Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Keeps It Ultra-Clean

Variseal is good choice for processing systems. One of the main reasons for this is that Turcon, the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions proprietary PTFE based material, offers compatibility with virtually all chemical media. It also has superior wear resistance, unrivalled friction characteristics and can withstand extreme operating temperatures.

PTFE, though, has no elasticity, which means that Turcon Variseal is energized with a spring fitted into the seal profile. In many applications the open spring of the standard Turcon Variseal is acceptable. However, in food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing where cleanliness is paramount, the area of dead space around the spring where bacteria can potentially be caught can pose a risk of contamination.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions recognized the need to offer an enclosed Turcon Variseal design. Considerable research and development work has resulted in the Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean. In this unique design, the spring required to activate the seal is fully enclosed within a Turcon case, thus ensuring cleanliness throughout the process.

Numerous tests were undertaken to establish the best material for the Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean. This proved to be Turcon MF, a material which has been specially engineered for super clean environments. Based on ultra clean technology, Turcon MF compounds are produced from high purity PTFE grades and additives. Their smooth finish, with high gloss and low porosity, avoids the risk of contamination build up and reduces particle shedding. It also withstands high pressures and has a vacuum capability of 10-9 mbar x l/s in air.

"Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean is a revolutionary seal," said Marty Hugney, Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Segment Manager for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Americas. "We know that it will provide real benefits to food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing companies globally. It offers the ultimate in cleanability and cleanliness for a spring-energized PTFE based seal."

Features and benefits of Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean:

• Operates in extreme temperatures from -253°C/ -423°F to 260°C / 500°F
• Withstands high pressures in excess of 100 bar (1450 psi)
• Excellent wear and friction characteristics
• Compatible with virtually all chemicals such as aggressive CIP fluids and superheated steam up to 260°C / 500°F
• Unrivalled cleanability in super clean processing environments
• Materials available compliant to FDA 21 CFR 177.1550, 3-A, USP Class VI
• Cytotoxicity , NSF and the EU Machinery Directive
• Suitable for piston, rod, face, rotary, reciprocating and static situations
• Fits into standard O-Ring and Variseal grooves for easy retro fitment
• Can be cleaned and packed to class 100 standards

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, formerly known as Busak+Shamban, is one of the world's leading developers, manufacturers and suppliers of precision seals. They support their aerospace, industrial and automotive customers through 30 production facilities and more than 40 marketing companies globally. Within their portfolio are some of the longest established sealing brands, including Chase Walton, Dowty, Forsheda, Palmer Chenard, Shamban, Skeg, and Stefa along with a large number of proprietary products and materials such as Turcon, Zurcon, Orkot, Isolast, Stepseal, and Wills Rings.

Trelleborg is a global industrial group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of approximately $4B, with about 23,000 employees in 40 countries. The Group is comprised of four business areas: Trelleborg Engineered Systems, Trelleborg Automotive, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. www.tss.trelleborg.com/us

SOURCE: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions