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Seal Guide
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Spring-Energized Seals Content

What is a Spring Energized Seal?..............................................................................................................................4
Spring Types.....................................................................................................................................................................9
Preliminary Considerations....................................................................................................................................... 17
Gland Terminology....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Surface Finish and Hardness................................................................................................................................... 26
Material Considerations............................................................................................................................................. 32
Rod and Piston Seals.................................................................................................................................................. 38
Face Seals....................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Spring Energized Rotary Seals................................................................................................................................. 48
3
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What is a Spring Energized PTFE Seal Spring Energized PTFE Seal

Design Function Spring Energized PTFE Seal
and How Does it Work?
Spring Load
Spring energized PTFE seals perform reliably in a wide range of applications where conventional
elastomeric seals fail due to chemical attack, extreme cold or heat, extrusion, friction or compression set.
Pressure
The Basic Design has Three Elements: Spring Energized PTFE Seal Components Load
Variseal M Seal Components
• A Pressure-Actuated, ‘U-shaped’ jacket Jacket
• A Metal spring-loading device
Spring Load
Spring
• High performance polymeric seal materials
FlexiSeal Design Function
The spring energized PTFE seal is a spring-energized U-cup utilizing a variety of jacket profiles, spring
types and materials in Rod & Piston, Face and Rotary seal configurations. Spring energized PTFE seals Spring energized seal lips and spring energizer are compressed when installed into the seal gland. The
are used where elastomeric seals fail to meet the temperature range, chemical resistance or friction resilient spring responds with constant force, pushing out the sealing lips, creating a gas tight seal
requirements. Jacket profiles are made from PTFE and other high performance polymers. Spring types against the sealing surfaces. As pressure is introduced in the system the seal expands – increasing the
are available in corrosion-resistant metal alloys, including stainless steel, Elgiloy® and Hastelloy® . sealing force beyond that provided by the spring and the jacket material.
Since jackets are machined and not injection molded, the seal configuration can be easily adjusted when Spring Load
needed to enhance seal performance. The seal is machined on CNC lathes to very close tolerances, using
The seal is energized by a spring made from stainless steel. The spring supplies all of the load required
only premium grade materials. Each design is available in standard and special diameters and cross
for sealing when the media pressure is too low to fully actuate the lips.
sections in inch-fractional, AS4716, and metric sizes. The full size range includes diameters from 1/32
to 150 inches, with radial cross-sections ranging from 1/32 to several inches across. The spring also compensates for variations in gland tolerances and normal wear of the seal. As a seal
loading device, a metal spring is more accurate than other devices, such as O-rings, for the control of
friction. There are three different spring types, each of which has one to three different load ratings
(light, med & heavy) to meet the exact linear-friction or torque requirements.
4 5
In dynamic applications, the spring expands, compensating for seal wear while continuing to provide Many of the high performance capabilities of the seal are attributable to the materials of construction.
load. In conditions that see thermal cycling, the spring system continues to energize the seal lips without Seal jackets, made from low friction PTFE and various blends are chemically inert, extrusion resistant,
taking a compression set or becoming too soft or hard, as an elastomer can. and capable of operating over a wide temperature range. The lack of resilience of the polymer is
The flexible spring allows for a wide tolerance range that can help overcome hardware misalignment and overcome by a spring load made from one of several corrosion resistant metals.
eccentricity, without causing excess friction or the inability to seal. Three different spring energized PTFE The spring energized seal’s combination of material and design configuration eliminates many of
seal designs are available that provide individual attributes for each application. the problems associated with O-rings and other elastomeric seals. For example, when selecting
an elastomeric seal to handle a variety of solvents, it is necessary to review the compatibility of
High Performance
the elastomer in each of the solvents. In many cases, none of the commonly used elastomers are
The unique design and material properties of these seals provide design engineers with a new satisfactory for the intended range of fluids. The problem is further aggravated when the operating
assortment of solutions to difficult applications. temperature exceeds a few hundred degrees Fahrenheit. If we consider the above factors in a rotary
or reciprocating application, we now have a very difficult problem for the equipment designer trying to
Some of the Outstanding Capabilities of the Seal Include:
select an elastomeric material.
• Very low friction
With spring energized PTFE seals, however, there is no need to worry about compatibility since the PTFE
• High speed service blends are inert to essentially all industrial chemicals and solvents even at elevated temperatures and
• Universal chemical compatibility pressures. In dynamic service there is no need to worry about slip-stick or elastomeric adhesion. The
chart below compares spring energized seals to elastomeric seals in general. See Table 1 on page 8
• Cryogenic service to -425°F
The purpose is not to devalue the capabilities of elastomers, which are entirely capable in a wide range
• High-temp service to 575°F of sealing applications, but to educate the design engineer to the significant difference in performance
• High-pressure ratings (over 30 Kpsi) offered by spring-energized PTFE seals.
• Permanent elasticity with immunity to aging embrittlement and compression set
6 7
Table 1 - Comparison of General Seal Properties

Spring Types
Seal Properties Elastomeric O-rings or U-cups Spring Energized PTFE Seal
High friction, stick-slip, and heat generation are Very low friction, nonstick, self-lubricating, runs The spring energized PTFE seal uses one of three different spring types to energize the jacket. The two
Friction running dry typical concerns. cooler. elements to consider when selecting a spring design are its load value and its deflection range. The
Selectively compatible; higher temperatures Universal Compatibility even at elevated spring’s load affects the sealing ability, friction and wear rate. As the spring load is increased, the lips
Fluid compatibility cause further problems. temperatures and pressures. seal tighter, with friction and wear increasing proportionately. The spring’s deflection range affects the
Most PTFE blends are rated from -320 to +550F. seal’s ability to compensate for variations in gland tolerances and for normal seal wear. Each spring size
High temperature limits range from 250 to
Temperature range 400°F, low temperature from -20 to -100F. Special blends operated at temperatures to has a specific deflection range. The available deflection increases as the seal and spring cross-section
-425F.
increases; this could be a deciding factor in selecting one cross-section over another. Springs with a wide
Dynamic sealing
High friction limits their speed rating. Heat Consistently outperforms elastomers at surface deflection range should be used when sealing surfaces are not concentric.
generation leads to degradation. speeds up to 12,000 sfpm.
Figure 1 shows a relative comparison of load vs. deflection curves for the three spring types. This
Elastomers are more resilient, but are subject to Low resilience is enhanced by metal springs
Resilience of seal signifies the typical deflection when the seal is installed. The hatch marks indicate the deflection range
compression set. which are immune to aging.
through which the seal will function properly. Notice that H Series has a much smaller deflection range
Good in lubricated service and mild conditions, Excellent in dry or lubricated service, and in high
Wear resistance than both the V and the C Series.
poor in dry service. or low-pressure service.
Extrusion Good in properly supported, poor if significant Excellent extrusion resistence, even when gaps
Resistance clearance-gap exists are slightly excessive.
Figure 2-14. Spring
FigureLoading
1: Spring Loading
Light gas, low- Excellent. Seals tightly at minimal pressures. Good. Requires heavy spring load for high
pressure sealability Easily seals high vacuums. vacuum, due to material hardness. H Series C Series
Able to be installed Excellent. Elastomers compress or stretch easily Fair to poor, depending on size. Seal material Spring Loading Provides
in solid glands into solid housings or piston grooves. does not stretch or compress easily. V Series Positive Sealing Contact Spring-Loaded
Spring Load
Positive Contact
Ranges from very low to moderate for most Higher cost is offset by performance benefits in
Relative cost compounds. cost is very high for certain applications which exceed the capabilities of
perfluorinated materials. elastomers.
Not-Loaded
Positive Contact
Deflection Range
8 9
Cantilever Springs V Series — Cantilever Table 2:2-1.

