Machined Spring Energised Seals

Machined Spring Energised Seals

Spring energised seals, often referred to as lip seals or SE-Seals, were originally developed to replace elastomeric O-rings for service in high pressure applications, particularly when low friction and wide chemical compatibility are needed. SE-Seals have a specific U-shaped seal profile and they are machined from a wide range of polymeric materials, often based on PTFE with special fillers, which can help improve wear, extrusion and permeation resistance. They are energised via a choice of different spring geometries and materials, all of which are application dependant and chosen on their merits.

SE-Seals can be used in all types of sealing applications from static to dynamic, both rotary and reciprocating. They are effective from vacuum up to pressures of more than 8,700 psig (600 barg), increasing to beyond 18,850psig (1,300 barg) if anti-extrusion backup rings are also fitted. SE-Seal designs are available to operate at temperatures as low -196°C and as high as 260°C.

The oil and gas industry has made good use of SE-Seals, as operating pressures and temperatures have increased beyond the capabilities of elastomeric O-rings in recent years. Many end users prefer the use of PTFE based SE-Seals in high pressure environments where RGD is a potential hazard as the materials used are generally resistant to this phenomenon.
IMPORTANT - Please Note: The data shown below are maximum values and operating ranges and cannot be used at the same time.

For example: The maximum operating speed will depend on material type chosen, working pressure, application temperature and clearance gap values. The temperature range shown is also dependent on choice of material and media to be sealed.

