Inflatable Seal FAQ & Design Guide

Inflatable seals offer several significant advantages over conventional static seals:

• On-demand activation: Only engage when sealing is needed, reducing wear during non-sealed states
• Gap accommodation: Can seal across larger gaps and tolerances than static seals
• Surface irregularity compensation: Conform to uneven surfaces and minor misalignments
• Reduced friction: Minimal contact when deflated, allowing doors/hatches to open without dragging across seal surfaces
• Multiple sealing directions: Available in designs that expand axially, radially, or in multiple directions
• Greater pressure capabilities: Can create higher sealing forces than static seals of similar size
• Space efficiency: Can achieve larger sealing areas while occupying less space in the deflated state

Inflatable seals are versatile sealing solutions used across numerous industries, including:

• Pharmaceutical & Medical: Sterilization chambers, containment systems, isolation units
• Food & Beverage: Processing equipment, mixing vessels, ovens, freezers
• Aerospace: Aircraft doors, cargo hatches, test chambers, pressurized compartments
• Automotive: Paint booths, assembly fixtures, test equipment
• Nuclear: Containment systems, glove boxes, transfer chambers
• Marine: Watertight doors, hatches, dock seals
• Defense: Military vehicles, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection systems
• Industrial: Processing equipment, autoclaves, ovens, freeze dryers
• Transportation: Railway doors, bus doors, specialized vehicle seals
• Semiconductor: Process equipment, vacuum chambers, clean rooms

Common applications include sealing doors, hatches, chambers, lids, covers, windows, viewports, and any scenario requiring a reliable, controllable seal with minimal friction during opening and closing operations.

We offer inflatable seals in several elastomer materials, each with specific properties suited to different applications:

• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Excellent weather, ozone, and UV resistance. Temperature range of -40°C to +150°C. Good for outdoor applications and water/steam exposure. Not recommended for petroleum-based fluids.
• Silicone: Superior temperature resistance from -60°C to +230°C. Excellent compression set resistance and flexibility at low temperatures. FDA-compliant grades available for food/pharmaceutical applications. Lower tear strength than other elastomers.
• FKM/Viton®: Outstanding chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals. Temperature range of -20°C to +200°C. Excellent for applications with hydrocarbon exposure. More expensive than other options.
• NBR (Nitrile): Good oil and fuel resistance. Temperature range of -30°C to +100°C. Cost-effective option for petroleum environments. Limited ozone and weather resistance.

Custom material compounds are also available for specialized applications with unique environmental challenges.

When specifying an inflatable seal, several critical design factors must be considered:

• Pressure Requirements: Both the operating pressure the seal must withstand and the inflation pressure needed for effective sealing. This critical balance determines material thickness and reinforcement needs.
• Media Compatibility: Exposure to chemicals, gases, or abrasive substances requires careful material selection to prevent degradation. We match elastomer properties to your specific media to ensure long-term seal integrity and performance.
• Temperature Range: Extreme temperatures can significantly impact elastomer performance. We select materials specifically rated for your operating temperature range, from cryogenic applications to high-heat environments.
• Duty Cycle: The frequency of inflation/deflation cycles affects seal durability. Our designs account for your specific operational patterns, incorporating reinforcement and material selections that withstand repeated flexing.
• Industry Standards: Different industries have unique requirements and compliance standards. Our designs adhere to relevant regulations for sectors including food processing, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and heavy industrial applications.
• Certification Requirements: When necessary, we design seals to meet specific certifications such as FDA compliance, USP Class VI, ATEX, or industry-specific standards, with complete documentation for your quality assurance needs.
• Mounting Configuration: How the seal will be attached to your equipment affects the seal profile design and installation method.
• Inflation System: The type of control system (manual, automated, or integrated) affects connector design and response times.

The geometry of your inflatable seal significantly impacts its performance. We offer various profile configurations to address different sealing challenges:

• Circular Seals: Ideal for cylindrical applications such as pipe connections, valve seals, and rotary equipment. Circular seals provide consistent sealing force around curved surfaces with uniform expansion characteristics.
• Rectangular Seals: Perfect for doors, hatches, and access panels where a defined rectangular sealing area is required. Our corner design ensures proper inflation and sealing even at sharp transitions.
• Custom Geometries: For unique applications with non-standard shapes, we design and manufacture custom profiles that conform precisely to your specific requirements, ensuring optimal sealing performance.