Table Minimum Diameters
Minimum for V Series
Diameters for V Series
The Cantilever or ‘V Series’ is made from flat metal strip stock Nominal Rod Piston Internal External
Cross- Shaft Bore Pressure Pressure
of 300 Series stainless steel or Elgiloy® as an option. The
Section Dia. Dia. (Seal OD) (Seal ID)
strip stock is punched or chemically etched into a serpentine 1/16 0.125 0.250 0.750 0.500
pattern and formed into a rounded “V” shape. It is available 3/32 0.187 0.375 1.250 0.875
in either a light or medium load spring. The medium spring 1/8 0.375 0.625 1.750 1.125
is suitable in most applications, but the light load spring can be used if having low friction is more 3/16 0.875 1.250 2.250 2.000
important than sealability. The medium spring load deflection curve is depicted in Figure
C Series 1 on Page 9.
— Canted-Coil 1/4 1.625 2.125 3.500 3.000
The cantilever spring is intended for dynamic applications involving rotary or reciprocating motion. It
can also be used in static conditions when there is need for a higher deflection spring due to wide gland Features Recommended Applications
tolerance, excessive expansion and contraction, or lift-off due to high pressure.
• V-shaped spring with moderate load • Reciprocating rods & pistons
The long beam leg design puts the spring load out at the leading edge of the seal, creating the best load vs. deflection
location for the spring energized PTFE seal to act as a scraper when the optional scraper lip is selected. • Rotary shafts <100 sfpm
• Standard inch/fractional and AS4716 sizes
The geometry of the V Series cantilever spring provides flexibility by utilizing individual tabs, separated • Wide tolerance and spacing misaligned glands
H SeriesThe
— Helical • Standard 300 series stainless steel springs (static)
by small gaps. This shape allows the spring to flex into radial and axial seal designs. spring tabs can
overlap on the ID and spread apart on the OD when the cross-section is too large for the diameter. • NACE compliant Elgiloy springs available in • Abrasive medias (when scraper lip is
medium spring load, -450 to 600°F designated)
Table 2 provides the minimum diameters for V Series springs for rod and piston seals, as well as internal
and external pressure face seals. For diameters smaller than those listed, C or H Series spring designs • Scraper lip designs for abrasive medias • Dynamic applications above 450°F
are recommended. • Available as external & internal pressure
face seals
10 11
Canted Coil Springs C Series — Canted-Coil The C Series spring produces a compression load near the center of the seal. The standard beveled lip
The Canted Coil or ‘C Series’ spring is made from round wire seal geometry puts the point of contact slightly in front, forcing the spring back into the spring cavity.
that is coiled and formed into a canted or slanted shape. The The lip design provides concentrated unit load at the sealing interface, and allows lubrication to the
result is a radial compression spring with a very flat load dynamic lip, increasing the wear life. Because of this geometry, the C Series is not the best choice for
versus deflection curve as illustrated in Figure 1 on Page abrasive medias. For abrasive conditions the V series is recommended.
9. Both 302 stainless steel and Hastalloy are available as
Features
standards in three different spring loads.
• Canted coil spring with flat load vs. deflections
The canted-coil spring is intended for dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications.
H Series — It isHelical
also used in
static applications when wide gland tolerance or misalignment is present. The flat load curve of this • Light, medium and heavy load springs standard
design makes it an ideal choice for friction sensitive applications. • Standard inch/fractional and AS4716 sizes
The C Series spring can be fit into small seal diameters without overlapping the individual spring coils. • Standard 302 series stainless steel springs
Because the ID coils tend to butt up to each other, the spring has very small gaps providing maximum • Hastalloy springs available
spring contact. This geometry is well suited for dynamic rod seal applications less than 1/2” diameter.
• Available as external & internal pressure face seals
The C Series spring is available in Light, Medium and Heavy load ranges.
Recommended Applications
Light: Applications that require extremely low break-out and running friction when sealing ability is
less important than friction. • Friction sensitive applications
Medium: General application. Medium friction but reliable sealing capability. Normally the starting • Reciprocating rods & pistons
point for new applications. Balance functions of friction, sealing ability and dynamic wear. • Rotary shafts <1000 sfpm
Heavy: Applications where optimum resilience is required due to hardware separation. Accelerated • Wide tolerance and misaligned glands
seal material wear in dynamic applications. Used when primary objective is sealing and friction and/or
• Dynamic applications above 450°F
wear is secondary.
• Diameters <1/2” and crosssections <1/16”
12 13
Helical Springs H Series — Helical Features
The Helical, or ‘H-Series’ spring is made from flat ribbon metal • Helical wound ribbon spring with high load vs. deflection
strip stock that is formed into a helix shape. The standard • Standard inch/fractional and AS4716 sizes
material is 17/7 PH stainless steel, and Elgiloy is offered as an
• Standard 17/7 PH stainless steel springs
option. The finished spring produces a very high load versus
deflection • NACE compliant Elgiloy springs available
curve as shown in Figure 1 on Page 9. • Available as external & internal pressure face seals
The helical spring design is intended for static applications due to the high unit load. It can be used in very
Recommended Applications
slow or infrequent dynamic conditions when friction and wear are secondary concerns to positive sealing.
• Static rods & pistons
The H series spring produces evenly distributed load across each individual band, with very small gaps
between the coils. This tight spacing provides near continuous load, reducing potential leak paths. This, • Static internal & external pressure face seal applications
combined with the high unit load, makes the H series well-suited for vacuum and cryogenic applications • Slow dynamic applications <200 sfpm
or when pressure is too low to energize the seal. • Vacuum sealing
The load provided by the H series spring is directly through its center line. The lip design of the beaded • Applications where sealing ability is critical
profile is a full radius at the sealing interface, providing maximum load to the contact points to effect a
tight seal. The spring is welded at the ends. When the seal is compressed into the hardware, the spring Special Energizers:
cavity is designed to allow axial spring growth. A variety of special loading devices are available for unusual service conditions. For example, cantilever-
The relatively small deflection range of the H Series spring prevents it from being used in applications beam springs coated with PTFE are useful in applications where the fluid being sealed must not come
having wide gland tolerances, eccentricity or misalignment. The V or C series spring energized PTFE seals into contact with any metal – such as all-plastic pumps for high-purity chemical service.
should be considered for these conditions.
14 15
Preliminary Considerations
• A spring energized PTFE seal is selected to suit the specific set of service conditions found in your
application. We recommend a review of the entire sealing environment, using the Engineering Action
Request (EAR) form before selecting a seal design.
• In most cases, you can obtain enough information to select a standard seal design by reading those
portions of this manual which apply to your particular seal application.
• Evaluating the following check list will be beneficial to selecting a preliminary design.
Operating Conditions Media to be Sealed Hardware Design Seal Performance

