The FFKM (Kalrez) for mechanical seals: a guide

12.12.2024

What is FFKM (Kalrez) and why is it used in mechanical seals?

FFKM, or Kalrez, is a perfluoroelastomer known for its exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability, qualities that make it the ideal choice for mechanical seals used in extreme environments.

This material is distinguished by its ability to withstand a wide range of aggressive chemicals, such as acids, alkalis and solvents, providing excellent performance even in conditions where other elastomers would fail. Its thermal stability is outstanding, allowing it to operate at temperatures up to 327°C (620°F) and, in some formulations, even higher, ensuring reliable functionality over a wide range of temperatures.

Another key feature of FFKM is the combination of the elastic properties typical of rubber and the chemical and thermal resistance of perfluorinated materials, qualities that make it an excellent choice for ensuring effective sealing in critical conditions.

FFKM's long operating life reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacement, making it a cost-effective and reliable solution. For this reason, it is mainly used in applications where any failure could result in significant risks or high downtime costs.

Finally, FFKM is extremely versatile, available in different formulations capable of meeting the needs of numerous industries.
It is because of these outstanding characteristics, such as chemical resistance, thermal stability, elasticity and long operating life, that FFKM has become one of the most widely used materials in mechanical seals. Its ability to ensure excellent performance under extreme conditions makes it an indispensable choice for critical applications in numerous industries.

In what areas are Kalrez mechanical seals used?

Due to the properties previously explained, FFKM (Kalrez) mechanical seals find application in the following areas:

• Chemical and petrochemical industry: used in reactors, valves and pumps, where they provide reliable sealing even in the presence of aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
• Pharmaceutical industry: used in drug manufacturing equipment and sterile fluid delivery systems, these seals ensure purity, long operating life and compliance with required safety standards.
• Food and beverage industry: used in pumps and valves in process plants, they ensure effective sealing while meeting the strict hygienic requirements of the industry.
• Aerospace industry: FFKM mechanical seals find use in aircraft engines and propulsion systems, withstanding extreme conditions and high temperatures without compromising reliability.
• Electronics and Semiconductor Industry: essential for ensuring the integrity of equipment, they are used in high-purity manufacturing environments, such as in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers.
• Oil & Gas Industry: these seals ensure excellent performance in oil and gas extraction and refining equipment.
• Power Industry: they are used in gas turbines and nuclear power plants, offering durability and safety, which are essential for continuous operation of extremely critical equipment.
• Paper Industry: FFKM seals are used in pumps and valves during the papermaking process, where they must withstand aggressive chemicals and harsh operating conditions.

Conclusions and the role of Meccanotecnica Umbra

In conclusion, it is therefore clear that FFKM (Kalrez) represents a state-of-the-art technological solution for mechanical seals, thanks to its outstanding properties of chemical resistance, thermal stability and reliability.

In this context, we at Meccanotecnica Umbra use FFKM in our mechanical seals to offer high performance and safe solutions, ideal for the most critical applications.

Whether it is for applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food or energy industries, our goal is to provide solutions that optimize plant performance and reduce maintenance costs.

Contact us today to find out how our Kalrez mechanical seals can make a difference in your industry. Our team of experts is available to provide you with personalized advice and address all your technical needs.