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Cartridge seal uses high-performance polymer

A Victrex USA product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 29, 2002

When Damar was designing chopper seals for mixing and blending equipment, it chose Peek polymer for the seal faces because of its ability to withstand the frictional heat buildup in high speed mixing

When Damar, of Cherry Hill, NJ, a manufacturer of sealing technologies, was designing its CinchSeal chopper seals used in mixing and blending equipment, it chose Peek polymer for the seal faces because of its ability to withstand the frictional heat buildup inherent in high speed mixing applications.

"The CinchSeal is a self-contained cartridge seal designed to prevent leakage of powdered solids into the environment," explains David Pitchko, President of Damar "The module is designed so that the Peek polymer seal faces rotate against the 316 stainless steel housing of the cartridge.

They do not seal directly to the shaft.

The concept is to transfer the seal interface from the shaft to a larger, self-lubricating and self-cleaning interface provided by the cartridge plates and rotor washers instead of grabbing the rotating shaft with mechanical packing which is customary.

Because the seal floats the rotor against the stainless steel stator, it accommodates shaft eccentricity and vibration without interrupting the seal or causing undue wear on the interface.

The advantage of the design is that it eliminates the problem of shaft damage which is inherent with using mechanical packing." During the design phase, Damar tested a number of materials for the seal faces.

"None of them had the high temperature capabilities or the surface travelling capabilities of Peek polymer," says Pitchko.

"Both are essential in high speed applications because the frictional heat buildup that comes from 3600 rpm can destroy most plastics.

When PTFE braided packing is used in these high-speed applications, the slightest tightening will cause the packing to plasticize and burn." Chemical resistance is also an important property requirement.

"It is essential that the seal materials be compatible with most of the powdered solids on the market," says Pitchko.

"Because Peek polymer is inert to the majority of chemicals, it can handle virtually all the materials being processed.

In addition, it meets the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food contact applications which is important as mixers and blenders are widely used in the food processing industry." The CinchSeal is designed specifically for the chopper area of a mixer or blender.

"The chopper area is positioned at a 45deg angle headed downwards so there is a tendency for the material to build up and go down the shaft and leak," says Pitchko.

"Because the seal prevents leakage there is no wasted product - and nothing to foul the bearings or contaminate the processing areas.

No leakage means enhanced life for the rotating equipment and reduced maintenance because there are no clean-up requirements.".

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