Criteria
— Pressure, typical — Water-based — Gland shape
— Temperature — Hydraulic fluids — Surface finish — Wear life
— Surface Speed — Solvents — Installation — Leakage limit
— Lubrication — Acids — Dynamic alignment — Compatibility
— Radiation — Vapors — Gland diameters — Breakout friction
— Maintenance Cycle — Caustics — Hardness — Running friction
— Pressure – Max — Abrasives — Platings — Proof pressures
— Type of motion — Oils — Sideloading — Other
— Duty cycle — Greases — Other

— Coolant — Steam
— Food Service — Fuels
— Safety factors — Air
— Other — Dry gases
— Other
16 17
Gland Terminology Two-Piece Gland Installation
Heel First Seal Installation

Gland Designs and Installation When installing the spring energized PTFE seal with the heel or non-pressure side first, the lead-in
chamfers may be smaller than when the seal must go in lips first. The spring energized PTFE seal is
Two-Piece Glands
designed with a slight clearance at the heel, and is also chamfered. If lead-in chamfer angles cannot be
Spring energized PTFE seals are rigid in comparison to elastomer seals such as O-rings and U-cups. made, a full polished radius may also be used. Both designs must be very smooth and free from sharp
They can be damaged if stretched or compressed beyond their material limitations. It is recommended edges that can damage the seal.
that a two-piece, split gland design be utilized whenever possible. This allows easy installation or
Note: Sometimes a combination of heel first and lip first installation is required. When this occurs, match
removal of the spring energized PTFE seal without the need for additional tools, and will greatly reduce
the appropriate table with the demands made on the chamfer. – Table 3
the risk of damage to the seal.
Two-Piece Gland Lips First Installation
Lead-in chamfers that are blended and very smooth are necessary to prevent damage to the seal during TableLips
3: Lips First Recommended
Table 2-2. First Recommended
installation. Full surface finish recommendations are described on Page 26. Two-Piece Gland Lips First Installation Lead-In Chamfer Lead-In Chamfer
Cross-Section Size
Two-PieceRod
Two-Piece Rod and
and Piston
PistonGlands
Glands C Min
Nominal Cross Section
1/6 062 0.050
3/32 093 0.070
1/8 125 0.090
3/16 187 0.110
Rod Piston
1/4 250 0.140
Rod Seal Piston Seal Gland

Installed
18 19
Lip First Seal Installation strokes in reciprocating applications. In pressurized conditions, the spring energized PTFE seal is
When installing the spring energized PTFE seal with the lips or pressure-side first, the lead-in chamfers naturally held into the back of the groove.
need to be longer than when the seal goes in heel first. The seal is designed with pre-load interference The step cut gland can be utilized for both rod and piston seals. We recommend using a spring energized
on the lips that require additional clearance to prevent damage during installation. A stepped retention PTFE seal with a scraper lip on the static surface to provide a more positive snap-tight fit.
plate is required to provide a flat backed surface for the seal and to prevent extrusion into the lead-in Step Cut Gland Installation
angles. All chamfers must be very smooth and free from sharp edges that can damage the seal. If the Step Cut Gland Installation Incorrect Installation
necessary angles and retention plate cannot be accomplished, installation tools will be required. The step cut gland can only be used when the seal sees pressure from the Rod
open or spring side of the seal. This requires the seal to be installed heel or
Two-Piece Flanged Glands Two-Piece
Two-PieceFlanged Gland
Flanged Gland
non-pressure side first, snapping the seal lips behind the retention step. After
The flanged design can be used in either static, rotary or reciprocating installing the seal into the groove, the assembly can be pushed into a piston
applications and is designed to be dynamic only on the ID. It excels in rotary bore, or over a rod.
applications because the flange can be clamped axially to prevent the seal Step Cut Gland Installation
from rotating with the shaft. This extra stability allows the flanged design to
hold more pressure at higher surface speeds. The gland must be made in two Table Nominal Cross-Sections
4: Nominal Cross-Sections Seal Gland Installation
Piston
Rod
pieces for installation purposes and could be lips-first or heel-first. Cross-Section Size C2 Min
C1 Min D
Nominal Cross Section Heel First Lips First
Use Table 2 or Table 3 for the Chamfer commensurate with the direction
1/16 062 0.035 0.020 0.035 0.007/0.010
of shaft insertion. 3/32 093 0.050 0.030 0.050 0.010/0.015
Step Cut Glands 1/8 125 0.065 0.035 0.065 0.015/0.020
Step Cut Glands Step Cut Glands 3/16 187 0.080 0.040 0.080 0.020/0.025
1/4 250 0.095 0.050 0.095 0.025/0.030
An alternative to the two-piece gland is the step cut design. This solid
Piston
one-piece configuration has a reduced wall on the pressure side of
Rod Piston
the groove. This allows the seal to snap into the groove without the
need for a separate retainer or installation tools.
The step is designed to hold the seal in the groove during final
assembly and under dynamic conditions such as low pressure return
20 21
Piston Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves

Alternative Glands Table 6: Piston Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves
For heel first installation with a snap ring retainer, the snap ring groove is set into a reduced diameter to Cross-Section Size Minimum Rod Diameter
ensure that the seal does not pass over the edges. This design can be used for both rod and piston seals.
Nominal Cross Section V Series C Series H Series
For lips first installation with a support ring and snap ring retainer, the snap-ring groove is at a reduced
1/16 062 1.500 1.000 1.000
diameter to prevent damage to the seal. The support ring must meet clearance gap recommendations
3/32 093 2.750 2.500 2.500
as outlined in this guide. Load ratings for snap rings must be considered to prevent fatigue or failure
1/8 125 5.000 4.500 4.500
Closed Glands 3/16 187 11.750 9.000 9.000
The least desirable gland design for the spring energized PTFE seal is the closed gland design. The seal 1/4 250 20.000 16.000 16.000
cross-section, diameter and material are all factors that determine whether the seal can be stretched
into a solid piston groove or compressed into a rod seal housing. Spring energized PTFE seal are more
easily stretched into piston grooves than compressed into rod seal housings.
Table 5 is a guide for rod seal minimum diameters that can be used in solid grooves utilizing installation
and re-sizing tools. Table 6 is
for minimum piston seal diameters.
Closed Glands
Rod Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves
Closed Glands Table 5: Rod Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves
Cross-Section Size Minimum Rod Diameter

Nominal Cross Section V Series C Series H Series
1/16 062 1.500 1.000 1.000
3/32 093 2.000 2.500 1.250
1/8 125 2.750 2.000 2.000
3/16 187 4.750 3.000 3.000
1/4 250 6.000 4.500 4.500
22 23
Piston Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves
Seal Component
ID OD
Place on Guide Ramp

Closed Gland Installation
Closed Gland Installation Closed Gland Installation
Piston Seal Installation in Solid Gland

