Seal Design Analysis

Analysis of the seal application is crucial to the understanding of possible failure. Most seal design is performed by component suppliers and equipment manufacturers. The designs are refined as experience is gained. As quickly as process technology changes, however, the experience gained with seal design may not be relevant to the latest process technology. Vacuum applications have historically relied on high levels of compression and gland fill to reduce permeation and trapped gases. These techniques, when applied to new materials, or at higher operating temperatures, can result in premature seal failure.

The seal design and application can provide information about the cause of failure:

Static Seals -
axial and radial, confined or unconfined
Dynamic Seals -
axial (open-close) or radial (reciprocating or rotary)
Sealing Gland Dimensions -
shape (square, trapezoidal, etc.)
compression
gland
fill
stretch
Installation Procedures -
stretch

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