In the industrial refrigeration sector, refrigeration systems require complex elements and machinery to ensure reliable mechanical sealing. One of the most critical elements is the compressor, which is responsible for compressing the refrigerant fluid and circulating it to absorb heat. Therefore, having mechanical seals for industrial refrigeration compressors specifically designed to withstand these conditions and temperatures is essential to ensure the performance of an entire installation.
At Lidering we are designers and manufacturers of industrial mechanical seals and we adapt them to the compressors used in industrial refrigeration systems. Do you want to know more about mechanical seals and high performance solutions? We tell you about it.
Compressors in industrial refrigeration: extreme working conditions
Not all mechanical seals are designed to withstand the operating environment of an industrial refrigeration compressor. Industrial refrigeration compressors are subjected to very extreme conditions, as their performance must remain stable in the face of:
- High frequency vibrations: Some compressors can withstand high vibrations, even exceeding 4000 Hz. This can prematurely damage the internal components of a conventional mechanical seal.
- High pressures: it is common to work with pressures above 50 bar, which requires higher mechanical strength in all seal elements.
- Low temperatures: machinery dedicated to the production of industrial refrigeration can be subjected to extremely low temperatures down to -40°C, which limits the use of certain materials that do not tolerate these temperatures well.
- Aggressive fluids: the use of chemically aggressive coolants such as ammonia requires high chemical resistance at the friction faces and joints to avoid premature wear or cracking.
All these conditions make it essential to work with industrial mechanical seals for compressors, specially adapted to this industrial refrigeration environment, both in terms of design and quality materials.
Technical solutions in mechanical seals for industrial refrigeration compressors
For a refrigeration compressor to work reliably, it is important to choose the best and most suitable mechanical seal for the environment. These are some of the key elements we incorporate in our sealing systems for refrigeration compressors:
Metal bellows to resist vibrations
Conventional seal springs are not the best solution at such high frequencies. Instead, we use welded metal bellows, which absorb vibrations better and reduce material fatigue.
These mechanical seal solutions use materials such as Hastelloy C4 or Inconel®, which improve corrosion and wear resistance in aggressive environments.
Special graphite compounds containing antimony
High pressure variations can rapidly degrade graphite rubbing faces and cause blistering. What is blistering? It is the formation of voids and cracks on the surface of these parts, rapidly increasing and reducing the mechanical seal of the system. To avoid this, we work with special graphite compounds impregnated with antimony, which are more resistant to sudden changes in pressure and more stable over time, as well as special hardened steel alloys.
Secondary o-rings in FFKM or TFE, resistant to chemicals and low temperatures
For secondary o-rings, we also have materials specially formulated to resist low temperatures and the action of aggressive coolants.
In these cases we recommend:
- FFKM (perfluorinated rubber or perfluoroelastomer): excellent chemical compound, ideal for compressors working with highly reactive gases and liquids.
- TFE (tetrafluoroethylene): ideal for cryogenic environments and with good resistance to thermal ageing.
Working with a Spanish manufacturer of mechanical seals for compressors
Designing a mechanical seal is not a matter of adapting a standard solution to any machine. Each industrial application has its own particularities that must be studied individually: type of coolant, pressure level, thermal variation, frequency of use, etc.
That’s why we at Lidering have been manufacturing custom-made industrial mechanical seals for more than 50 years, from our production centre in Reus (Spain), as well as industrial solutions of all kinds for MRO equipment. As specialists in mechanical seals for industry, we offer:
- Personalised technical advice.
- Selection of specific materials for each environment.
- Manufacture and testing at our facilities in Reus (Spain).
- Mechanical seal repair service without loss of certification.
- Extensive experience in critical sectors such as industrial refrigeration.
In addition, we provide our customers in the refrigeration industry with all the necessary technical documentation, where you can find material data sheets, chemical compatibilities and guides for the selection of materials for industrial mechanical seals according to the application.
Are you unsure about the best mechanical seal design for your industry?
Contact Lidering’s technical team. We help you to select the most suitable seal for your compressors and industrial refrigeration systems.