A stretching guide ramp and resizing tool should be fabricated to
assist in installing the spring energized PTFE seal into a fully closed
Push Seal
cavity. Refer to these drawings for design specifications.
Closed Gland
Step 1: Place the seal on the guide ramp. Preheating the seal to as much as 300°F (150 °C) in either oil,
air or water will soften the seal and aid in stretching and installing the seal.
Step 2: Push the seal over the guide ramp and into the groove.
Step 3: Slide the resizing tool over the seal to compress the seal to its original diameter. Compress Seal
16 (0.4)
Rod Seal Installation in Solid Gland
0.015 in. Max. 15°
(0.38 mm)
15° Step 1: Install the seal with the blunt end of the pusher tool.
16 (0.4) Step 2: Resize the seal with the rounded end of the tool.
Resize
Guide Ramp Resizing Tool
Min. Seal ID - Max. Component OD + Max. Component OD + 16 (0.4)
on in Solid Gland 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) 0.003 in. (0.08 mm) 2 x Seal Cross-Section
0.015 in. Max. 15°
Stretching Guide Ramp and Resizing Tool 15°
(0.38 mm)
16 (0.4)
Rod Ø
Install Resize
Guide Ramp Resizing Tool
Min. Seal ID - Max. Component OD + Max. Component OD +
Seal Component Rod Seal Installation in Solid Gland 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) 0.003 in. (0.08 mm) 2 x Seal Cross-Section
ID OD
Stretching Guide Ramp and Resizing Tool
Place on Guide Ramp
24 25
Surface Finish & Hardness

Mating Surface Hardness
Most dynamic applications require a hard running surface on the dynamic portion of the hardware. The
harder surface allows the use of higher reinforced seal materials that will increase both the seal and
Mating Surface Finish
hardware life.
Proper surface finish of the seal gland is critical to ensure positive sealing, and achieve the longest seal
Softer running surfaces must use lower wear resistant seal materials that will not damage the
life possible in dynamic applications. Mating surfaces that are too rough can create leak paths and can
hardware, but normally yield shorter seal life. A balance between seal material and dynamic surface
be very abrasive to the seal. Unlike elastomer contact seals, PTFE-based spring energized seals can
hardness must be met to ensure that the seal remains the sacrificial component.
run on very smooth surfaces with or without lubrication. Due to the toughness and low coefficient of
friction, of the seals slip over the high points of the mating surface and resist abrasion. To maximize seal When the dynamic surface hardness is below 45 Rc, most seal materials will polish the running surface
performance, the recommendations for surface roughness in Table 7 should be followed. of the hardware and the seal. This initial break-in period will cause seal wear to taper off over a period
Dynamic surfaces with relatively rough finishes will result in higher wear rates which decrease the seal of time depending on the seal material, surface finish, pressure and velocity of the application. When
life and may compromise performance. hardness exceeds 45 Rc, the initial surface finish is very important since the surface is much harder to
polish and the time to achieve break-in is longer. Surface hardness above 65 Rc will resist polishing and
Dynamic Surface Finish vs. Wear TableSurface Roughness, Ra
7: Surface Roughness, Ra therefore the initial surface finish is more critical to seal life.
4.0
Media Being Dynamic Surfaces Static Surfaces The hardness of the dynamic hardware surface affects the wear rate of the seal. Additionally, some
Sealed µ inch µm µ inch µm seal jacket materials are abrasive and will wear softer metal shafts or dynamic components. In general,
Relative Wear, Friction and
3.0 Cryogenics 6 max 0.15 max 8 max 0.2 max

higher surface hardness results in better overall seal and hardware performance. The ideal hardness of
Helium Gas
Leakage Rate
Hydrogem Gas 8 max 0.2 max 12 max 0.3 max the dynamic surfaces of the hardware is 50 to 60 Rockwell C.
2.0 Freon
Air
Nitrogen Gas
Argon 12 max 0.3 max 16 max 0.4 max
1.0 Natural Gas
Fuel (Aircraft and
Automotive)
0 Water
0 4 8 12 14 16 20 24 28 Hydraulic Oil 12 max 0.3 max 32 max 0.8 max
Dynamic Surface Finish Raµ inch Crude Oil
Sealants
26 27
Extrusion
Gap
Extrusion Gap
Lip Shapes
Pressure Chamfered Lips

Extrusion Excessive Material
Gap Extrusion Extrusion The most common lip shape is the chamfered or back-beveled design and is available with the V and C
Gap
series spring types. This design allows for ease of installation and permits lubrication to nest under the
lip and feed through in reciprocating dynamic applications. The result is a microscopic film of lubrication
Extrusion Gap Standard Spring Energized Extended Heel Spring Energized
PTFE Seal PTFE Seal that increases seal and hardware service life. Since the footprint (contact point) of a chamfered lip is a
single point, all of the sealing force is concentrated on that point, yielding the highest sealability and
High Pressure Seals – Battling Extrusion Gaps
lowest friction.
Excessive Pressure capabilities
Material are a function of temperature, seal material, extrusion gaps and seal design.
Extrusion
Gap
The standardExtrusion
spring energized PTFE seal is rated to 3000 psi when used in standard gland
dimensions and materials that meet the temperature requirements of the application. Extended heel
radialSpring
Standard sealsEnergized
are available which
Extended increase
Heel the pressure rating to 10,000psi under the same conditions.
Spring Energized Abrasive Media
Chamfered Lips
PTFE Seal PTFE Seal Trapped by Lip
The extended heel design prevents seal extrusion by increasing the material in the heel of the seal, FBC-V FBN-C
effectively increasing its overall length. This extra material acts as a built-in back-up ring and fills the
gap before damage is done to the rest of the seal. In applications that have excessive clearance gaps Abrasive
Contamination
and/or pressures above 10,000 psi, it may be necessary to use separate back-up device(s) or special
seal designs to reduce the seal’s exposure to the gap. Chamfered Lips
The pressure ratings for spring energized PTFE lip and case seals are profile specific. Each profile has
been given a specific pressure rating according to its own physical limitations.
Abrasive Media
Scraped by Lip
Scraper ID Scraper OD Dual Scraper
Scraper Lips Scraper Lips
28 29
Chamfered Lips
Abrasive
Scraper Lips Scraper Lips
Contamination

Chamfered Lips Scraper Lips Scraper Lips
FBK-V FBN-H
Abrasive Media
Scraped by Lip Additional Material
Abrasive Media Abrasive Media
Scraped by Lip
Scraper ID Scraper OD Dual Scraper Scraped by Lip Present to FBK-V FBN-H
Scraper ID Scraper OD Dual Scraper Maximize Life Span
Beaded Lips
Abrasive Media
Scraped by Lip
Scraper Lips Scraper LipsLips Beaded Lips
Scraper LipsScraper Lips Scraper Beaded Lips Beaded Lips Beaded Lips
Scraper Lips Beaded Lips

FBK-V FBN-H
Applications often involve medias with abrasive particles that can get caught between the seal lip and The beaded shape contacts the surface in much the same way as an O-ring, and is available with the
FBK-V FBN-H
the mating hardware. This increases wear to both the seal and the mating surface. To prevent particles V and H Series spring types. Similar to the chamfered lip, it is easy to install and helps to lubricate the Beaded Lips
from accumulating, the scraper lip design is available with all three spring types.
Abrasive MediaThe scraper lip contact reciprocating sealing surface. In fact, the beaded lip yields a film of oil that is slightly thicker than that of
Additional Material
Present to
Scraped by Lip
point is positioned
Beadeddirectly
Lips over the load point of the spring in each design for maximum scraping action. a chamfered lip, making it advantageous for applications with rapid reciprocating motion.
Maximize Life Span
Abrasive Media Additional Material

