by Brandon Pascual Brandon Pascual 1 Comment

Seals in Space: The Unsung Heroes of Rocketry

The quest for the cosmos is a testament to human ingenuity and determination. As we propel ourselves into the vast expanse of space, the intricate dance of technology and nature becomes ever more critical. One such marvel of engineering, often overlooked, is the role of seals in rocket engines and spacecraft. These small yet mighty components are vital for ensuring the success and safety of space missions.

The Silent Guardians of Rocket Propulsion

Rocket propulsion systems rely on the flawless separation of propellants until the moment of ignition. This separation is crucial, especially when dealing with hypergolic bi-propellants like RP-1 (highly refined kerosene) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX), which ignite spontaneously upon contact. Seals act as the guardians, preventing premature mixing and ensuring that each stage of the propulsion process occurs without incident.

However, the challenges faced by these seals are formidable. The cryogenic nature of LOX requires materials that can withstand extremely low temperatures. Traditional elastomers, commonly used in sealing applications, fall short of the necessary performance at such cryogenic conditions. This necessitates the use of advanced materials and innovative designs.

Hypergolic propellants, while efficient, introduce another layer of complexity. These substances are highly reactive and can ignite on contact, meaning any leak or failure in the seals could result in catastrophic consequences. Therefore, seals must be engineered to maintain their integrity under these extreme conditions, providing an unyielding barrier that ensures the safe handling of these volatile compounds.

Navigating the Extremes: Temperature and Pressure

Seals in rocket engines are exposed to a wide range of temperatures and pressures, from the cryogenic storage of LOX at temperatures as low as -450°F to the blistering heat of 4,000°F in the main combustion chamber. They must maintain their integrity and functionality across these extremes, ensuring no leaks or failures occur.

To put this into perspective, consider the temperature fluctuations a seal must endure during a typical rocket launch. Initially, the seals must function at cryogenic temperatures, ensuring the propellants remain securely stored. As the rocket ignites and propellants are fed into the combustion chamber, the seals are suddenly subjected to extreme heat and pressure. This rapid change can cause thermal expansion and contraction, which must be accounted for in the seal’s design to prevent material fatigue and failure.

The journey of propellants through the various stages of a rocket – from tanks to turbopump assemblies, compressors, pumps, ducts, joints, manifolds, and valves – exposes seals to different states of matter, pressures, and temperatures. Each stage requires seals to adapt and perform consistently, making their reliability paramount. This is where advanced materials like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), and specialized elastomers come into play, providing the necessary resilience and flexibility to handle these demanding conditions.

Balancing Weight and Cost

In the aerospace industry, every gram counts. The weight of a rocket is directly proportional to the fuel required for launch, impacting the payload capacity and, ultimately, the commercial viability of the mission. Seals must therefore be lightweight yet robust, made from materials that offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios.

Spring Energized PTFE Seal

Advanced sealing materials like PTFE and PEEK are favored not only for their durability but also for their lightweight properties. PTFE, known for its low friction and high resistance to chemicals and temperature extremes, is often used in applications where traditional materials would fail. PEEK, on the other hand, offers exceptional mechanical strength and can withstand high pressures and temperatures, making it ideal for critical sealing applications in rocket engines.

Cost is another critical factor. Advanced sealing solutions, while more expensive, provide higher reliability and performance. The choice of materials, whether PTFE, PEEK, or specialized elastomers, and the type of seal, such as spring-energized encapsulated seals, play a significant role in the overall cost. Custom solutions tailored to specific requirements further drive up costs, but the investment is justified by the enhanced safety and reliability they offer.

The Art of Specifying and Designing Seals

Designing seals for rocket engines involves a meticulous consideration of various factors. The seals must withstand thermal cycling, maintain cleanliness, ensure chemical compatibility, and exhibit low friction and wear. The surface finish of glands, grooves, and the seal jacket must be flawless to prevent any points of failure.

Thermal cycling, the repeated heating and cooling cycles that seals undergo during a mission, can cause material degradation over time. Engineers must select materials that not only withstand these cycles but also maintain their sealing properties. Cleanliness is another critical factor, as any contamination can compromise the seal’s effectiveness and potentially cause leaks.

