Applications
Space: Metal Seals Applications
Description
Omniseal® metal face seals are used in space launch vehicle and satellite applications where failure is not an option. Designed to perform in cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum, and extreme pressure environments, they meet stringent requirements for very low leakage and mission-critical reliability. Examples:
- Launch Vehicle Tanks
- Launch Vehicle Valves
- Launch Vehicle Propulsion System Feedlines
- Launch Vehicle Turbopumps
- Launch Vehicle Combustion Chambers
- Satellite Tanks
- Satellite Instrumentation
Metal Face Seals For Launch Vehicles
Metal Spring-Energized C-Seals For Satellites
More Information
Temperature:
Pressure:
Leakage Rates:
Seal Diameter:
Cross Sections:
Clamping Load:
Surface Finish:
Oxygen Cleaning:
From -269°C to +1000°C (-452°F to +1832°F); higher temperatures available on request
From ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to 6894 bar (100,000 psi)
To 1×10⁻¹² mbar·l/s (plated + spin polished)
Face—8 mm to 7000 mm (0.3" to 275.6")
Axial—8 mm to 400mm (0.3" to 15.7")
0.79 mm to 12.70 mm (0.031" to 0.500"); non-standard available on request
Up to 150 N/mm
Face: Ra 0.2 to 1.6 um; Axial: Ra 10 um
As required
Depending on the type of Metal Seal, the solution can be used for static and semi-dynamic face or axial sealing in extreme temperature, pressure, vacuum, and radiation environments.
Applications include:
- Low to moderate load with high spring back (C-Seal, V-Seal, E-Seal)
- Medium to high load with increased spring back and wider sealing surface (Spring-Energized C-Seal)
- Ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic sealing (Aluminium Spring-Energized Seal, O-Ring)
- Shaft and bore sealing in semi-dynamic, rotary, and reciprocating applications (Axial C-Seal, Lip Seal, Comma Seal)
- Non-circular and shaped geometries (Shaped Seal, Machined Seal)
- High spring back for large flange movement or thermal cycling (V-Seal, E-Seal)
- High seating stress for rough surface finishes or soft flange materials (Spring-Energized C-Seal, Aluminium Spring-Energized Seal)
- Long-term static sealing under radiation exposure (C-Seal, Spring-Energized C-Seal)
- Standard fitting interfaces (Boss Seal for AS5202, E-Seal for AS1895)
See more
Case Studies
Discover in depth information and practical application tips in these use cases
Weather Satellite Calibration Instrument
There are a variety of satellites, each with a specific function and supporting a specific aspect of our daily life. It can be used to enhance navigation, GPS or internet communication; to monitor tides; or to forecast weather. In order to link with each function, a satellite carries instrumentation that needs to operate for many years since maintenance is not possible on a satellite.
Launch Vehicle Engine Turbopump
A launch vehicle uses a turbopump that is driven by a hot gas turbine. Due to high levels of horsepower, RPM, flow rates and pressures in this system, specific design features, materials, and fabrication methods must be used to ensure high performance as well as space flight levels of reliability. For static sealing applications in this area, metal seals are used to prevent leakage of a fluid through a joint that has no relative motion of the mating surfaces.
Launch Vehicle Combustion Chamber Metal Seals
The combustion chamber in a rocket engine is a main critical part since this area creates the thrust needed to propel the rocket or spacecraft. In order to function properly, this chamber needs to endure extreme temperatures and pressures as well as intense vibrations.
Metal Boss Seals For Fuel & Hydraulic AS5202 Fittings
In space applications, standard fittings are specifically used to tackle several high-end connections and extreme conditions for fuel and hydraulic ports. In particular, AS5202 ports and fittings are installed in not only spacecraft and aircraft but are also valued in nuclear and industrial applications.