The scraper lip can be positioned on the ID, OD or both. The seal also staysScraped
in place better in a stepped
by Lip Present to
Maximize Life Span
gland where
Beaded the step is not very large.
Lips
Beaded Lips Beaded Lips
Beaded Lips Beaded Lips
30 31
Material Considerations Dry Running Capability

Due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine and carbon-carbon single bonds, PTFE compounds have
high thermal stability and self-lubricating capabilities, offering continuous dry running ability in dynamic
Gallagher has over 300 PTFE compounds and polymeric materials for the manufacture of spring
sealing applications.
energized PTFE seals. Our material offering includes non-filled PTFE, standard and specialty filled PTFE
compounds, TFM blends, UHMW polyethylene and thermoplastic elastomers. Gallagher can meet your Temperature Cycling
seal material requirements for PTFE sealing in most all environmental and operating conditions. Unlike most elastomers, PTFE compounds have the unique ability to resist material degradation, heat-
Advantages of PTFE as a jacket material aging and alteration in physical properties during temperature cycling.
Low Friction High Surface Speeds
The low coefficient of friction (.06) of PTFE material results from low interfacial forces between its The low friction characteristics and resistance to heat of PTFE makes it the ideal candidate for high
surface and other materials that it may come in contact with. This behavior of PTFE material reduces surface speed applications. PTFE compounds perform exceptionally well in high surface speed sealing
any possibility of stick-slip effects in dynamic sealing applications. applications where O-rings or U-cups made of elastomers fail due to heat generation.
Wide Temperature Range (-450 to 600°F) Enhanced Performance of PTFE with Fillers
An important requirement for any potential PTFE filler is that it must be able to withstand the sintering
PTFE’s high melting point and morphological characteristics allow components made from the resin
temperatures of PTFE. Sintering involves exposure to temperatures close to 700°F for several hours.
to be used continuously at service temperatures to 600°F. Above this temperature the components’
physical properties tend to decrease, causing heat-aging and material degradation. The polymer
itself might remain unaffected, if the temperature is insufficient for thermal degradation. For sealing
cryogenic fluids down to -450°F, special designs using PTFE and other fluoropolymers are available.
Chemical Compatibility
The intrapolymer chain bond strengths of PTFE compounds preclude reaction with most chemicals,
thereby making them chemically inert at elevated temperatures and pressures with virtually all
industrial chemicals and solvents.
32 33
PTFE Material Offerings Fiberglass Filled

Glass fiber has a positive impact on creep performance of PTFE. It also adds wear resistance and offers
good compression strength.
Modified Virgin PTFE
Same basic properties as virgin, but with increased wear and creep resistance and lower gas Graphite Filled
permeability. Since graphite is often used as a lubricant, it does not significantly increase the coefficient of friction of
PTFE when used as a filler. The low friction allows the compound to be used when both shaft speed and
Carbon-Graphite Filled
pressure are high. Graphite also is chemically inert which enables its use in corrosive medias.
Carbon reduces creep, increases hardness and elevates thermal conductivity of PTFE. Carbon-graphite
compounds have good wear resistance and perform well in non-lubricated applications. Mineral Filled
Mineral is ideal for improved upper temperatures and offers low abrasion to soft surfaces. PTFE with
Carbon Fiber Filled
this filler can easily be qualified to FDA and other food-grade specifications.
Carbon fiber lowers creep, increases flex and compressive modulus and raises hardness. Coefficient of
thermal expansion is lowered and thermal conductivity is higher for compounds of carbon fiber filled Stainless Steel Filled
PTFE. Ideal for automotive applications in shock absorbers and water pumps. Although stainless steel filler is very abrasive, this compound has excellent extrusion and high
temperature resistance in static and slow dynamic applications.
Aromatic Polyester Filled
Aromatic polyester is excellent for high temperatures and has excellent wear resistance against soft, Low Wear PTFE
dynamic surfaces. Not recommended for sealing applications involving steam. This proprietary filled PTFE offers low wear and friction properties, used in general applications where
long life is required. Not recommended for applications with abrasive media.
Molybdenum Disulfide and Fiberglass Filled
Molybdenum disulfide increases the hardness of the seal surface while decreasing friction. It is
normally used in small proportions combined with other fillers such as glass. MoS2 is also inert towards
most chemicals.
34 35
Features of Other Machinable Plastics Polychlorotriflouroethylene (PCTFE) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

• Excellent electrical properties • Chemically inert
UHMW Polyethylene
• Stable for continuous usage until 400°F • Very strong and rigid
• Temperature Range -360 to 180°F
• Low creep at room temperature • Temperature range -80 to 500°F
• Excellent wear and abrasive resistance
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Good lubricity in water
• Excellent sealing of light gases at low pressures
Tensile
Ultimate Strength
Tensile (psi) (psi)
Strength Elongation
Ultimate (%) (%)
Elongation
• Excellent high pressure extrusion resistance
16,000 600
• Moderate abrasion to soft hardware
14,000
500
• Excellent wear resistance in reciprocating applications
12,000
Hytrel Thermoplastic (TPE) Elastomer 400
10,000
• Temperature Range -80 to 275°F 8,000 300
• Excellent wear and extrusion resistance 6,000
200
• Excellent sealing of light gases at low pressures 4,000
• Excellent high pressure extrusion resistance 100
2,000
• Low abrasion to soft dynamic hardware material 0 0
Virgin UHMW Hydrel® PEEK Virgin UHMW Hydrel® PEEK
• Minimum dynamic surface hardness 25 Rc PTFE PTFE
• Excellent wear resistance in reciprocating applications
• Good wear resistance in rotary applications
36 37
Rod and Piston Seals Hardware Configuration and Installation

Spring energized PTFE seals are available for two-piece, stepped and closed gland configurations.
Extrusion We
Gap
recommend a two-piece gland design for rod and piston applications for its ease of installation. The
Where Can Reciprocating Spring Energized PTFE Seals be Found
step-cut design may be used when the seal sees pressure from the open or spring side of the seal. A
Internal Pressure
The spring energized PTFE seal was not specifically designed for closed gland may only be used if it is possible to stretch or compress the seal into position. For details
just one industry or application. The chemical and physical see Table 2 on Page
on these configurations and installation considerations,Excessive fluid pressure can 11.
properties of its compounds make it a powerful problem-solver in cause an extrusion gap
many situations. The seals always seem to gravitate toward certain Surface Finish Extrusion
Rod Gland Piston Gland Fluid Pressure Causes
GapExtrusion Gap
difficult applications which include: The optimum surface
External finish for spring energized PTFE seal depends on the media to be sealed. To
Pressure
Internal Pressure maximize seal performance and life, follow our recommendations on Table 7 on Page 26.
• Harsh chemicals and solvents • High pressures up to 10,000 psi
• High temperatures up to 600°F • High surface speeds when other seals overheat Pressure
Excessive fluid pressure can
Recommended Applications for FlexiSeal Rod and Piston Springs cause an extrusion gap
• Cryogenic temperatures down to -450°F • Where there’s no margin for tooling cost The standard spring energized PTFE seal is rated to 3000 psi when used in glands conforming to
V Series C Series H Series
• Unlubricated applications
Rod Gland Piston Gland
• Where there arereciprocating
custom, “in-between” sizes recommended dimensionsFluid andPressure
using the materials
Causes that
Extrusion meet the temperature requirements of the
Gap
rod and reciprocating rod and static rod and piston
piston piston External Pressure application, while a seal with an extended heel can hold up to 10,000 psi.
• Where low friction is required
wide tolerance and wide tolerance and very slow dynamic
misaligned glands misaligned glands seals (< 150 sfpm)
Choosing the Right Design (static) (static)
Table 8: Recommended Applications for Spring Energized
applications where
While choosing the right rod or piston RecommendedPTFE Seal Rod
Applications abrasive
forand Piston
FlexiSeal Rod andfriction
media Springs
(when scraper lip is
Piston critical and
Springs
verysmall diameter sealability is critical
designated) applications
spring energized PTFE seal for your V Series C Series H Series
application, you need to consider the reciprocating rod and reciprocating rod and static rod and piston
piston piston
gland’s configuration and intended very slow dynamic
wide tolerance and wide tolerance and
installation, the finish and hardness of misaligned glands misaligned glands seals (< 150 sfpm)
(static) (static)
the mating surface, the pressure it will
abrasive media friction critical and applications where
be subjected to, and the advantages of (when scraper lip is verysmall diameter sealability is critical
designated) applications
different spring choices and lip shapes.
38 39
Spring Choices Temperature