Chemical compatibility is essential, especially when dealing with aggressive propellants like LOX and RP-1. The seals must resist chemical attack and degradation, ensuring they maintain their integrity throughout the mission. Low friction and wear properties are equally important, as they reduce the risk of seal damage during the dynamic operations of the rocket.

Internal Links:

A Glimpse into the Future

As space exploration evolves, the demands on sealing technology will continue to grow. The development of reusable rockets, new propellant combinations, and extended missions into deeper space will require even more advanced and resilient seals. The pursuit of these innovations is not just about enhancing performance but also about ensuring the safety and success of every mission.

Reusable rockets, such as those being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, present unique challenges for sealing technology. The seals must not only perform flawlessly during multiple launches and re-entries but also endure the rigors of refurbishment and reuse. This requires seals that can maintain their properties over extended periods and through numerous thermal cycles.

New propellant combinations, including methane-based propellants, introduce additional complexities. Methane, while offering advantages in terms of performance and availability, can pose different challenges for seals compared to traditional RP-1 and LOX. Engineers must develop seals that are compatible with these new propellants, ensuring they provide the same level of reliability and safety.

Extended missions into deeper space, such as those planned for Mars and beyond, will push the limits of sealing technology. The seals must withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum, while maintaining their sealing properties over long durations. This will drive the development of new materials and designs that can meet these unprecedented challenges.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of space exploration, seals may seem like minor players, but their role is nothing short of heroic. They stand as the unsung guardians, ensuring that each component of a rocket operates flawlessly, propelling humanity toward new frontiers. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the technology behind these seals will remain a cornerstone of our journey to the stars.

by Brandon Pascual Brandon Pascual 1 Comment

🚀Advanced Seals for Cryogenic Hypergolic Bipropellants

At Advanced EMC Technologies, we push the boundaries of engineering. Our goal is to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the aerospace industry. In this blog post, we highlight our new advancement: specialized seals for cryogenic hypergolic bipropellants. Join us as we explore this innovation, its challenges, and its impact on rocket engine performance.

The Critical Role of Our Rocket Engine Seals

Rocket propulsion systems are crucial for space exploration. The performance and safety of these systems depend on their components. Rocket engine seals are among these critical components. Our seals, designed for cryogenic hypergolic bipropellants, ensure the system operates safely and efficiently under extreme conditions.

Importance in the Industry

Rocket engine seals maintain the integrity of the propulsion system. They prevent leaks and ensure efficient fuel usage. These seals must endure extreme temperatures, chemical reactions, and pressure changes. Our seals meet these requirements, making them essential for successful space missions.

Famous Seal Disasters in History: Space Shuttle Challenger

Overcoming Significant Challenges with Precision

Developing seals for cryogenic hypergolic bipropellants involves several challenges. Here, we explore these hurdles and how our engineering solutions overcome them.

Extreme Temperatures

Cryogenic fuels, like liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, operate at very low temperatures. Traditional materials can become brittle and fail. This compromises the entire propulsion system.

Advanced Material Engineering

To solve this, we use advanced polymers and composites. These materials stay flexible and maintain integrity at cryogenic temperatures. For instance, we use fluoroelastomers and perfluoroelastomers. These materials perform well in low temperatures and ensure that the seals do not crack.

Case Study: Low-Temperature Testing

In our testing facilities, we subject seals to cryogenic temperatures. We simulate real-world conditions by submerging seals in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Our seals maintain flexibility and sealing capabilities, proving their suitability for cryogenic applications.

Chemical Reactivity

Hypergolic bipropellants ignite upon contact. This requires seals that resist chemical reactions. Seals must prevent any interaction between the propellants and the seal materials to avoid failures.

Material Formulation

Our seals are made of materials that withstand corrosion and maintain a secure seal. For example, we use PTFE and other fluoropolymers. These materials do not react with hypergolic bipropellants, ensuring a stable seal.

Case Study: Chemical Exposure Testing

We expose our seals to hypergolic bipropellants like hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Our seals resist chemical degradation and maintain their performance. This test confirms their chemical compatibility with hypergolic bipropellants.

Pressure Variability

Rocket engines experience pressure changes from the vacuum of space to high-pressure combustion. Seals must perform reliably under these conditions to keep the propulsion system secure.

Design and Engineering

Our seals withstand both high and low pressures. We use innovative designs and materials. We also use finite element analysis (FEA) to model seal behavior under pressure. This ensures they can handle the stresses during a mission.

