HybridSeal by SUTTON International
SUTTON INTERNATIONAL’S HYBRID KILN SEAL
HYBRIDSEAL – A PATENTED AND TESTED SEAL
The Sutton HybridSeal was developed in response to a unique application where temperature and pressure requirements exceeded anything on the market at the time. Metal leaf type seals could not hold pressure, and fabric type seals that could withstand high heat and contain pressure could not withstand abrasion against a rotating shell. The Sutton HybridSeal combines technologies and consists of a stainless steel metal framework, or skeleton which glides along the sealing surface, and a high-temperature fabric overlay that provides the sealing action. This combination of technologies provides the longevity of a metal leaf type seal, but the efficiency of a fabric type seal. US Patent number 6,589,049 was awarded for this unique design, which has found success in applications where high heat, abrasion resistance, and positive pressure requirements need to be met.
The unique feature of HybridSeal is its use of mechanical pivoting arms, rather than the use of metal leaves that require more clearance on the kiln shell. The arms are held in place by the seal mounting ring on the hood on one end, while the other end is attached to a stainless steel wear segment. As the kiln rotates, eccentricity in the shell is absorbed by the seal and the pivoting arms. The wear segments are wide enough to provide a sufficient bearing surface such that the segments do not cause scoring of the rotating shell. As the segments “float” on the shell, a high temperature fabric overlay provides the sealing action of HybridSeal. Since high temperature fabrics are not very abrasion resistant, the segments provide a static surface for the fabric to seal against. The high temperature characteristics of the seal allow HybridSeal to thrive in temperatures to 1800F where all other highly efficient fabric seals fall well short.
THE HYBRIDSEAL ADVANTAGE
The Sutton HybridSeal is comprised of a mechanical stainless steel framework with a fabric overlay. The stainless steel framework has arms that are connected to the wear plates by a bearing that allows the wear plates to float with the shell without any flexing motion. As kilns become out of round, metal leaves may tend to fatigue over time and develop stress cracks if the runout condition is not addressed. This seal does not have static plates that are forced to flex with the rotating kiln shell, but rather has pivoting joints with bearings that allow the seal to adjust to runout without any risk of metal fatigue. The fabric overlay produces 100% sealing coverage around the open joint, thus providing the most efficient seal possible for your equipment.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
- Metal + fabric technologies = the longevity of a metal leaf seal + efficiency of a fabric seal
- Wide wear segments ride smoothly along the sealing surface and will not score the shell
- 360-degree coverage of a redundant spring tension device allows the seal to completely conform to the shell surface
- Ideal for pressure housing applications where positive pressure is desired
- Small shell footprint required so it will fit into tight spaces
Product Dimensions: Requires 3” horizontal clearance on the shell surface.
Heat Tolerance: Up to 1,800 degrees F.
Runout Tolerance: Up to 5”.
Service Life: Typically 1 to 2+ years, depending on environment and equipment.
Options: High-temperature RTV silicone coating available for weather resistance in outdoor applications.
Cautions: This seal is intended for clean applications only. Due to the nature of the mechanical action of the framework and the fabric overlay, debris build-up in the sealing area could cause the seal to bind, bulge, and ultimately fail. Debris build-up issues should be addressed before installing.
PUT IN AN ORDER FOR A SUTTON METAL/FABRIC HYBRID KILN SEAL TODAY!
Send us a sketch of your current sealing arrangement with details of your process including temperature and pressure requirements, and we will send you a sketch of a proposed seal with pricing and lead time. In most cases, a new sealing system can be produced within 10 to 15 business days!