SKF
Special Materials (SKF Seals)
Beyond standard polyurethanes, elastomers, and thermoplastics, SKF develops and applies special materials for niche sealing challenges. These include materials with specific certifications such as FDA compliance for food and pharmaceutical sealing, explosion decompression resistant (AED) elastomers for oilfield high-pressure gas, fire-safe materials resistant to jet fire and high heat flux, and extremely low-temperature compounds for cryogenic valves and aerospace applications. SKF’s materials development teams can formulate custom compounds to meet unique combinations of fluid resistance, temperature range, friction, and regulatory requirements. These special materials are available in both moulded and machined seal forms, enabling truly application-specific sealing solutions when standard materials are inadequate.
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Explosive Decompression Resistant (AED)
Elastomers formulated to prevent gas blistering.
Fire‑Safe Materials
Maintain seal integrity during and after a jet fire (API 6FA).
FDA‑Compliant
White and blue elastomers for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sealing.
Cryogenic Compounds
Remain flexible and leak‑tight down to ‑196°C.
High‑Radiation Resistant
For nuclear power plant applications.
Custom‑Coloured Compounds
For visual contamination detection (e.g., blue for food).
How AED Materials Prevent Catastrophic Seal Failure in Gas Service
When high‑pressure gas permeates into an elastomer seal and the pressure is suddenly released, the dissolved gas expands, forming internal blisters. AED‑formulated elastomers incorporate carefully controlled fillers and curing agents that minimise gas solubility and provide micro‑vent paths, allowing safe decompression without damage.
Fire‑Safe Sealing for Offshore Platforms
API 6FA fire‑safe seals must maintain a seal during a 30‑minute jet‑fire exposure. SKF’s fire‑safe material combinations include a primary PTFE lip that functions at high temperature and a secondary graphite‑based packing that expands when heated, providing a redundant sealing path that activates as the primary seal degrades.