For more insights into the critical role of seals in space missions, check out this detailed Q&A with Pat Dunlap and Bruce Steinetz from NASA’s Glenn Research Center. They discuss the development of robust seals for the NASA Docking System, used in the historic SpaceX Crew Dragon mission. This article provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations involved in creating seals that ensure the safety and efficiency of space missions.

Read more: Sealed with Care – A Q&A with NASA’s Glenn Research Center

Polymer Seals and How They Are Used in Space

Remarkable Achievements in Engineering by Advanced EMC Technologies

At Advanced EMC Technologies, our commitment to innovation leads to significant advancements in seal development. Here, we discuss the achievements that set our seals apart.

Advanced Materials

We use cutting-edge polymers and composites known for thermal and chemical resistance. These materials include fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, and PTFE-based compounds.

Material Selection Process

Our material selection process involves evaluating each material’s properties. We consider thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. We work with leading scientists and suppliers to source high-quality materials.

Precision Manufacturing

Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, we ensure each seal is crafted with precision. Our techniques include molding, machining, and extrusion. These processes produce seals with exact specifications.

Manufacturing Techniques

  • Molding: Compression and injection molding produce seals with complex geometries and precise dimensions.
  • Machining: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining achieves unparalleled precision for intricate features.
  • Extrusion: Extrusion processes manufacture long, uniform seals.

Comprehensive Testing

Our rigorous testing protocols validate seal performance. We test for cryogenic temperatures, chemical exposure, and pressure cycling. This ensures our seals meet high standards of reliability and safety.

Testing Protocols

  • Cryogenic Testing: Seals are subjected to extreme cold to ensure flexibility and performance.
  • Chemical Exposure Testing: Seals face hypergolic bipropellants to evaluate corrosion resistance.
  • Pressure Cycling Testing: Seals undergo repeated pressure cycles to simulate real-world conditions.
Spring-Energized Seals for Spaceflight

Transforming Rocket Engine Performance

Our advanced seals transform rocket engine performance. Here, we explore the specific benefits and improvements our seals bring.

Enhanced Safety

Our seals prevent leaks and failures, contributing to overall propulsion system safety. This protects both the mission and personnel.

Safety Case Study

Our seals were used in a mission-critical rocket launch. They performed flawlessly, preventing leaks and ensuring mission success. This case highlights the importance of reliable seals in rocket propulsion systems.

Optimized Efficiency

Secure seals ensure efficient fuel usage, enhancing engine efficiency and optimizing fuel consumption. This is crucial for long-duration missions.

Efficiency Improvement Analysis

Our seals improve fuel efficiency by reducing leaks and ensuring optimal combustion. This leads to longer missions and greater payload capacities, benefiting space exploration and satellite deployment.

Unmatched Reliability

Our seals offer unprecedented reliability, enabling more ambitious missions. Reduced failure risk opens new possibilities for exploration and technology deployment.

Reliability Metrics

  • Longevity: Our seals have long lifespans, reducing the need for replacements.
  • Consistency: Our seals perform consistently over multiple missions, ensuring reliability.
Seals for Space Vehicle Propulsion Systems

The Future of Aerospace Propulsion with Advanced EMC Technologies

Looking ahead, robust, reliable, and efficient propulsion systems are crucial. Our advanced rocket engine seals reflect our pursuit of excellence and innovation in aerospace.

Vision for the Future

We aim to continuously improve and innovate seal technology. Our vision supports ambitious missions like deep space exploration, lunar bases, and interplanetary travel.

Research and Development Initiatives

We invest in research and development to explore new materials and designs. We collaborate with leading institutions and industry partners to stay at the forefront of seal technology.

Commitment to Quality

Quality is at our core. Every seal we produce meets high standards of performance, reliability, and safety. We follow strict quality control measures and constantly seek to improve our processes and products.

Famous Seal Disasters in History: Space Shuttle Challenger

Conclusion

The development of our advanced rocket engine seals showcases Advanced EMC Technologies’ commitment to excellence and innovation. Our pioneering work advances current capabilities and sets the stage for future explorations.

by Denise Sullivan Denise Sullivan No Comments

Cryogenic Sealants: Exploring the Expansion Ratio of Liquid Nitrogen at Liquid Nitrogen Temperature (Kelvin)

Cryogenics is a field that deals with extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius or 123 Kelvin. One of the most commonly used cryogenic fluids is liquid nitrogen, which has a boiling point of -196 degrees Celsius or 77 Kelvin. When working with cryogenic systems, it is essential to understand the behavior of materials at such low temperatures. In this article, we will explore the expansion ratio of liquid nitrogen at its boiling temperature and discuss the importance of using appropriate sealants in cryogenic applications.

cryogenic sealant

Understanding Liquid Nitrogen and Its Properties

Liquid nitrogen is a colorless and odorless cryogenic fluid with numerous industrial and scientific applications. It is commonly used for freezing food, preserving biological samples, cooling electronics, and conducting experiments in various fields.

At atmospheric pressure, liquid nitrogen boils at -196 degrees Celsius (-321 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, it undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas. This transition results in a significant increase in volume due to expansion. Understanding this expansion ratio is crucial when designing systems that handle or store liquid nitrogen.

The Expansion Ratio of Liquid Nitrogen

The expansion ratio refers to the change in volume when a substance transitions from its liquid state to its gaseous state. For gases such as oxygen or helium, which exist as gases even at room temperature and pressure, there might be minimal changes in volume upon further cooling.

However, there can be substantial changes in volume during phase transition for substances like liquid nitrogen that boil well below room temperature while maintaining their gaseous form under standard conditions (boiling point above room temperature).

When liquid nitrogen boils at -196 degrees Celsius (-321 degrees Fahrenheit), it expands by approximately 696 times its original volume! One liter (1000 milliliters) of liquid nitrogen will convert into around 696 liters of gaseous nitrogen at the same temperature and pressure. The expansion ratio is influenced by various factors such as pressure, temperature, and the specific properties of the substance.

Importance of Cryogenic Sealants

In cryogenic applications, it is vital to prevent leaks or seepage that could compromise the integrity or efficiency of a system. Cryogenic sealants are crucial in providing effective sealing solutions that withstand extreme temperatures and maintain a secure barrier for cryogenic fluids.

Sealants used in cryogenics must possess specific properties to ensure efficient performance. These properties include low-temperature flexibility, resistance to thermal cycling, minimal outgassing (release of trapped gases), compatibility with different materials commonly used in cryogenic systems (such as metals and elastomers), and resistance to cryogenic fluids like liquid nitrogen.

The expansion ratio discussed earlier highlights why choosing an appropriate sealant is essential. The significant volume increase during phase transition means that any sealant used must be able to accommodate this expansion without compromising its sealing capability or causing damage to the surrounding components.

Factors Affecting Sealant Performance in Cryogenic Applications

Several factors can influence the performance of sealants in cryogenic applications. These include:

  1. Temperature: As mentioned earlier, temperatures well below room temperature are typical in cryogenics. Sealants must retain their flexibility and sealing capability even at extremely low temperatures.
  2. Thermal Cycling: Cryogenic systems often undergo thermal cycling, where they experience repeated cycles of cooling and warming due to operational requirements or environmental conditions. Sealants should be able to withstand these temperature fluctuations without degradation.
  3. Cryogenic Fluid Compatibility: Different materials exhibit varying degrees of compatibility with specific cryogens, such as liquid nitrogen. It is crucial to select sealants compatible with the fluid being sealed (liquid nitrogen) and other materials in the system to prevent degradation or failure.
  4. Adhesion: Sealants must adhere well to the surfaces they are sealing, ensuring a tight and durable bond. This is particularly important in cryogenic applications where temperature fluctuations and pressure differentials can significantly stress the sealant.
  5. Outgassing: Outgassing refers to releasing trapped gases from a material, which can cause contamination or affect system performance in specific applications. Cryogenic sealants should exhibit minimal outgassing to maintain system cleanliness.

In conclusion, understanding the expansion ratio of liquid nitrogen at its boiling temperature is essential when designing and operating systems involving this cryogenic fluid. The significant volume increase during phase transition emphasizes the need for specialized cryogenic sealants to accommodate this expansion while maintaining a secure barrier against leaks or seepage. One can ensure efficient sealing performance in cryogenic applications by selecting appropriate sealants with low-temperature flexibility, thermal cycling resistance, compatibility with materials, adhesion properties, and minimal outgassing effects.

by Denise Sullivan Denise Sullivan No Comments

Cryogenic Challenges: How Do Seals Work in Extreme Temperatures

Cryogenics, the science of dealing with extremely low temperatures, presents unique challenges due to the physical and chemical changes in materials under these conditions. One such challenge is sealing cryogenic liquids – a task that can be difficult due to alterations in material properties caused by frigid temperatures.

