Industrial sealing gaskets

Frequently asked questions — Miscellaneous

• Why choose labyrinth seals over conventional lip seals?

  Labyrinth seals provide non-contact sealing through a succession of narrow baffles, which eliminates wear and friction. This characteristic gives them a virtually unlimited service life, unlike lip seals. They are the preferred solution for applications requiring high reliability, particularly on high-speed bearings, machine-tool spindles or in cryogenic environments.
• In which cases should magnetic seals be favoured for a pumping system?

  Magnetic seals, or magnetic couplings, guarantee complete sealing by transmitting torque through a sealed wall. By removing the through-shaft, this technology eliminates any risk of leakage. They are recommended as the standard solution for transferring toxic, aggressive or radioactive fluids, where absolute sealing is essential for process safety and environmental compliance.
• Which sealing solution should be selected for a high-temperature chemical application?

  For chemical reactors exposed to high temperatures reaching 425 °C, metal bellows seals are recommended. These seals use an AM-350 stainless steel bellows that contracts axially to clamp a carbide sealing face. This design eliminates the use of elastomers, providing a robust solution suited to extreme thermal conditions and very long-term requirements.
• When is it relevant to opt for seals cut to order?

  Seals cut to order from elastomer, PTFE or graphite sheets are recommended for retrofit and prototyping requirements. This option makes it possible to meet non-standard dimensional specifications that are not covered by the conventional catalogue. Water-jet cutting manufacturing ensures a precise response to specific maintenance constraints or the development of new machines.
• Which types of seals should be used for vintage agricultural machinery running at low speed?

  For light-duty equipment, tractors or vintage agricultural machinery operating at low speeds and moderate temperatures, felt seals remain a viable option. Whether made of wool felt or synthetic felt, this technology is suited to the reduced mechanical stresses of these traditional applications. They are kept in the catalogue to ensure the maintenance and longevity of this legacy equipment.