Spring energized PTFE seals are available with three different spring types to energize the jacket: As operating temperatures rise, pressure ratings drop.
V-shaped cantilever springs (V Series), canted-coil springs (C Series) and helical wound-ribbon springs
Speed
(H Series). An O-ring energizer can easily be substituted as a custom design.
A high surface speed can generate enough heat to soften the seal, making it more susceptible to
Lip Shapes extrusion. Using an extended-heel Spring Energized PTFE Seal in high-speed reciprocating service will
Spring energized PTFE seals can be optimized by changing their lip shapes. Chamfered lips contact the counteract this effect. The longer heel supports the body of the seal and guides the rod or piston to
mating surface at a single point. Scraper lips prevent particles from accumulating. Beaded lips yield an reduce sideloading. The seal is completely stable in its gland; and, since the material is nonstick, the seal
even thicker film than chamfered lips, advantageous for rapid reciprocating applications. won’t roll or twist during highspeed service.
Seal Length Cross Section and Diameter

There are two versions of the basic spring energized PTFE seal design to consider—the standard-length The spring energized PTFE seal is manufactured in a wide range of diameters and cross-sections. The
seal and the high-pressure, extended-heel version. Before choosing a seal length, review the operating recommended diameter range for each standard cross-section is given in the chart below. Custom
pressure, temperature, and surface speed. The standard-length seal is rated to 3000 psi. At higher cross-sections and diameters beyond the range of this chart are also available. Consult a Gallagher
pressures, or when high pressure is combined with high temperatures or speeds, use the extended-heel engineer for details.
seal. Above 10,000 psi, use the extended-heel seal with a separate backup ring to prevent extrusion. Cross Section and Diameter Recommendations
Pressure and E-Gap Cross Section and Diameter Recommendations
The recommended maximum radial clearance or E-gap is typically .003 inches to obtain a pressure rating Preferred Diameter Standard Diameter Special Diameter
of 3000 psi with the standard-length Spring Energized PTFE Seal. This pressure rating can be exceeded
when operating at low to moderate (200°F) temperatures, or when the clearance gap is reduced. For 400 Series
example, in slow-speed service at room temperature, with an E-gap of .001 inches, the standard-length 300 Series
Spring energized PTFE seals can operate continuously at 10,000 psi. When the gap is greater than 200 Series
.003 inches, use the extended-heel seal. The thicker heel minimizes distortion at high pressures and 100
temperatures. To reduce the E-gap and increase the pressure rating, a separate backup ring can be 000
placed behind the seal.
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 16.0
Inches
40 41
Gland Style
Certain glands styles are preferred over others, primarily to ease seal installation. Since Spring Energized
PTFE Seals do not stretch like elastomeric O-rings, solid glands are not recommended. Split or stepped-
glands are preferred.
In a split or stepped-gland, installation is accomplished without special tools. Careful handling of seals
will keep them from being damaged during installation. Screw drivers and other tools with sharp edges
should not be used to handle the seal. An advantage of the split gland is the ability to remove and
reinstall the seal if needed. In a stepped gland, removing the seal without distorting it is a little more
difficult, depending on the seal diameter, cross-section, and the gland’s step height.
To prevent damage to seals during installation, it is important to provide adequate lead-in chamfers, and
to eliminate nicks, scratches, and burrs from the installation path. The seal housing should also be free
of scratches so that leakage paths are not formed in the gland itself.
Alignment
Designing the hardware to improve dynamic alignment and to reduce side-loading will result in longer
seal life with less potential for leakage. This is an important factor.
Lubrication and Coolant

The presence of lubrication can significantly extend the seal’s wear life. A lubricant can also extend
life by acting as a coolant in applications where high speeds and pressures generate excessive heat.
In such cases, a separate cooling system should be considered as another method of improving seal
performance.
42 43
Face Seals — Spring energized PTFE face seals are used in applications involving high pressures and temperatures,
cryogenic fluids, corrosive media, and other service conditions which exceed the limits of
conventional elastomeric seals.
Internal / External Pressure Face Seals Drop in Like O-Rings
Choosing the Right Design
— Creating a face seal gland can be as simple as cutting a groove in the face of the hardware and
dropping the spring energized PTFE seal into it like an O-ring. The spring energized PTFE seal is Face seals are used in applications involving high pressures and temperatures, cryogenic fluids, corrosive
designed to have a clearance fit on the non-pressure side of the seal so it will press easily into the media and other service conditions which exceed the limits of conventional elastomeric seals.
groove. Of course it is not necessary to have a completely enclosed gland wall on the pressure side Face seals are designed for either internal or external pressure. For internal pressure, the open side
since the forces will never push the seal against that side of the groove. Extrusion
of the spring cavity faces the inside of the vessel. Fluid pressure actuates the seal lips. For external
Gap
— Face seals can be configured to seal internal pressure like in a pressurized chemical vat, or as an pressure, the spring cavity faces out See illustration on Page 44.
external seal like in a vacuum chamber
Internal Pressure Gland Design
Face seal glands are similar to O-ring glands. The inner wall of the internal face seal gland and the outer
wall of the external face seal gland are not required to retain the seal. The spring energized PTFE face
Extrusion
causeseal maintainsgap
an extrusion its own shape and won’t move out of its gland.
Gap
Rod Gland Piston Gland Fluid PressureSurface
Causes Finish
Extrusion Gap
Internal Pressure External Pressure The typical surface finish for a static face seal gland is 16 – 32 µin Ra. A smoother finish may be needed
when sealing light gases or cryogenic fluids, or in dynamic service. See Table 7 on Page 26
Applications
cause
— The spring energized PTFE face seal’s advantages over conventional an extrusion
elastomeric sealsgap
make it ideal
Recommended Applications forapplications
for many FlexiSeal including:
Rod and Piston Springs
Piston Gland Fluid Pressure Causes Extrusion Gap
V Series • ChemicalCVats
Series Pressure H Series • Quick Disconnects
External
reciprocating
reciprocating rod and • Dynamic Rotaryrod andExcluders
Dust static rod and piston • Scroll Compressors
piston piston
• Pressurized Beverage Containers • Vacuum Chambers
wide tolerance and wide tolerance and very slow dynamic
misaligned glands misaligned glands seals (< 150 sfpm)
Applications for FlexiSeal Rod and Piston Springs
(static) (static) 44 45
applications where
Extrusion Gap Seal Material

