The perfect time to upgrade to Perlast FFKM?
In critical applications where elastomer seal failure is not an option, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) has always been the go-to material for dependable long-term durability in critical applications. However, FFKM is currently experiencing a global supply chain problem. A combination of factors including ingredient shortages, geopolitical sanctions on key suppliers, and offline production plants have made the supply of FFKM material unreliable. This has made productivity unreliable – and with financial and reputational costs in the event of equipment downtime, many OEMs and end users are searching for alternative suppliers who can meet their needs.
The good news is that by switching to Perlast FFKM, there is no need to compromise on sealing performance or reliability.
Perlast FFKM is not facing the same supply shortages as other FFKM brands. This is due to early action taken on sourcing ingredients, and PPE’s favourable relationships with material suppliers. With Perlast FFKM, O-rings and other seal profiles can be manufactured to order and shipped in as little as 30 days, or shipped next day from stock. This unbeatable material availability, combined with Perlast FFKM’s extreme temperature capability and excellent chemical resistance, makes it easy to safeguard the reliability of process equipment. Take a look at VEGA, who are already reaping the benefits of Perlast-based sealing systems.
Who is VEGA?
VEGA is a leading global manufacturer of level and pressure instrumentation for the process industry. VEGA’s products are supplied into a wide range of critical applications, including chemical processing, food, and pharmaceuticals. VEGA products are renowned for their accuracy, reliability and ease of use, and the VEGA team needed to see the same qualities reflected in their chosen sealing partner to ensure a durable sealing solution which reduced process disruption and downtime for their customers.
The benefits of Perlast FFKM
Perlast FFKM, exclusively manufactured by Precision Polymer Engineering, is prized for delivering exceptional sealing performance in applications where purity and sealing force retention are paramount. Perlast FFKM is a material engineered to provide high temperature capability, universal chemical resistance, and outstanding mechanical strength. Aggressive thermal and chemical operating environments can cause other elastomeric materials to break down or fail prematurely, but Perlast FFKM’s retention of elasticity and sealing performance in harsh industrial environments enabled VEGA to extend the service life of their instrumentation and reduce unscheduled maintenance, repair and overhaul events.
The combination of high temperature and chemical resistance makes Perlast seals perfectly suited for handling the kinds of steam-in-place (SIP) or clean-in-place (CIP) sterilisation regimes which VEGA instrumentation might face. And with Perlast available in O-rings and sanitary gaskets as well as custom-designed components, Perlast could be incorporated a wide range of VEGA products – including the VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter.
The result for VEGA
By specifying Perlast FFKM as the sealing material of choice, VEGA and VEGA’s customers have been able to enjoy the peace of mind that their level and pressure instrumentation will not be compromised by seal failure.
A step towards more reliable sealing
Our team of FFKM sealing engineers understand the concerns of upgrading to a new sealing partner, and the complications of specifying new materials to replace incumbent grades. With a wealth of expertise and experience in FFKM sealing, the upgrading process is smooth and stress-free.
To learn more about the advantages of Perlast FFKM, visit www.perlast.com – with everything from industry approvals to whitepapers and test data on Perlast material grade performance in specific applications and conditions. Alternatively, get in touch for an informal chat with our sealing experts.