So, what makes this process so challenging? To answer this question, it’s essential first to understand how temperature affects matter at a molecular level.

cryogenic

How Do Cryogenic Temperatures Affect Seals

Temperature measures the kinetic energy or motion of molecules within any given substance. As temperatures decrease, the movement or vibration of these molecules slows down significantly. This slowing effect on molecular motion can significantly change material characteristics and phase transitions.

Take water, for instance. At 0°C (32°F), water undergoes a critical phase transition from liquid to solid form – we know it as ice. This change affects not only its physical appearance but also its mechanical and thermal properties, such as hardness, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity.

However, beyond the freezing point lies an even colder realm known as cryogenics, which starts at about -150°C (-238°F). Herein lies another central turning point where substances experience further significant shifts in their properties unlike anything observed at higher temperatures.

At around -273°C (-459°F), known colloquially as ‘absolute zero,’ molecular movement ceases entirely, presenting new characteristics for materials exposed to this extreme condition. The Kelvin temperature scale was developed with absolute zero being 0K for scenarios where standard temperature scales become inadequate.

Understanding these dramatic transformations induced by frigid conditions is fundamental when working with cryogenic systems, especially when it comes to sealing cryogenic liquids, which are typically stored at very low temperatures, often near absolute zero, like liquid nitrogen (at -196°C) or liquid helium (at -269°C).

The Cryogenic Sealing Process

The sealing process in cryogenic systems is crucial to prevent leakage of these liquids, which could pose serious safety risks and operational inefficiencies. However, the extreme cold temperatures create challenges that make it difficult to achieve an effective seal.

First, materials commonly used for seals, such as elastomers, metals, and ceramics, often change properties dramatically under cryogenic conditions. For instance, most elastomers harden and lose their elasticity at very low temperatures, making them unable to provide a tight seal. Metals also become brittle, while ceramics may undergo dimensional changes due to thermal contraction.

Additionally, the phase changes that certain substances undergo at these extremely low temperatures can further complicate the sealing process. Sealing gaskets containing water or other substances that freeze could crack or break due to expansion during freezing, compromising the seal’s integrity.

Seal designs also need to consider possible pressure build-ups caused by evaporating cryogenics, which, if not correctly managed, might lead to catastrophic failures like explosions.

Furthermore, another challenge is presented by thermally induced stresses on seals caused by rapid temperature changes during system start-up or shut-down phases known as ‘thermal cycling.’ These stress cycles can lead to repeated flexing, which could eventually cause fatigue failure in seals over time.

Cryogenic Seal Technology

Materials science plays a vital role in overcoming these challenges by developing innovative materials capable of withstanding extreme cold without losing their sealing capabilities. Examples include composites from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) filled with glass fibers or carbon-graphite-based compounds known for maintaining good mechanical strength and flexibility even under severe cold conditions.

In addition, advanced computational modeling techniques are being used extensively today for predicting how different materials will behave under various operating conditions, thus aiding in design optimization processes to minimize potential risks associated with handling cryogenic liquids.

Another important area where technology has made significant strides is non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection, which detect flaws or defects in seal materials that might lead to failure.

In conclusion, while sealing cryogenic liquids is a complex task fraught with numerous challenges due to changes in properties caused by freezing temperatures, continued advancements in science and technology offer promising solutions. Researchers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this fascinating realm of extreme cold, from developing new materials and improved seal designs to employing sophisticated predictive modeling techniques. The future of cryogenics seems bound to continue its trajectory of bringing about even more exciting discoveries and innovations.

by Jackie Johnson Jackie Johnson No Comments

Guide to Cryogenic Seals for Marine Loading Arms

cryogenic seals for marine loading arms

A marine loading arm is a flexible, mechanical arm that assists loading or unloading ships. Typically, they transport petroleum and other chemicals between vessels and containers at the docks. 

