However, costly breakdowns can be reduced or even virtually eliminated by utilising the DuPont Kalrezperfluoroelastomer (FFKM) O-ring seals. In examples where these high performance products have replaced the OEM fitted metal seals, uninterrupted production periods in excess of ten years have been experienced without any lost production processes due to seal failures. Scheduled maintenance periods can also be safely extended leading to manpower savings coupled with increased production outputs.
Kalrez O-ring seals from distributor Dichtomatik, come with finished O-rings, custom shapes, sheet and cords that are manufactured exclusively by DuPont from raw material right through to the finished products, and Kalrez is now the choice of elastomer for the most demanding sealing applications.
Recognised as the market leading perfluoroelastomer, Kalrez is resistant to over 1800 different chemicals while offering the high temperature stability of PTFE (327°C). The advanced properties of the product help maintain seal integrity with increased production safety, while also helping to minimise manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Kalrezproducts include aggressive chemical processing, food and pharmaceutical production activities, oil and gas recovery, petroleum applications, power generation together with semiconductor wafer processing involving a wide range of industrial and electronic grade chemicals.
Subsequent removal or in-situ repairs of affected equipment such as gear pumps, centrifuges, reactors and quick-release couplings can be expensive, particularly if the MTBF times are of short duration, leading to high unscheduled costing levels together with production shut-downs and process liquid losses.