Seals for plant engineering

Seals for plant engineering

In plant engineering, seals perform a central function for the operational safety, process stability and service life of technical systems. They prevent the escape of liquids, gases or dusts and ensure defined process conditions even under changing temperatures, pressures and chemical influences.

Depending on the plant, the requirements vary considerably. Media resistance, temperature range, pressure load and geometric fit determine the selection of the suitable sealing material. Standard solutions can only be used to a limited extent in plant engineering, as many applications require specific materials or dimensions.

MARTAN Gummi supplies industrial seals for plant engineering that are precisely matched to the respective application. The range extends from flat gaskets and profiles to individually manufactured cut pieces made from engineering elastomers. An overview of further industrial solutions can be found in the Rubber seals section.

Requirements for seals in plant engineering

Seals in plant engineering must function permanently under defined, often demanding operating conditions. The decisive factors are the physical and chemical loads that occur during plant operation.

Media resistance

Compatibility with the respective medium is a central requirement. Oils, fuels, chemicals, gases or abrasive substances affect elastomers in different ways. The material selection is therefore always based on the specific process medium.

Temperature and pressure load

Plants often operate with changing temperatures and pressure levels. Seals must retain their elasticity, dimensional stability and sealing effect across the entire application range. Both continuous loads and short-term peaks must be taken into account.

Mechanical and geometric requirements

Installation space, flange geometry and surface condition have a decisive influence on the function of the seal. Dimensional accuracy and clean cut pieces are required in plant engineering in order to avoid leaks and premature wear.

For plant-specific requirements, custom-cut rubber is often used, precisely adapted to the respective design.

Typical types of seals in plant engineering

Different types of seals are used in plant engineering, depending on the medium, pressure, temperature and design of the plant. The selection of the suitable seal type influences operational safety and maintenance intervals.

Flat gaskets

Flat gaskets are often used between flanges, housing parts or covers. They are suitable for static applications with uniform surface pressure and are used in plant engineering in numerous materials.

Profile and moulded seals

Profile and moulded seals are used where defined cross-sections or complex geometries are required. They are often extruded or compression-moulded and, in addition to the sealing function, also perform compensating or guiding tasks.

Sealing sheets and cut pieces

Sealing sheets serve as the starting material for individual seals. Precise cutting produces plant-specific sealing solutions for special geometries and variable dimensions. An overview of suitable materials is provided in the Rubber sealing sheets section.

Materials for seals in plant engineering

The choice of the right material determines the function and service life of a seal in plant engineering. Different media, temperatures and mechanical loads require specific material properties.

EPDM

EPDM is used in plant engineering primarily for applications with water, steam or aqueous media. The material offers good ageing and weather resistance and is suitable for moderate temperature ranges.

NBR

NBR is resistant to oils, greases and fuels and is therefore often used in hydraulic and pneumatic plants. The material is characterised by good mechanical properties and high abrasion resistance.

FKM (Viton®)

FKM is used at high temperatures and with aggressive media. Chemical resistance and thermal stability make this material suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Other elastomers and special materials

Depending on the application, other elastomers or special materials are also used in plant engineering. The material selection is always application-related and based on the specific process conditions. An overview of relevant materials can be found in the Rubber materials section.

Typical areas of application for seals in plant engineering

Seals are used in plant engineering in numerous industries and fields of application. The operating conditions differ depending on the process, medium and technical design of the plant.

Chemical and process engineering

In chemical plants, seals must be resistant to aggressive media, elevated temperatures and pressure loads. Material selection and dimensional accuracy ensure stable process flows.

Mechanical and apparatus engineering

In mechanical and apparatus engineering, seals are used in housings, flange connections and covers. They serve to seal off media and protect sensitive components.

Energy and environmental technology

Plants for energy generation and environmental technology place high demands on temperature and ageing resistance. Seals must work reliably on a permanent basis, even under changing operating conditions.

Food and process industry

In the food and process industry, material suitability and process reliability play a central role. Depending on the application, specific elastomers are used that correspond to the respective operating conditions.

For many applications, custom seals to drawing are used in order to implement industry-specific requirements precisely.

Manufacturing and quality of seals in plant engineering

In plant engineering, consistent quality and reproducible dimensional accuracy are central criteria for the function of seals. Manufacturing tolerances, material homogeneity and clean cut edges influence the sealing effect and the service life in operation.

Precise cutting and dimensional accuracy

Seals in plant engineering are often manufactured from sheet material. Precise cutting ensures that the seal can be installed without stress and that the intended surface pressure is achieved.

Material testing and quality control

Material specifications, hardness ranges and material batches are tested in order to ensure consistent quality. This is particularly relevant for safety-critical plants or plants under continuous load.

Reproducibility for series and spare parts

For maintenance and servicing, it is necessary that seals have identical properties even for repeat orders. Documented manufacturing processes enable reliable reproducibility.

An overview of the available manufacturing processes and possibilities is provided in the Rubber manufacturing section.

Selection and ordering of seals for plant engineering

The selection of suitable seals in plant engineering is based on clearly defined technical parameters. A structured specification facilitates reliable selection and reduces queries in the ordering process.

Technical details and specification

For the design of a seal, details on the medium, temperature range, pressure, installation situation and dimensions are required. Drawings or samples support the precise implementation of plant-specific requirements.

One-off production and series requirements

In plant engineering, both individual pieces for special plants and series for recurring applications are required. Clean documentation enables consistent quality for repeat orders.

Consultation and implementation

Technical consultation supports the selection of suitable materials and manufacturing methods. On this basis, sealing solutions are created that are matched to the respective application.

For direct enquiries or orders, the Enquiry for seals section is available.

Frequently asked questions about seals in plant engineering

Which seals are used in plant engineering?

In plant engineering, flat gaskets, profile and moulded seals as well as individually cut seals made from sheet material are primarily used. The selection depends on the medium, pressure, temperature and installation situation.

Which materials are suitable for seals in plant engineering?

Frequently used materials are EPDM for aqueous media, NBR for oil- and grease-resistant applications and FKM for high temperatures and chemically stressed processes. The material choice is always application-related.

Are custom-made seals required in plant engineering?

In plant engineering, individual seals are often required, as standard dimensions can often only cover design-specific features or specific loads to a limited extent. Custom-made cut pieces ensure dimensional accuracy and function.

Which details are required for ordering seals?

Details on the medium, temperature range, pressure, dimensions and installation situation are required. Drawings or samples facilitate the precise implementation of plant-specific requirements.

Why is the quality of seals in plant engineering relevant?

Consistent material quality and dimensional accuracy ensure the sealing effect over the entire service life. Deviations can lead to leaks, unplanned downtime or increased maintenance effort.

How are replacement seals for existing plants procured?

Replacement seals are manufactured on the basis of existing drawings, samples or documented specifications. Reproducible manufacturing processes ensure identical properties for repeat orders.