The selection of the appropriate seal shape depends on your specific application requirements, including the geometry of the sealing area, space constraints, and operational parameters.

The optimal material for your inflatable seal depends on your specific application requirements. Here are the key materials we offer and their advantages:

• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV exposure. Ideal for outdoor applications and water sealing with temperature range from -40°C to +150°C. Not recommended for petroleum-based fluids.
• NBR (Nitrile): Superior resistance to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons. Perfect for applications in oil and gas, automotive, and industrial machinery with operating temperatures from -30°C to +100°C.
• Silicone: FDA-compliant for food and pharmaceutical applications. Excellent temperature range from -60°C to +230°C with outstanding flexibility at low temperatures. Lower tear strength compared to other elastomers.
• FKM (Viton®): Exceptional chemical resistance with excellent high temperature performance up to 200°C. Ideal for aggressive chemical environments and high-temperature applications. Premium option at higher cost point.

Our engineering team evaluates your specific operating environment, chemical exposure, temperature range, and performance requirements to recommend the optimal material for your application.

Yes, we offer several FDA-compliant and food-grade material options for applications in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical industries:

• Silicone (FDA Grade): Our most popular food-grade material, compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and suitable for direct food contact. Available in white, clear, or colored compounds.
• EPDM (FDA Grade): Special FDA-compliant compounds available for applications requiring water or steam exposure.
• Special Compounds: We can formulate custom elastomer compounds to meet specific regulatory requirements including USP Class VI, 3-A Sanitary Standards, and EU food contact regulations.

All our food-grade materials are manufactured in controlled environments and fully documented to support your compliance requirements.

Inflatable seals can be installed using several mounting methods, depending on your application requirements:

• Retaining Plate Installation: The seal is secured using metal or plastic retaining plates, creating a robust mechanical attachment suitable for high-pressure applications.
• Adhesive Mounting: Special adhesive systems can be used for applications where mechanical fastening is difficult or not possible.
• Channel Mounting: The seal is designed to fit into a specially designed channel, allowing for easy installation and replacement.
• Custom Mounting Solutions: For unique applications, we develop custom mounting configurations suited to your specific equipment design.

Each installation method offers different advantages in terms of accessibility, seal performance, and maintenance. Our engineers will recommend the optimal installation approach based on your equipment design and operational requirements.

We offer several inflation system options to control your inflatable seals:

• Manual Systems: Simple hand pumps or manual valves for applications where automatic operation is not required.
• Pneumatic Control Systems: Automated systems using compressed air with precision regulators, filters, and control valves to maintain optimal seal pressure.
• Electronic Control Integration: Advanced systems that integrate with your equipment's PLC or control system for synchronized operation with other machine functions.
• Pressure Monitoring: Optional pressure monitoring systems to provide feedback and ensure seal integrity during operation.

The selection of an appropriate inflation system depends on your operational requirements, cycle frequency, response time needs, and available utilities. Our engineers can design a complete inflation system tailored to your specific application.

Proper maintenance of inflatable seals ensures optimal performance and extended service life:

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect seals for signs of wear, cracking, or damage, particularly at corners and connection points.
• Cleaning: Clean seals using mild soap and water or appropriate cleaning agents compatible with the seal material. Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the elastomer.
• Lubrication: For some applications, applying a thin coat of compatible lubricant can reduce friction and extend seal life.
• Pressure Testing: Regularly verify that seals maintain pressure without leakage, which could indicate damage or connection issues.
• Air Supply Maintenance: Ensure air filters and regulators are functioning properly to prevent contamination or pressure fluctuations.

Common troubleshooting issues include slow inflation (check for air restrictions), uneven inflation (inspect for kinks or blockages), and pressure loss (examine for damage or leaks at connections). Our technical support team is available to assist with specific maintenance or troubleshooting challenges.