Profile	Name	Operating Range	Summary
	ESF1	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 15 m/s	ESF1 is a symmetrical single acting U-Cup spring energised seal and Is designed for use in dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications. It has three sealing edges to provide sealing redundancy and to provide a lubrication reservoir by trapping installation fluid. The ESF series of seal are the correct choice for friction critical applications due to the flat load this spring energiser exhibits. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and elliptical coiled spring which is manufactured from round wire and formed into a slanted shape. The spring is available in three different spring loads to control load and friction, these consist of light, medium and heavy sections. Medium load is always the starting point for any new applicati
	ESF2	Pressure Max: 500 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 15 m/s	ESF2 is a modification of our ESF1 spring energised seal that has an extended heel for a wider gland width to provide increased pressure capability and reduce the chances of extrusion failure. It Is designed for use in dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications and has three sealing edges to provide sealing redundancy and to provide a lubrication reservoir by trapping installation fluid. The ESF series of seal are the correct choice for friction critical applications due to the flat load this spring energiser exhibits. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and elliptical coiled spring which is manufactured from round wire and formed into a slanted shape. The spring is available in three different spring loads to control load and friction, these consist of light, medium and heavy sections. Medium load is always the starting point for any new application.
	ESF3	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 15 m/s	ESF3 is a symmetrical single acting U-Cup spring energised seal and Is designed for use in static, dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications involving hardware with large gland tolerances or where misalignment issues are present. The ESF series of seal are the correct choice for friction critical applications due to the flat load this spring energiser exhibits. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and elliptical coiled spring which is manufactured from round wire and formed into a slanted shape. The spring is available in three different spring loads to control load and friction, these consist of light, medium and heavy sections. Medium load is always the starting point for any new application.
	ESF4	Pressure Max: 500 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 15 m/s	ESF4 is a modification of our ESF3 spring energised seal that has an extended heel for a wider gland width to provide increased pressure capability and reduce the chances of extrusion failure. ESF4 is a symmetrical single acting U-Cup spring energised seal and Is designed for use in static, dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications involving hardware with large gland tolerances or where misalignment issues are present. The ESF series of seal are the correct choice for friction critical applications due to the flat load this spring energiser exhibits. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and elliptical coiled spring which is manufactured from round wire and formed into a slanted shape. The spring is available in three different spring loads to control load and friction, these consist of light, medium and heavy sections. Medium load is always the starting point for any new application
	KB14	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 10 m/s	The KB14 seal is a special spring energised seals primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating or moderate rotating movement is present. The P14 is used in applications where a standard cross section of seal cannot be used or where the seal requires an in-built stand-off ring to avoid crushing under potential back-pressure build up. It can be used in applications where large gland tolerances exist or where there is a need for higher deflection due to expansion caused by high pressure duty. The seal is commonly used in foundries in place of standard rubber and fabric chevron seals where fluid compatibility is an issue or where extreme high temperature is present. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and 2 cantilever springs which are available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy® C-276 and Elgiloy® as standard. The cantilever spring design offers a moderate load versus deflection which is suitable for most applications. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the KB14 seal an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing or scraping.
	KB19	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	The KB19 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating movement is present but can also be used in static applications where large gland tolerances exist or where there is a need for higher deflection due to expansion caused by high pressure duty. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a cantilever spring both of which can be tailored to suit both high-temperature and conditions where good chemical compatibility is required. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the CSE series an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing. It is designed for non-standard groove sizes in repair situations.
	KB25	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 1 m/s	KB25 profile is a heavy-duty spring energised seal commonly used in heavy industry such as steel plants as a good replacement for rubber fabric seals that fail due to compatibility issues. The seal requires a 2-piece housing for installation purposes and correct function. The helical spring energiser within the seal provides the initial pre-load for static sealing while the system pressure enhances the sealing function by further energising the sealing lips. The seal is used in areas where high temperatures can be seen and/or where a seal is required that has broad fluid / media compatibility. The seal has a useful operating speed and can be manufactured from non-abrasive PTFE materials to protect hardware components from wear and abrasion.
	RB12	Pressure Max: 300 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 1 m/s	Spring energized PTFE internal face (flange) seal. Provides effective sealing over a wide temperature and pressure range. Suitable for small installation spaces. Supplied as standard in carbon filled PTFE and various grades of metal energizer springs.
	RB12A	Pressure Max: 300 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 1 m/s	Spring energized PTFE external face (flange) seal. Provides effective sealing over a wide temperature and pressure range. Suitable for small installation spaces. Supplied as standard in carbon filled PTFE and various grades of metal energizer springs
	RB15	Pressure Max: 150 bar Temperature Min: -50 °C Max: 210 °C Speed Max: 2 m/s	Spring energized PTFE rotary seal with O-Ring in outside diameter to prevent spinning in the groove. Seals over a wide temperature and pressure range. Suitable for standard housings when a special application is encountered. Food safe version available for use in food processing applications.
	RB19	Pressure Max: 150 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 2 m/s	RB19 is a spring energized PTFE rotary seal with clamping flange. Seal cannot rotate with the housing due to oversize flange thickness between clamping plates. Stainless steel spring ensures sealing at low pressures is achieved. FDA compliant version available.
	RB20	Pressure Max: 150 bar Temperature Min: -50 °C Max: 210 °C Speed Max: 2 m/s	Double acting spring energized PTFE rotary seal with O-Ring in outside diameter to prevent spinning in the groove. Seals over a wide temperature and pressure range. Suitable for standard housings when a special application is encountered. Food safe version available for use in food processing applications
	RB33	Pressure Max: 5 bar Temperature Min: -50 °C Max: 210 °C Speed Max: 25 m/s	RB33 is a modification of our standard RB29 profile and is designed to operate in aggressive conditions. The double lip configuration provides a more positive seal and aids initial lubrication retention while the spring included in the base prevents unwanted chemical contact with the O-Ring pre-load element. Typically used in the food industry where clean-in-place (C.I.P.) fluids are present.
	SB19	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	The SB19 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating movement is present but can also be used in static applications where large gland tolerances exist or where there is a need for higher deflection due to expansion caused by high pressure duty. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a cantilever spring both of which can be tailored to suit both high-temperature and conditions where good chemical compatibility is required. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making it a good option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing. It is designed for non-standard groove sizes in repair situations.
	SB21	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21 seal is the first-choice spring energised seal for static applications and very slow-moving dynamic applications where superior sealing force is the primary requirement over seal friction and seal material wear. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications. The somewhat small deflection of the Helical spring design however makes this type of seal unsuitable for applications that have large gland tolerances, misalignment or eccentricity, our ESF or VSF series should be considered where these conditions are present
	SB21A	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21A seal is a single acting external face seal and is the first-choice spring energised seal for static applications and very slow-moving dynamic applications where superior sealing force is the primary requirement over seal friction and seal material wear. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications. The somewhat small deflection of the Helical spring design however makes this type of seal unsuitable for applications that have large gland tolerances, misalignment or eccentricity, our ESF or VSF series should be considered where these conditions are present.
	SB21B	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21B seal is a single acting internal face seal and is the first-choice spring energised seal for static applications and very slow-moving dynamic applications where superior sealing force is the primary requirement over seal friction and seal material wear. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications. The somewhat small deflection of the Helical spring design however makes this type of seal unsuitable for applications that have large gland tolerances, misalignment or eccentricity, our ESF or VSF series should be considered where these conditions are present.
	SB21C	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21C seal a spring energised seal with an internal scraper lip for very slow-moving dynamic applications where superior sealing force and positive scraping action are the primary requirements over seal friction and seal material wear. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius on the outside diameter of the seal and through the shortened scraper lip providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications. The somewhat small deflection of the Helical spring design however makes this type of seal unsuitable for applications that have large gland tolerances, misalignment or eccentricity, our ESF or VSF series should be considered where these conditions are present
	SB21D	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21D seal a spring energised seal with an external scraper lip for very slow-moving dynamic applications where superior sealing force and positive scraping action are the primary requirements over seal friction and seal material wear. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius on the inside diameter of the seal and through the shortened scraper lip providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications. The somewhat small deflection of the Helical spring design however makes this type of seal unsuitable for applications that have large gland tolerances, misalignment or eccentricity, our ESF or VSF series should be considered where these conditions are present
	SB21F	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21F seal is the first-choice spring energised seal for static applications and very slow-moving cryogenic shaft sealing applications where superior sealing force is the primary requirement over seal friction and seal material wear. The external flange is clamped within the hardware to help prevent seal jacket shrinkage at extremely low temperatures. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications
	SB21G	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 0.5 m/s	The SB21G seal is the first-choice spring energised seal for static applications and very slow-moving cryogenic piston sealing applications where superior sealing force is the primary requirement over seal friction and seal material wear. The internal flange is clamped within the hardware to help prevent seal jacket shrinkage at extremely low temperatures. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket and a helical wound corrosion resistant spring which is available in 301 Stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 and Elgiloy® / Phynox as standard. The characteristics of the Helical wound spring ensure an evenly distributed load through the centre point of the seal lip radius providing maximum load to achieve a tight seal, this makes it a good choice for low pressure, cryogenic and vacuum applications.
	SB25	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 1 m/s	SB25 profile is a heavy-duty spring energised seal commonly used in heavy industry such as steel plants as a good replacement for rubber fabric seals that fail due to compatibility issues. The seal requires a 2-piece housing for installation purposes and correct function. The helical spring energiser within the seal provides the initial pre-load for static sealing while the system pressure enhances the sealing function by further energising the sealing lips. The seal is used in areas where high temperatures can be seen and/or where a seal is required that has broad fluid / media compatibility. The seal has a useful operating speed and can be manufactured from non-abrasive PTFE materials to protect hardware components from wear and abrasion.
	USF1	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	The USF1 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating or slow rotating movement is present. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with radiused sealing faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever U-Shaped spring that offers moderate load versus deflection which is suitable for most applications. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the CSE series an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing.
	USF2	Pressure Max: 500 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	USF2 is a modification of our USF1 spring energised seal that has an extended heel for a wider gland width to provide increased pressure capability and reduce the chances of extrusion failure. USF2 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating or slow rotating movement is present. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with radiused sealing faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever U-Shaped spring which offers moderate load versus deflection which is suitable for most applications. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the CSE series an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing
	USF3	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200°C Max: 260°C Speed Max: 15 m/s	The USF3 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating or slow rotating movement is present and is designed to operate in AS4716 groove dimensions. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with chamfered sealing lips which offer positive fluid sealing. It includes lubrication reservoirs on the contact faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever U-Shaped spring which offers moderate load versus deflection which is suitable for most applications. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the CSE series an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing
	USF4	Pressure Max: 500 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	USF4 is a modification of our USF3 spring energised seal that has an extended heel for a wider gland width to provide increased pressure capability and reduce the chances of extrusion failure. The USF4 seal is primarily intended for dynamic applications where reciprocating or slow rotating movement is present and is designed to operate in AS4716 groove dimensions. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with chamfered sealing lips which offer positive fluid sealing. It includes lubrication reservoirs on the contact faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever U-Shaped spring which offers moderate load versus deflection which is suitable for most applications. The design of the cantilever spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the CSE series an excellent option should a scraper lip be required for abrasive media sealing.
	VSF1	Pressure Max: 400 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	VSF1 is a symmetrical single acting U-Cup spring energised seal and Is designed for use in static, dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications involving hardware with large gland tolerances or where misalignment issues are present. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with chamfered sealing lips which offer positive fluid sealing. It includes lubrication reservoirs on the contact faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever V-Shaped spring which offers a higher load versus deflection than the USF series and is suitable for most industrial applications that require a more positive seal at the cost of increased friction. The design of the cantilever V-spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the VSF series an excellent choice should a scraper lip with a more positive load be required for abrasive media sealing.
	VSF2	Pressure Max: 500 bar Temperature Min: -200 °C Max: 260 °C Speed Max: 15 m/s	VSF2 is a modification of our VSF1 spring energised seal that has an extended heel for a wider gland width to provide increased pressure capability and reduce the chances of extrusion failure. VSF2 is a symmetrical single acting U-Cup spring energised seal and Is designed for use in static, dynamic reciprocating and rotary applications involving hardware with large gland tolerances or where misalignment issues are present. The seal consists of a U-shaped jacket with chamfered sealing lips which offer positive fluid sealing. It includes lubrication reservoirs on the contact faces for good low friction operation and a cantilever V-Shaped spring which offers a higher load versus deflection than the USF series and is suitable for most industrial applications that require a more positive seal at the cost of increased friction. The design of the cantilever V-spring places the spring load at the front of the sealing lip making the VSF series an excellent choice should a scraper lip with a more positive load be required for abrasive media sealing.

Machined Spring Energised Seals

Profile

Name

Operating Range

Summary