Inflatable seals are used almost in all industries because they seal the tightened area in difficult situations. The reason behind their extensive use in manufacturing, food processing, and even medical devices is that these seals are flexible, reliable, and very easy to use. There are a few challenges when using Inflatable seals. We will discuss the challenges associated with inflatable seals, how to overcome those challenges, and why one should work with an experienced inflatable seals manufacturer in this article.
What are inflatable seals
Before diving into the problems, let’s understand what an inflatable seal is. An inflatable seal is an elastic sealing solution in the shape of rubber and other wearing materials. Inflatable seals are inflated with air or filled with another fluid that expands and gives the best seal. These are commonly used in applications wherein a normal seal cannot retain its shape and give the fit because the parts in question are irregular or have moving parts.
They can be used for liquid, gas, or dust-proofing a gap between two surfaces. Their applications come in medical equipment, industrial machines, and even airplane doors. Since they can easily change size or shape with an object, they are very useful; however, this does come with a few challenges.
Challenges of Inflatable Seals
1.To sustain appropriate inflation levels
The flaw of inflatable seals is that one needs to ensure the proper amount of inflation. Too much or too little air may bring complications. Over-inflation may cause material damage, thus shortening its service life. Under-inflation may result in poor sealing and leakage. Thus, it is very significant to make proper balances wherein the seal may work effectively; however, this is not easy.
2.Choosing the Right Material
Inflatable seals come in several different materials, such as silicone, EPDM rubber, or neoprene. Each material has its good and bad sides. Silicone performs well under high temperatures but not very well under some chemicals. EPDM rubber performs well under water and steam but will break down if exposed to oils. Choosing the correct material is very important but rather confusing to companies that don’t know much in that area.
3.Correct Installation
It needs the appropriate procedure to make the inflatable seals work. Sometimes, a very small installation mistake can easily lead to seal failure or degradation. There are many problems that many organizations face regarding seal installation due to improper procedures not being adopted or because of a lack of equipment. Due to poor sealing, fitting fails to happen efficiently, which affects the performance and life expectancy of seals.
4.Problems of Durability
One other significant challenge is that inflatable seals are not as robust as others. Inflatable seals tend to break at some point, especially in very harsh environments. Prolonged inflation and deflation cause weakening until cracks or tears start developing. This requires periodic checking and maintenance, but industries tend to neglect it sometimes, leading to unannounced failures.
5.Suitability with Different Environments
All these environments pose different levels of challenges. For instance, seals for applications in high temperatures have to withstand heat. Those with applications in food processing plants have to satisfy strict hygiene standards. The seal has to function correctly in that environment without its presence impacting safety and performance in any form.
6.Customization Requirement Management
Inflatable seals usually need to be designed to fulfill a specific requirement of an application. It is not easy and is time-consuming to make custom seals. A company may need to communicate with an inflatable seal manufacturer in much detail about the requirements so that the seal satisfies all parameters. It would involve significant design, testing, and fine-tuning to achieve the desired seal performance.
7.Specialized seals are expensive
The cost can be a challenge for industries that require highly specialized inflatable seals. Customized seals are always more expensive than the standard ones. Moreover, regular maintenance or repair/replacement of such seals may also add up to the total costs, which might be challenging for small businesses with limited budgets.
Overcoming the Challenges
Let’s consider some of the ways of overcoming them after discussing some of the common issues associated with inflatable seals.
1.Sourcing the Top Fabricator
Make sure you get excellent-quality seals by dealing with a well-experienced inflatable seals manufacturer. An experienced company will be well-positioned to advise you on material and even customization according to your desired specifications and will give advice on the best installations as well as maintenance.
2.Use material based on requirements
In case you have more than one application, it will call for different types of inflatables. An experienced manufacturer should be in a better position to choose the proper material for your inflatable seal according to your specific needs. For instance, in determining the suitable material to be used, you need to consider where the application is going to be temperature, pressure, and exposure to chemicals.
3.Make sure you follow the instructions
Something as simple as an installation may go wrong due to oversight, and the outcome at the end of the run may be undesirable. Then, be sure to meticulously follow the instructions given on the manufacturer’s part when installing and utilizing the exact tool needed.
Future Outlook of Inflatable Seals
Although it is a bit of a challenge, inflatable seals remain a great solution for most industries. Advancements in materials and designs have improved the reliability and versatility of inflatable seals. Manufacturers are continually working to make inflatable seals more durable and effective for different applications’ evolving needs.
As growth is achieved in various industries and new technologies are developed, the inflatable seal will still play a crucial role in securing safety and efficiency. Businesses that spend more money on high-quality seals and proper maintenance will be better equipped to face the challenges associated with such flexible sealing solutions.
Conclusion
Although inflatable seals come with associated difficulties, they also offer certain advantages that make them an excellent material in many applications, such as maintaining a tight seal in hard environments while tolerating changes in the environment.
However, nothing is more essential in dealing with the right inflatable seal manufacturer. With the experts, most of the challenges associated with inflatable seals are overcome. Rubber Extrusions also play a very crucial role in sealing technology, among other flexible solutions that always complement inflatable seals.
Over time, shifting industrial applications will result in the lasting presence of inflatable seals and rubber extrusions in sealing systems, providing reliable performance with improved protection.
