Inflatable seals

Dynamic, secure and controlled sealing

What are inflatable seals?

The inflatable seals are sealing solutions designed to perform by means of controlled pressurization and depressurization with a gas, with compressed air being the most commonly used.. Their ability to inflate and deflate makes them the ideal choice for situations where sealing, attachment or coupling must be intermittent or dynamic.

They are especially useful in applications where surfaces must be separated or connected at will, allowing a temporary and secure hermetic seal without the need for mechanical disassembly.

Operation of inflatable seals

The principle of operation is simple: when compressed air is injected, the gasket expands and conforms to the sealing contour. When the air is released through the integrated valve, the gasket regains its original shape and allows the surfaces to be separated.

This reversible behavior makes them ideal for installations requiring frequent accessibility, cleaning or quick handling.

Industrial applications of inflatable seals

Thanks to their versatility, inflatable seals are used in a wide variety of industries:

Autoclaves and sterilizers
Centrifuges and mills
Pneumatic conveyors and hoppers
Clean rooms and sterile chambers
Isothermal and acoustic chambers
Lock gates or nuclear installations
Airtight aircraft doors and pressurized cabins
Axis immobilization and surface lifting systems

Materials and temperature ranges

Manufactured by extrusion and vulcanization, inflatable seals can be adapted to different thermal and chemical requirements thanks to the diversity of materials available:

Silicone (VMQ)

Methyl vinyl silicone rubber with outstanding thermal resistance and good cold flexibility. Good electrical properties. In general, its chemical resistance is poor. It is usually used in cryogenics.

Most common temperature range from -60 ºC to +250 ºC.

Ethylene propylene diene (EPDM)

Synthetic rubber with good resistance to hot water, steam, ketones and brake fluids, among other products. Good electrical insulator. Strong incompatibility with lubricants, so it is not used as a seal material.

Most common temperature range from -35 ºC to +150 ºC.

Fluoroelastomer (FPM/FKM)

This material is popularly known as viton. It has good resistance to lubricants, fuels and acids and bases, among other products. Peroxide-cured formulations improve its resistance to incompatible fluids such as alcohols and steam. It is a material widely used as seals and O-rings that stands out for its low permeability to gases.

Most common temperature range from -20 ºC to +210 ºC.

CR (Chloroprene)

This material is popularly known as neoprene. It has good resistance to weathering, lubricants and ammonia, among other products. Good resistance to abrasion.

Most common temperature range from -40 ºC to +100 ºC.

Acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR)

Synthetic rubber with exceptional behavior against lubricants, which makes it a first choice for seals and O-rings. Limited resistance to weathering and acids.

Most common temperature range from -30 ºC to +110 ºC.

CR (Chloroprene)

This material is popularly known as neoprene. It has good resistance to weathering, lubricants and ammonia, among other products. Good resistance to abrasion.

Most common temperature range from -40 ºC to +100 ºC.

Temperature range

From -65 ºC to +315 ºC, depending on the selected material.

Pressure and profile types

Inflatable seals are effective from dynamic vacuum to several dozen bars. Depending on the working pressure, in Epidor we offer:

High pressure profiles
Low pressure profiles
Special profiles for sealing, coupling, handling or fastening functions

Custom manufacturing and technical assistance for inflatable seals

At Epidor, We accompany our clients from the design phase. We advise on the the most suitable profile and the ideal accommodation, We can develop specific elastomer formulations if required by the project.

We work with TECHNETICS leading manufacturer with its range Cefil'Air®, ensuring quality and reliability in each product. In addition, we perform internal quality controls to verify compliance with specifications.

FAQ's about inflatable seals

What are the advantages of inflatable seals over a conventional seal?

Inflatable seals allow for temporary or intermittent sealing, ideal for systems that must be opened and closed frequently without mechanical disassembly.

How is inflation and deflation controlled?

This is done by means of an inlet valve connected to a compressed air system, which can be manual or automated.

Can inflatable seals be custom made?

Yes, at Epidor we offer completely customized solutions, from the choice of the profile to the formulation of the elastomer and the final geometry.

H3: What kind of maintenance do inflatable seals require?

Inflatable seals require little maintenance, but it is important to periodically check the inflation system and check for valve leaks or wear damage to the elastomer.

Do you need inflatable seals for your project?

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