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Centellen seals for static sealing: technical properties, typical applications and advantages – find out more now.
Centellen gaskets are among the high-performance technical gaskets for industrial applications with increased requirements for tightness, long-term stability and media compatibility. They are used primarily for static sealing applications where uniform surface pressure, low setting behaviour and reliable long-term function are required. In many technical applications they represent a robust alternative to classic elastomers.
Material characteristics of Centellen
Centellen is a technical sealing material with a homogeneous material structure and defined mechanical behaviour under pressure. The internal structure is designed so that the material can be compressed in a controlled manner and shows stable recovery behaviour after unloading. Compared with soft elastomers, Centellen is less about elasticity and more about the ability to remain dimensionally stable under permanent surface pressure.
The uniform material density ensures that loads are distributed across the entire sealing surface. This creates constant pressure without local overloads. At the same time, Centellen shows low permanent deformation under continuous load, which reduces setting behaviour and supports the long-term function of the gasket. Even with longer service times and changing operating conditions, the geometric properties are largely retained, whereby the sealing effect is reliably ensured over the entire life cycle.
Mechanical behaviour and sealing principle
Centellen gaskets act primarily via surface pressure. Thanks to the homogeneous structure, the contact pressure is distributed evenly across the entire sealing surface. Local overloads, such as can occur with softer materials, are thereby reduced.
A further advantage lies in the low tendency to setting behaviour. While many elastomers yield under continuous load and lose sealing effect, Centellen largely retains its geometric shape. This reduces the need to retighten bolted connections and increases operational safety.
Chemical resistance
Centellen gaskets are designed for contact with a wide range of industrial media. These include, among others:
- technical oils and lubricants
- greases
- cooling and process media
- selected chemicals
The chemical resistance depends on the specific design of the material. For applications with aggressive media, a project-specific resistance test is always recommended in order to ensure permanently safe sealing.
Thermal load capacity
Even under thermal stress, Centellen gaskets show stable behaviour. They are suitable for applications in the medium to elevated temperature range, where other sealing materials lose their mechanical properties.
Particularly with changing temperatures, users benefit from the dimensional stability of the material, as expansion and recovery behaviour remain controlled. As a result, the surface pressure remains uniform even under temperature cycles.
Typical areas of application
Centellen gaskets are used wherever static seals must function reliably under increased mechanical, thermal or chemical requirements. Thanks to their dimensional stability and uniform compression behaviour, they are suitable for a wide variety of industrial applications in which a constant sealing effect is required over long periods.
Mechanical and plant engineering
In mechanical and plant engineering, Centellen gaskets are used primarily for static connections where permanently uniform surface pressure is required. Typical applications are housing seals, flange connections and covers that remain bolted over long periods and require high operational safety.
Chemical and process engineering plants
In chemical and process engineering plants, Centellen gaskets are used wherever media resistance and dimensional stability are decisive. They are suitable for static seals on apparatus, vessels and pipe connections where process media must be reliably contained.
Pump and valve technology
In pump and valve technology, Centellen gaskets are frequently used for housing and flange seals. Thanks to their stable compression behaviour, they help to avoid leaks and ensure a consistent sealing effect even under changing operating conditions.
Flange connections
Centellen gaskets are particularly suitable for flange connections with defined bolting force. The uniform load distribution reduces the risk of leaks and ensures reliable sealing over long service lives.
Housing and cover seals
With housing and cover seals, users benefit from the dimensional stability of the material. Centellen gaskets support safe sealing even with larger sealing surfaces and help to extend maintenance intervals.
Technical special constructions
In technical special constructions, Centellen gaskets are used when standard materials reach their limits. Custom-made cut pieces enable adaptation to complex geometries and special requirements in the industrial environment.
Distinction from classic elastomers
Compared with materials such as EPDM or NBR, Centellen gaskets pursue a different approach. While elastomers obtain their sealing effect primarily from elasticity, the function of Centellen is based more on mechanical stability and uniform load distribution.
