Aflas O-Rings

Getting the Best Metal Bellows Seals for Your Application

Metal bellows can be defined as elastic vessels that can be compressed by pressure applied to the outer part of the vessel. They can also get compressed when extended under vacuum. When the pressure gets released, the bellows then return to their original shape. Metal bellow seals behave in similar manner; they are seals that become compressed when under pressure from outside the container or when vacuum is present in outer atmosphere. They normally have a rubber ring forming main component of working and they are used in different fields including marine engineering, petrochemicals, oil refineries and offshore platforms.

What is their purpose?

The metal bellow seals are largely used to prevent contamination of liquids from outer environment and they are especially useful in heat transfer liquids. They are made to be highly resistant to abrasion and to be durable too in serving their functions.

The seals are also used in removing elastomers in chemical processing industries. The dangers involved in chemical industries make the metal bellow seals ideal in preventing accidents. Their high temperature resistance makes them suitable for this application. They are able to seal hot liquids, including cryogenic applications, polymers and resins.

Other applications that the seals are used in are textile industry, pigmenting and dying industries, dairy industries on milk, cream and processed milk containers, beverage industries for fruit juices, beer and fruit syrups and even in water treatment plants and water proofing industry.

Buying the best

When buying metal bellow seals it is important to get the most suitable for your kind of application. The good thing about manufacturers is that they can help you customize your seals to fit your individual demands and requirements. But in essence all the seals that you select ought to be:

· Long lasting and durable
· Slip and stick free
· Resistance to abrasion and corrosion
· Withstanding to high pressure and temperature ranges
· Reliable in dynamic sealing and high static
· Simple to install

The materials metal bellow seals are made of can determine their quality. Some of the best are made from carbon and other quality materials to give them the properties to withstand high pressures and temperatures. Think about the materials your seals are made of to get the best for your kind of application. Seals that come with a bellow are better since they eliminate the need to use springs.

For efficient performance, make sure that you get seals that are high tensile strength and those that will give you an easy time installing. If you have any special requirements find out whether your seals can engineered and customized accordingly. ISO certified seals will never disappoint no matter the application so have this in mind too.

Metal bellows seals that use O-rings to seal off leakages are a good choice also. But it helps to look at the options available and weighing the pros and cons of each before making the final decision. Find out as much as you can from a trusted manufacturer to get you the best seals for your application.