Alternative Material Choices for Use in Critical Sealing Applications
Natural disasters come in many shapes and forms. From hurricanes and floods to earthquakes and
tsunamis, these catastrophic events take place around the world. While preparations can be made
in anticipation of disasters, they simply cannot be avoided. The global impact of such devastation
can cause unforeseen, debilitating repercussions.
During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the manufacturing and shipment facilities of the
sole manufacturing supplier of AFLAS® incurred damage. This, in addition to the country’s
limited supply of raw materials, fuels, and electricity, created short term supply limitations for the AFLAS® polymer.
This polymer restriction affects not only Parker Seal Group Worldwide but other seal suppliers as well.
To proactively address future shortagees of polymer, Parker has performed tests on several
materials for possible use in critical applications where AFLAS® seals would normally be found. As with
any critical application, please contact your nearest Zatkoff location to assist with your material selection.
Common Applications & Environments
- Chemical processing
- Heavy duty diesel
- Downhole drilling & completion
- Engine cylinder liner seals
- Large capacity compressors
- Steam generators
- High amines
- Steam
- High temperature water based muds
- H2S environments
- Explosive Decompression (ED) applications
- Temperatures up to +450°F (+230°C)
- AFLAS® is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd
- Hiflour™ is a trademark of Parker Hannifin, Cleveland, OH
- ULTRA™ is a trademark of Parker Hannifin, Cleveland, OH