This results in several advantages:
- long-term constant sealing effect
- lower maintenance and retightening requirements
- higher safety for static seals
- lower dependence on elastic resilience
These properties make Centellen particularly interesting for applications with high requirements for reliability and service life.
Selection criteria for Centellen gaskets
The selection of a suitable Centellen gasket should always be application-related. Important criteria include, among others:
- media to be sealed
- operating temperature
- necessary surface pressure
- bolting forces and bolting concept
- installation situation and tolerances
- desired service life
A clean design ensures that the gasket is neither underloaded nor overloaded and fulfils its function over the entire duration of use.
Processing and cut to size
Centellen gaskets are predominantly manufactured from sheet material and then cut to size precisely. Production is carried out according to drawing, sample or clearly defined technical specifications. High dimensional accuracy plays a central role here, as it forms the basis for uniform surface pressure and a reliable sealing effect. Clean cut edges as well as precisely executed inner and outer contours help to avoid stresses in the material and to secure the function of the gasket in the long term. A reproducible cut also ensures that consistent quality is achieved even in series applications.
Installation instructions
For a permanently safe sealing effect, the installation of Centellen gaskets should be carried out properly. Clean and flat sealing surfaces are a prerequisite, as unevenness can negatively influence the surface pressure. The bolted connection should be tightened evenly in order to achieve a homogeneous load distribution across the entire sealing surface. Equally important is compliance with the intended surface pressure so that the material works optimally and retains its dimensional stability. Proper installation supports the material-specific properties of Centellen and contributes significantly to extending the service life.
In conclusion
Centellen gaskets offer a technically robust solution for static seals with high requirements for dimensional stability, continuous load capacity and media compatibility. Thanks to their controlled compression behaviour and low tendency to setting behaviour, they are particularly suitable for permanently bolted connections in the industrial environment. In combination with precise cut to size and proper installation, a long-lasting sealing solution is created for demanding applications.
FAQ on Centellen gaskets
For which applications are Centellen gaskets particularly suitable?
Centellen gaskets are suitable for static seals in mechanical and plant engineering as well as in chemical and technical industrial applications where uniform surface pressure and a long-term stable sealing effect are required.
Are Centellen gaskets suitable for dynamic applications?
The typical use is for static connections with constant surface pressure. For moving or rotating seals, other sealing concepts are usually chosen that are specially designed for dynamic friction and wear conditions.
Can Centellen gaskets be manufactured individually?
Yes. Centellen gaskets can be cut precisely to drawing, sample or technical specifications. As a result, they are also suitable for special geometries, recesses, hole patterns and project-specific contours.
What advantages do Centellen gaskets offer compared with classic elastomers?
Centellen gaskets offer high dimensional stability under continuous load, low setting behaviour and uniform load distribution. This supports a constant sealing effect over long service lives and reduces maintenance effort.
What role does surface pressure play with Centellen gaskets?
Surface pressure decisively controls the sealing effect. Uniform and correctly designed pressure ensures that the gasket sits reliably and makes optimal use of its material properties without being unnecessarily overloaded.
Are Centellen gaskets temperature-resistant?
Centellen gaskets are suitable for applications in the medium to elevated temperature range. With temperature fluctuations, the dimensional stability supports consistent pressure, which stabilises the sealing function across temperature cycles.
Which media do Centellen gaskets typically withstand?
Typical fields of application include technical oils, greases, cooling and process media as well as selected chemicals. The specific resistance depends on the material design and the respective medium and should be tested on a project-specific basis.
Why is a precise cut so important with Centellen gaskets?
A dimensionally accurate cut ensures uniform surface pressure and avoids stress peaks. Clean cut edges and precisely executed contours support the long-term function and increase application safety.
Do bolted connections with Centellen gaskets need to be retightened regularly?
Due to the low tendency to setting behaviour, the preload of the bolted connection remains stable in many applications. This reduces the need for retightening and increases operational safety, provided the connection has been correctly designed and installed.
How can you tell whether Centellen is suitable as a material for the application?
Relevant criteria are medium, temperature, required surface pressure, sealing surface quality, tolerances and desired service life. A brief technical review of the framework conditions usually provides clarity about suitability quickly.
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