High Volume FFKM Requirements
DESIGN CONSIDERATION
The customer needed a wide variety of standard AS568-sized O-rings. Often these seals encounter extremely aggressive chemicals or a wide variety of different types of chemicals while in service. FFKM is needed to accommodate all applications.
THE CHALLENGE
The customer wanted to consolidate supply chain and only deal with one supplier and create a stocking KanBan. Parker EMG partnered with strategic distributor partner for this effort.
THE SOLUTION
Parker's wide range of material offerings and availability of all AS568 sizes allows us to be competitive on large packages of business. Understanding forecasts of customer needs also allows our Lexington manufacturing team to deliver on-time FFKM products on a regular basis. Urgent needs can be accommodated as needed.
Extreme Environments in Aerospace and Military
DESIGN CONSIDERATION
The challenge is needing seals that can perform in a highly critical valve application for aerospace and military customers. The valves operate in high bursts of pressure as well as needing to seal high and low temperatures for various environments.
THE CHALLENGE
The customer's challenge was finding a seal that could handle the combination of high temperature, low temperature, and aggressive bursts of pressure.
THE SOLUTION
Parker provided a sample of EF400 to the customer. After extensive testing, the customer reported that Parker FFKM material had outperformed all other competitive materials. Additionally, Parker O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division manufactures these seals, performing extensive visual inspection and quality procedures to ensure the customer receives the highest quality O-rings available.
Spraying System for Highly Volatile Chemicals
DESIGN CONSIDERATION
Spraying systems for highly volatile chemicals and resins design state: The customer needs a broad chemical resistant material that can operate at higher temperatures for newer (more extreme) chemical applications.
THE CHALLENGE
The customer wants to utilize one (all purpose material) as many of their newer customers don't always share the chemical ingredients that are being used. Additionally, temperature specification is 450°F for oven spraying application options.
THE SOLUTION
Parker's FF156-75 was selected due to its broad chemical compatibility and high temperature capability. The customer also impressed with pricing and delivery options as their current supplier is struggling with lead-times and older technology. This business is serviced through Parker EMG distribution.
Lowering Cost of Ownership and Extending Seal Life
DESIGN CONSIDERATION
Parker’s global customer manufactures process mixing tanks with a removable top for cleaning. The types of chemicals the seal will come in contact with are unknown so an FFKM was chosen for broad resistance. To keep costs down, the original flange seal was designed as a silicone O-ring coated with a layer of FFKM elastomer.
THE CHALLENGE
The seals provided had a high rate of rejection due to delamination of the FFKM from the Silicone.
THE SOLUTION
Parker was asked to evaluate the design and replaced the laminated FFKM/Silicone O-Ring with a solid FF156 FFKM O-ring. The new design eliminated the delamination and provided a better seal over-all. The total cost for the FF156 O-ring was significantly lower once the customer's quality and serviceability issues were captured into the cost equation.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is FFKM and what is it used for?
FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) is a high-performance sealing material designed for extreme operating conditions. It offers excellent chemical resistance, high-temperature performance, and low levels of outgassing and extractable substances. FFKM seals are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing, jet engines, chemical processing equipment, and other critical industrial applications where reliability is essential.
2. What are the main advantages of Parker ULTRA FFKM seals?
Parker ULTRA FFKM seals offer several advantages, including ultra-high temperature resistance, broad chemical compatibility, and excellent compression set resistance. They can help improve sealing reliability, reduce maintenance unpredictability, and support demanding industrial processes. Additional benefits include high-purity manufacturing systems, in-house tooling capabilities, standard lead times, and access to a local stocking distributor network.
3. What is the maximum operating temperature of FFKM seals?
Certain FFKM sealing materials can withstand operating temperatures of up to 320°C (608°F), depending on the specific formulation and application conditions. This makes them suitable for demanding environments where conventional elastomer seals may not provide sufficient temperature resistance. Always check the manufacturer's technical specifications to confirm the temperature limits of the selected FFKM compound.
4. Why is FFKM preferred for chemical processing and semiconductor manufacturing?
FFKM is preferred in chemical processing and semiconductor manufacturing because of its broad chemical resistance and suitability for demanding, high-purity applications. Its low outgassing and extractable characteristics can also be beneficial in processes where contamination control is critical. Selecting the right FFKM compound helps improve sealing performance and reliability when exposed to aggressive chemicals and elevated temperatures.
5. How can FFKM seals help reduce maintenance costs and downtime?
FFKM seals can help reduce maintenance costs and unplanned downtime by providing reliable performance in high-temperature and chemically aggressive environments. Their excellent compression set resistance can help maintain sealing integrity over time, depending on operating conditions and material selection. By improving seal reliability and maintenance predictability, Parker ULTRA FFKM solutions can support more consistent equipment operation and longer maintenance intervals.