Marine loading arms are an alternative to using direct hookups. Like direct connections, you must completely drain the loading arms before breaking off the links by using high-pressure air to blow out traces or stripping the line using a pump.

Due to what these loading arms carry, they can operate at cryogenic temperatures. Choosing the appropriate seals for this use is essential to ensure the safety of operators and machines alike. Let’s look further into cryogenic seals for marine loading arms.

Why Use Cryogenic Temperatures

Some liquids are too volatile to transport naturally. That is why they are cryogenically cooled into their liquid form. Cooling the air to cryogenic temperatures requires a process of compression, cooling, and expansion.

Moving cryogenic liquids instead of gas is safer and less likely to explode or cause a fire in the event of an accident. However, as these liquids are at sub-zero temperatures, you should use protective equipment when handling them.

There are many types of gasses transported using cryogenic temperatures. The most common use of marine loading arms to load onto ships include liquified petroleum gas, natural gas, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid helium. The table below shows the temperatures at which these gasses are transported.

Gas Temperature °C Temperature °F
Liquified Petroleum Gas -48°C -54.4°F
Natural Gas -162°C -259.6°F
Liquid Oxygen -182°C -295.6
Liquid Nitrogen -196°C -320.8°F
Liquid Hydrogen -253°C -423.4°F
Liquid Helium -269°C -452.2°F

Cryogenic Seal For Marine Loading Arms Design Consideration

The most common cryogenic loading arm seals are a polymer material with a metallic energizer. These materials include

  • PTFE
  • PCTFE
  • TFM
  • UHMW PE

PTFE is often the first choice because it is compatible with a wide range of chemicals, has an extremely low coefficient of friction, and is thermally stable. Another valuable material for cryogenic seals is Torlon® Polyamide-imide. Torlon PAI is rigid even at cryogenic temperatures. 

These materials have excellent chemical compatibility, low friction, dry-running, and good dimensional stability. Dimensional changes can be accounted for using a spring-energized seal or sizing the seal by accounting for the plastic’s coefficient of thermal expansion. 

Cryogenic seals made with PTFE and its variants offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent durability, and self-lubricating properties.

What Cryogenic Seals Materials to Avoid

Traditional compression seals are not a viable choice for cryogenic use. Natural rubber, silicone, Buna-N, fluorocarbon, and ethylene-propylene can handle sub-zero temperatures. However, they cannot correctly seal at cryogenic temperatures. Temperatures below -32°C (-25.6°F) cause the rubber to become brittle.

If you use an inappropriate seal, it will eventually fail. Upon failure, the hazardous liquids flowing through the marine loading arm will escape and can be life-threatening. Some dangers include explosion, fire, asphyxiation, or frostbite.

In addition, there will be dimensional changes between when the seal is installed and when it experiences cryogenic operating conditions. You must ensure that the chosen polymer or elastomer doesn’t become brittle at the cryogenic temperatures involved.

Cryogenic Seal Maintenance Considerations

Periodically, cryogenic seals will require maintenance and replacement. Some things to ensure a longer seal life include understanding conditions, knowing what the seal can withstand, and knowing what to look for when it comes to wearing and lubricating.

Understand Conditions 

The conditions in which your marine loading arm works will affect the seals. Temperature, movement, and pressure will eventually cause the seal to wear out and increase leak rates.  If you know and understand the exact conditions where the seals will work, you can pick the suitable material for longer-lasting usage.

Knowing What the Seal Can Withstand

All seals have a limit to what they can withstand. Cryogenic seals can withstand temperatures from -269°C (452.2°F) to 148°C (300°F). They typically resist chemicals, natural gas, petroleum, and liquid nitrogen. They can also withstand high-pressure conditions.

Know What to Look for When It Comes to Wear

All seals wear out. Eventually, cryogenic seals are not excluded. Seals begin to wear on the seal face, causing a leak. You should inspect seals regularly for signs of distress, such as chips and grooves. If there are any indications of wear, then you should replace the seal immediately.

Lubricate

The cryogenic fluids themselves usually make for poor lubricators.  Any added lubricants or even moisture can freeze onto the face of the seal, causing the seal to shatter or, worse yet, the system to lock up and experience catastrophic damage.  However, not using lubrication can result in issues like slip-stick vibration.  

Lubricating cryogenic seals is virtually impossible. As a result, using unfilled polymer materials or a modified material may be the only option.

