Tamshell’s spring energized seal series (series 500, 600 and 700 series) have been developed to overcome the problems associated with many seal polymers and elastomers. Elastomer or Polymer o-rings, quad rings, cup seals, and v packings can be affected by material set and wear. The spring action in Tamshell’s spring energized seals compensate for material set and wear.
When the spring energized seal is seated in the gland, the spring is under compression, forcing the jacket lips against the gland walls thereby creating a leak free seal. The spring provides permanent resilience to the seal jacket and compensates for jacket wear and hardware misalignment or eccentricity. System pressure also assists in energizing the seal jacket. Spring loading assisted by system pressure provide effective sealing at both high and low pressures. Spring energized seals have unlimited shelf life and are not subject to age controls normally imposed on elastomeric seals. Spring energized seals are designed for static, rotary and reciprocating applications in temperatures from cryogenic to +600F; and pressures from vacuum to 25,000 psi, and to survive the most corrosive environments.
The energizer spring is combined with precision machined seal jackets made from a wide range of high performance engineering polymers to achieve one of the most efficient and versatile sealing methods available. The standard high strength stainless steel energizer springs provide strength and flexibility to control seal loading, even with temperature extremes, while the polymer jacket provides the applicable properties of low friction, sealability, chemical and wear resistance.
Tamshell offers three types of energizer springs: the 500 series helical coil spring, the 600 series cantilever (or V) spring, the 700 series slant coil spring.
The 500 series helical coil spring is made from flat ribbon metal strip stock that is formed into a helix shape. Design is optimum for static or slow speed applications due to the moderate to high spring load. It is also excellent in high pressure applications with or without the use of back up rings depending on application parameters. The moderate to high spring force enables the sealing of thin liquids and gasses. An o-ring energizer can also be used in place of the ribbon coil spring where dead volume or chemical compatibility is an issue.
Tamshell’s 600 series cantilever (V) spring incorporates a light to moderate spring load. It is very effective in critical rotary or reciprocating applications where friction is an issue. It can be used where cleanliness and non-contamination is an important factor. After assembly into the seal, the spring can be encapsulated using an approved silicone RTV. The encapsulant prevents media residue in the spring cavity while not affecting the spring energizing performance. The spring can compensate for small tolerance eccentricities and shaft run out. The cantilever spring design is very accurate in controlling spring load and placement. The 600 series seal has reduced friction and is capable of sealing at high and low pressure ranges.
The 700 series canted coil spring is made from coiled round wire that is formed into a canted helical shape. This allows the spring coil to maintain a uniform load over a fairly large deflection. It is ideal for seal applications where controlled frictional load is required. The canted coil energized seals can be used for dynamic rotary or reciprocating applications and can be used to take up excess tolerance and misalignment. The spring wire is available in three different gauges: light, medium and heavy offering additional spring loading options for different application needs.
Spring Materials- Standard spring materials include 301, 302 Stainless Steel and 17-7 Stainless Steel. Optional materials include 316 Stainless Steel and Hastelloy.
Special Configurations- All spring energized seal can be designed to include a flange which can be clamped to prevent rotation or to prevent contraction in cryogenic applications. Spring energized seals can incorporate stacked multiple springs for higher spring loading. Tamshell also offers a wide range of additional special configuration seals such as:
- Dual direction spring energized seals- designed to seal against pressure in both direction.
- Combination seals- designed to offer desired features from multiple seal designs.
- Dual spring cavity seals- designed for seal cross sections too large for standard single spring configurations.