In face seal hardware, the extrusion gap is usually zero. It can be as much as 0.003 inches without In static service, face-seal material selection is influenced by chemical compatibility, temperature range,
affecting the seal’s rated pressure. When the lifting force due to fluid pressure exceeds the holding force and ability of the material to conform to the mating surface. For light-duty service, use lightly-filled
of the vessel’s flange bolts, the top of the gland can separate from the cylinder, increasing the extrusion materials such as Carbon Filled PTFE. For heavy-duty service (high pressure, temperature or speed) use
gap. In such applications, a separate backup ring is recommended to fill the gap. Carbon Graphite or a similar moderately-filled compound.
In dynamic applications — rotary, indexing, sliding, or oscillatory — friction and wear are important
concerns. The spring load and jacket-material selections are based on the same criteria as for dynamic
Extrusion rod and piston seals; that is select a wear-resistant blend in accordance with your operating pressure,
Gap
temperature, surface speed, and friction requirements. Refer to the Material Considerations Section on
Pages 32-37.
Internal Pressure
Design Selection
cause an extrusion gap Complete the Following Steps to Select a Face Seal Design.
Fluid Pressure Causes Extrusion Gap hoose a seal design category based on the type of spring used — V Series with cantilever spring, C
1. C
External Pressure Spring Load Series with canted-coil spring, or H Series with helical ribbon spring. For details on the different spring
types and seal design concepts, refer to Pages 3-9.
For static sealing, use a medium or heavy spring load. In dynamic service the medium load is usually
preferred. In cryogenic service the seal material becomes harder and does not conform to the mating 2. To select the seal cross-section and diameter consult a GFS engineer.
Piston Springs surface as readily; to compensate for the increased hardness of the seal jacket, a heavier spring load 3. Select the jacket and spring materials with reference to Table 3 See Pages 32-37.
H Series should be selected. Light load springs can be used when low closure force is required. The key application considerations for static & intermittent dynamic face seal applications are
od and piston closure force requirements, motion, media abrasiveness and pressure direction. Helical springs are
ow dynamic recommended when the seals are mostly static, while canted-coil springs are recommended for
< 150 sfpm)
dynamic applications.
ations where
ility is critical
46 47
Dynamic Static
Media Being V Series C Series H Series
Surfaces Surfaces
Sealed rotary shafts <100 sfpm rotary shafts <100 sfpm flanged rotary seals
µ inch µm µ inch µm Question? 800.822.4063 Question? 800.822.4063
06 0.15 08 0.2 wide tolerance and misaligned gland wide tolerance and misaligned gland static or very slow dynamic seals
Cryogenics
max. max.0 max. max. (<50 sfpm)
Helium Gas abrasive media (when scraper lip friction critical and very small
Spring Energized Rotary Seals

8 0.2 12 0.3 when sealability is critical
Hydrogen Gas
max. max. max. max. is designated) diameter applications Applications
Freon
dynamic applications to 450 ˚F dynamic applications to 450 ˚F •C applications below -100˚F
ompressors •R
obotics
Air
Nitrogen Gas
Rotary Spring Energized
Argon 12 PTFE0.3 16 the Answer
Seals are 0.4 for •C
ryogenics •R
otary Unions
Natural Gas max. max. max. max.
Many Radial
Fuel Applications
(Aircraft & •F
DA Clean Grade •S
teering Cylinders
Automotive)
The spring energized PTFE seal should be used when • J et Engines •S
wivels
Water
speeds are relatively
Hydraulic Oil low
12 (<1000
0.3 sfpm)
32and pressures
0.8
Crude Oil max. max. max. max. •H
ydraulic Cylinders •V
apor Recovery Systems
are high (up to 10,000 psi). Rotary PTFE lip and case
Sealants
•P
ressure Washers •S
pring Energized v. PTFE Lip Seal
seal profiles should be used when pressures are low and
speeds high. Spring energized PTFE Seals feature either The choice of seals for rotary service includes several of the spring energized PTFE seal designs, plus the
a flanged design or an O-ring on the OD to keep the seal full range of rotary PTFE shaft seals. The PTFE rotary lip seal designs—most of which have no spring
Rotary Application Chamfered ID, O-Ring OD
fixed in the bore as the shaft rotates. The O-ring can Rotary Chamfered
Rotary ID,
Spring Energized
load—have different pressure, speed and PV ratings than the spring energized PTFE seal because of the
either be centered along the OD or be located in the heel Application O-Ring OD Rotary
PTFE Seal
Spring energized major differences in lip loading and seal geometry.
of the seal. Virtually any O-ring material can be supplied
PTFE Seal Spring energized PTFE seal designs operate at higher pressures but slower speeds than the rotary PTFE
with a custom spring energized PTFE seal, but a
lip seal. The spring energized seal is rated to 3000 psi. Its spring load, which contributes to tight sealing,
fluorocarbon material is standard.
also increases seal friction and the level of heat generation; this limits its maximum surface-speed
Some Design Guidelines Include: rating. Rotary PTFE lip seal metal-encased designs come with pressure ratings of 150, 250, and 500
psi. The pressure ratings are limited by the thin sealing element found in all rotary PTFE lip seal designs.
The seal should not rotate in its gland. Seal rotation causes inconsistent torque, increased wear, and
Having no spring load, however, the rotary PTFE lip seal is able to operate at higher surface speeds than
leakage past the seal OD.
the spring energized PTFE seal.
The potential leak-path at the seal OD should be eliminated. Since the housing generally has a rougher
finish than the shaft, it is not the optimum seal-contact surface. Better sealing and longer wear life are
easier to attain when the shaft is the only dynamic-contact surface.
Spring loads in rotary seals should be limited to just the amount needed for good sealing and no more,
to prevent unnecessary friction and wear.
48 49
Choosing the Right Design PV Limit

