What is UKL Soft plus (Expanded PTFE) PTFE gasket material
UKL Soft plus is 100% pure expanded PTFE material manufactured with special process that produces a uniform and highly fibrillated microstructure with a lot of fibers running in multi direction. UKL Soft plus is the softest PTFE material for application where just minimal surface pressures are possible. This expanded PTFE material is the excellent compensation of irregularities of the sealing surface.
PTFE is an excellent performance polymer with very high versatile properties that make it a very useful material in different types of industrial applications. The gaskets manufactured by Uni Klinger Limited find wide use in various industries. PTFE has good chemical inertness, high resistance to weather, and excellent electrical insulation. PTFE are also non-adhesive and have very low friction coefficient.
PTFE:
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It is a type of plastic known for its exceptional chemical resistance, non-stick properties, and high-temperature resistance. PTFE is most famously recognized under the brand name "Teflon”.
Key properties of PTFE include:
- Non-Stick: PTFE has a very low coefficient of friction, which makes it excellent for non-stick applications. This is why it's commonly used as a coating for cookware, such as frying pans and baking sheets.
- Chemical Resistance: PTFE is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, and bases. It's often used in industries where aggressive chemicals are handled.
- High Temperature Resistance: PTFE can withstand high temperatures without melting or degrading. It has a high melting point and can handle temperatures up to around 260°C (500°F) without major changes in its properties.
- Electrical Insulation: PTFE is an excellent electrical insulator, which makes it suitable for applications in the electronics industry.
- Low Friction: Due to its low coefficient of friction, PTFE is used in applications where reduced friction is essential, such as bearings, seals, and sliding mechanisms.
- Biocompatibility: PTFE is biologically inert and is used in medical devices and implants due to its compatibility with human tissue.
What is Expanded PTFE:
Expanded PTFE combines all the characteristics of PTFE while introducing an enhanced set of mechanical properties. This means that expanded PTFE functions effectively across a broad spectrum of temperatures and remains unaffected by corrosive substances, even those found in the most challenging chemical environments. Additionally, this plastic displays a more rubber-like nature, offering increased flexibility and adaptability for sealing purposes. It's evident, though worth reiterating, that these physical traits hold great appeal for the gasketing industry. Withstanding high pressures, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals, PTFE is an appealing choice for gasket materials. In contrast, expanded PTFE not only preserves these qualities but also introduces heightened mechanical flexibility, further enhancing an already enticing package.
Expanded PTFE Gasket, its uses and application:
Expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) gaskets have a wide range of uses and applications due to their unique combination of properties. Here are some common uses and applications of expanded PTFE gaskets:
Chemical Processing: Expanded PTFE gaskets are highly resistant to a wide variety of chemicals, acids, and bases. They are used in chemical processing industries for sealing connections, joints, and flanges in pipelines, reactors, and tanks.
Oil and Gas Industry: These gaskets find application in the oil and gas sector due to their ability to resist corrosion from hydrocarbons and other aggressive chemicals. They are used in pipelines, valves, and other equipment in both upstream and downstream processes.
Food and Beverage Industry: Expanded PTFE gaskets are approved for food contact applications by regulatory agencies. They are used in food processing equipment, beverage production, and pharmaceutical processes due to their non-reactive nature and high purity.
Pharmaceutical Industry: The gaskets are utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing to provide a reliable seal in equipment used for producing medicines and medical devices. Their resistance to chemicals and contamination makes them suitable for such applications.
Power Generation: In power plants, expanded PTFE gaskets are used in flange connections of pipes and fittings, where they need to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and chemicals often present in steam and gas environments.
Petrochemical Industry: Similar to the oil and gas industry, expanded PTFE gaskets are used in the petrochemical sector for sealing joints and connections in equipment that handles aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
Aerospace Industry: The aerospace industry employs expanded PTFE gaskets in various applications, such as sealing fuel and hydraulic systems, due to their resistance to aviation fuels, lubricants, and extreme temperature variations.
Water Treatment and Utilities: Expanded PTFE gaskets are used in water treatment plants and utilities to seal connections and joints in piping systems. They offer resistance to both chemicals and water.
Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: In cleanroom environments, expanded PTFE gaskets are used to seal equipment that processes sensitive electronic components, as they release minimal particles and have excellent chemical resistance.
Medical Equipment: Due to their biocompatibility and resistance to chemicals, expanded PTFE gaskets are used in medical equipment, such as diagnostic devices and laboratory instruments.
Cryogenic Applications: These gaskets can maintain their flexibility and sealing capabilities even at cryogenic temperatures, making them suitable for use in applications involving extremely cold environments.
Overall, expanded PTFE gaskets are chosen for applications that demand reliable sealing in the presence of harsh chemicals, high pressures, extreme temperatures, and other challenging conditions. Their versatility and resistance to a wide range of substances make them a valuable component in various industries.
Typical Features of expanded PTFE:
- 100% Pure P.T.F.E.
- Good sealability
- Good flexibility
- Highly compressible
- Resistant to creep and cold flow
- Low compressive load to seal
- Can seal rough or damaged flanges.
Uni Klinger has huge proven track record (PTR) of supply of their expanded PTFE gasket material to various industries in India and abroad like, pharmaceutical plants, Chemical plants, agrochemical industries, Original equipment manufacturers, Speciality chemical companies, edible oil plants, Paper manufacturing plants, steel plants beside other customers.