Best Cryogenic Seals for Marine Loading Arms

Choosing the best cryogenic seals for marine loading arms will depend on what you are transporting. Most cryogenic seals will work in marine loading arms, but some materials work better than others. The most common materials are PTFE, PCTFE, TFM, and UHMW PE.

Advanced EMC offers a wide array of cryogenic seals. If you are interested in purchasing cryogenic seals, contact us today!

FAQ

How do you seal liquid nitrogen?

Sealing liquid nitrogen requires either silicone or PTFE seals. If the seal comes into contact with the liquid nitrogen, PTFE seals are the better choice as this material can handle cold flow without causing creep.

What is the purpose of marine loading arms?

Marine loading arms load or unload vessels carrying petroleum products. They are made of several sections of pipes connected by quick-connect fittings and swivel joints. Cryogenic seals are used between the fittings and joints when transporting liquid nitrogen, liquid petroleum, or any other liquid stored at cryogenic temperatures.

Cryogenic Seals for Low Temperature Situations
by Sara McCaslin, PhD Sara McCaslin, PhD No Comments

Meeting the Challenges of Cryogenic Seals

The term “cryogenic” typically refers to temperatures that are below freezing, extending to absolute zero (-460° F / -273° C). At these extreme temperatures, cryogenic seal design and specification becomes especially challenging–but far from impossible.

Where Cryogenic Seals Are Used

In general, cryogenic temperatures are often required for food preservation, transporting gases, cryosurgery, and cryoelectronics. Such low temperatures are needed in connection with some types of food storage, cooling superconductors, recycling, and storing blood and tissue samples. In fact, there are many different critical applications that require seals that can handle media stored at cryogenic temperatures, such as loading arms for transporting LNG, infrared telescopes, dilution refrigerator units, and sealing the liquid helium used formagnetic resonance imaging. 

Reliability

The first priority for a cryogenic seal is that it be reliable. While any seal failure is a problem, cryogenic seal failures can be especially dangerous. Aside from obvious issues such as environmental impact and toxicity, there can be an explosion that results from the rapid expansion of the cryogenic materials as well as potential asphyxiation and the effects of sudden exposure to extreme cold on employees and equipment.

Fluids Near Their Boiling Point

If fluid being stored at cryogenic temperatures is near its boiling point, then there is a strong possibility that it could flash into a gas if there is a sudden change in either pressure or temperature. This, in turn, would lead to a catastrophic (and possibly very dangerous) seal failure. 

Dimensional Stability

The installation temperature and service temperature of a cryogenic seal are going to be vastly different, which means that dimensional changes due to temperature are unavoidable. When designing or specifying a cryogenic seal, it is very important to account for these dimensional changes and adjust critical size and clearance parameters accordingly. In fact, it is vital to remember that the seal material be chosen for its properties at the expected operating temperature, not at room temperature.

Elasticity

Another challenge in sealing cryogenic fluids lies in the elasticity of the seal material itself. At extremely low temperatures, both elastomers and metals can reach a temperature where they transition from being an elastic material to a brittle one. This is another example of why cryogenic seals need to be selected based on their material properties — including stiffness and strength — at the cryogenic temperature of the application.

Lubrication

Lubrication is another major problem for cryogenic seals: at such extremely low temperatures, traditional lubricants simply will not function or will freeze and the fluids being sealed within cannot provide lubrication. If there is any moisture present in the lubrication, this can lead to freezing and a shattered seal. Cryogenic applications require seal materials that are dry running and/or self-lubricating, such as PTFE or TFM.

Meeting the Challenges

For many cryogenic sealing applications, spring-energized seals work extremely well. For seal jacket materials, polymers are an excellent choice and available options include PTFE, modified PTFE (also referred to as TFM), and UHMW PE. These materials are ….

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Self-lubricating
  • Durable
  • Posses excellent thermal insulation properties
  • Retain elasticity and strength at low temperatures
  • Exhibit good wear properties
  • Are compatible with a wide variety of chemicals

Not that in some cases, especially those where flash boiling is an issue, polymer labyrinth seals may be a better choice than a spring-energized seals.

Conclusion

While there are a host of challenges involved in designing effective seals for cryogenic applications, there are effective solutions available. These include polymer spring-energized seals and labyrinth seals.