• Pressure • Shaft Hardness The PV limit of a material indicates the highest combination of speed and pressure at which normal or
• Shaft Velocity • Shaft Surface Finish mild wear may be expected. When the PV limit is exceeded, the seal material experiences a transition
from a mild-wear to a severe-wear condition. The actual PV limit of a seal may vary depending on
• Lubrication • Different Spring Choices
service conditions other than speed or pressure—such as lubrication, mating-surface finish, and
• Shaft Misalignment • Lip Shapes operating temperature. At higher temperatures, the pressure rating and PV limit are reduced and the
• Shaft Runout • Shaft Lead wear rate is increased. The presence of a coolant will reduce seal wear in high-PV applications.
Hardware Design Lubrication
A gland style should be selected with the purpose of easing seal installation. Rotary spring energized While spring energized PTFE seals made of PTFE have a natural lubricity and can be used in unlubricated
PTFE seal designs are typically installed in split (two-piece) glands. A few designs—those with no applications, a film of lubricant between the seal lip and the shaft reduces seal wear and frictional heat
metal-encasement and without a flange—can often be installed in stepped glands. Solid (one-piece) generation, makes higher surface speeds possible, and helps prevent the seal from wearing a groove in
glands are not recommended, but may need to be used on occasion. These basic gland styles are the shaft.
illustrated on Pages 18-25.
Shaft Misalignment and Runout
Pressure and Shaft Velocity Applications with rotating shafts may develop problems associated with shaft misalignment. Because
Unlike reciprocating applications, seals ride on a rotating shaft in only one small area where dynamic rotary spring energized PTFE seals are spring-loaded, they normally handle runout and eccentricity
forces and energy are concentrated. better than rotary PTFE lip and rotary PTFE case seals.
A primary consideration in rotary seal selection is the Pressure-Velocity (PV) value for the application. PV
is the product of media pressure (in psi) and the velocity of the shaft in surface-feet per minute (sfpm).
Sfpm = shaft rpm x pi x shaft diameter in inches ÷ 12. For example, a 2.500 inch shaft turning at 3000
rpm has a surface speed of 1963 sfpm. At 50 psi, the PV for the application is 98,174. This pressure is
considered low for the spring energized PTFE seal, while the speed is considered moderate.
50 51
Shaft Hardness and Surface Finish Surface Roughness

Table 10: a
Surface Roughness a Lip Shapes
Recommended Applications for FlexiSeal Rotary Springs
It is critical to match the right surface roughness with Dynamic Static Rotary
V Seriesspring energized PTFE sealC Series
profiles can be optimized by changing
H Series their lip shapes. Chamfered lips
Media Being Surfaces Surfaces
the media being sealed, especially when the surface is Sealed rotarymaximize
shafts <100sealability
sfpm while minimizing friction.
rotary shafts <100 sfpmScraper lips prevent particles
flanged rotary seals from accumulating at the
µ inch µm µ inch µm
hardened and the original finish will take some time to 06 0.15 08 0.2 lip, which makes wash-downs more effective. static or very slow dynamic seals
Cryogenics wide tolerance and misaligned gland wide tolerance and misaligned gland
break in. max. max.0 max. max. (<50 sfpm)
Helium Gas
8 0.2 12 0.3 abrasive Shaft Machine
media (when scraperLead
lip friction critical and very small when sealability is critical
Hydrogen Gas is designated) diameter applications
Spring Choices Freon max. max. max. max.
To avoid pumping fluid under
dynamic applications to 450 ˚F
the seal lip, the lead from machining
dynamic applications to 450 ˚F
needs to be kept to less than
applications below -100˚F
Air 0.05 degrees.
Rotary spring energized PTFE seals are available with Nitrogen Gas
two different spring designs to energize the jacket: Argon 12 0.3 16 0.4
Natural Gas max. max. max. max. Rotary Seal Selection
V-shaped cantilever springs (V Series) and cantedcoil Fuel (Aircraft &
Automotive) The first step in selecting a rotary seal is to decide between the spring-energized PTFE seal design and
springs (C Series).
Water
the rotary PTFE shaft seal, based on their PV limits. The best choice for your application depends on
Avoid heavy spring loads in rotary service unless the Hydraulic Oil 12 0.3 32 0.8
Crude Oil max. max. max. max. whether high surface speed or high media pressure is the more important concern. Some guidelines for
shaft speed is very slow. Do not specify helical spring Sealants
selection are as follows:
in a rotary application. Canted coil spring is often
preferred over cantilever beam spring in rotary service, • If the fluid pressure exceeds 500 psi, select a spring energized PTFE seal since it is primarily intended
because its load and resultant friction values can be Rotaryfor higher pressures
Application withID,
Chamfered lower
O-Ringshaft
OD speeds.
Rotary Spring Energized
very closely controlled. • If the pressure is underPTFE
500Seal
psi and the speed exceeds 100 surface feet per minute, consider one of
the rotary PTFE lip seal designs first.
e Roughnessa
Recommended
Table Applications
9: Recommended for FlexiSeal
Application for SpringRotary Springs
Energized PTFE Rotary Springs • If operating pressure, shaft speed, or PV exceeds recommended limits, consult the factory for
Dynamic Static V Series C Series H Series
further advice.
a Being Surfaces Surfaces
ealed rotary shafts <100 sfpm rotary shafts <100 sfpm flanged rotary seals
µ inch µm µ inch µm
06 0.15 08 0.2 wide tolerance and misaligned gland wide tolerance and misaligned gland static or very slow dynamic seals
enics
max. max.0 max. max. (<50 sfpm)
m Gas abrasive media (when scraper lip friction critical and very small
gen Gas 8 0.2 12 0.3 when sealability is critical
max. max. max. max. is designated) diameter applications
dynamic applications to 450 ˚F dynamic applications to 450 ˚F applications below -100˚F
en Gas
12 0.3 16 0.4
al Gas max. max. max. max. 52 53
ircraft &
Brought to you by
Gallagher Fluid Seals, Inc.

500 Hertzog Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: (800) 822-4063
Fax: (888) 280-4235

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Spring Energized

Spring-Energized Seals Content

Surface Finish and Hardness................................................................................................................................... 26

Rod and Piston Seals.................................................................................................................................................. 38

Spring Energized Rotary Seals................................................................................................................................. 48

What is a Spring Energized PTFE Seal Spring Energized PTFE Seal

and How Does it Work?

Table 1 - Comparison of General Seal Properties

Cantilever Springs V Series — Cantilever Table 2:2-1.

Helical Springs H Series — Helical Features

Operating Conditions Media to be Sealed Hardware Design Seal Performance

­­— Lubrication ­­— Acids ­­— Dynamic alignment ­­— Compatibility

­­— Type of motion ­­— Oils ­­— Sideloading ­­— Other

­­— Duty cycle ­­— Greases ­­— Other

Gland Terminology Two-Piece Gland Installation

Heel First Seal Installation

Rod Seal Piston Seal Gland

Piston Seals – Suitable for Solid Grooves

Cross-Section Size Minimum Rod Diameter

Place on Guide Ramp

Piston Seal Installation in Solid Gland

Surface Finish & Hardness

3.0 Cryogenics 6 max 0.15 max 8 max 0.2 max

Question? 800.822.4063 Question? 800.822.4063

Pressure Chamfered Lips

Scraper Lips Scraper Lips

Question? 800.822.4063 Question? 800.822.4063

Scraper Lips Beaded Lips

Abrasive Media Additional Material

Beaded Lips Beaded Lips

Beaded Lips Beaded Lips

Material Considerations Dry Running Capability

Low Friction High Surface Speeds

PTFE Material Offerings Fiberglass Filled

Features of Other Machinable Plastics Polychlorotriflouroethylene (PCTFE) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Rod and Piston Seals Hardware Configuration and Installation

Spring Choices Temperature

Seal Length Cross Section and Diameter

Pressure and E-Gap Cross Section and Diameter Recommendations

Lubrication and Coolant

Extrusion Gap Seal Material

Spring Energized Rotary Seals

Choosing the Right Design PV Limit

Hardware Design Lubrication

Shaft Hardness and Surface Finish Surface Roughness

Gallagher Fluid Seals, Inc.

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen

— Lubrication — Acids — Dynamic alignment — Compatibility

— Type of motion — Oils — Sideloading — Other

— Duty cycle — Greases — Other

Hardware Design Lubrication