how one refinery has solved such problems by employing mechanical sealing technology developed by EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG.

Computed tomography analyses damage to raw materials under load

Germanys Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF recently developed a new method to characterise materials. It provides materials designers, manufacturers and scientists with information that gives them a better understanding of material behaviour and characterisation.

Optical measurement determines roughness and micro-structure of piston ring running surfaces

Federal-Mogul Powertrain and NanoFocus AG have jointly developed an automated process for non-contact, optical-confocal measurement of the roughness and micro-structure of piston ring running surfaces, as this brief article explains.

Efficient sealing systems in fluid power applications

Even the smallest of leaks in hydraulic and pneumatic systems can cause appalling damage, so adequate protection against this potential problem is a top priority for manufacturers of systems that rely on fluid power technology. Here, we highlight the way in which various Loctite products from Henkel AG & Co KGaA (Henkel) are used in a range of fluid power applications.

Robust seal developed for emergency subsea release system coupler

This news focus briefly describes how Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, a specialist in polymer-based critical sealing technology, developed a seal required for a connector that is used in challenging subsea applications.

Loctite products underpin roaring success at Formula Student 2017

Loctite products from Henkel AG & Co KGaA (Henkel) – including adhesives, sealants, thread-lockers, retaining compounds, gasketing materials and cleaners – have helped a number of teams competing in the UK Formula Student 2017 competition achieve impressive results, as this brief news focus article reveals.

Drinktec – an ideal platform for Freudenberg to reveal its latest technologies

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies used Drinktec 2017 – a major trade fair for the beverage and liquid-food industry, which was held in Munich, Germany, during September – as an opportunity to display its latest products that are targeted at the food and process industries. This news focus discusses two new materials that it is introducing, provides details of its newly developed clamp seals and highlights technology, which it is developing, that is set to enable seals to monitor themselves.