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How Omniseal® Gasket Solutions In Deicing System Protect Aircraft Wings

OmniGasket-Aviation-Deicing

A Powerful Combination: Meldin® 7001 Polyimide Material & Omniseal® Spring-Energized Seal Form High-Performance Gasket

Description

By Chiara Repetto (October 2021)


 

Omniseal® Gasket

The Omniseal® gasket sealing solution is being utilized in the aviation market as a flanged sealing component on aircraft wing slats and their deicing telescopic duct system. Retained in a gasket, this sealing solution is machined from a polyimide plate with a static Omniseal® seal installed inside and is mounted at the interface between the telescopic duct and the wing leading edge. When flying at high altitudes in subzero temperatures, ice forms on the wing of aircraft and a deicing protection system destabilizes the ice using hot air coming from the engine, thus allowing the slipstream to dislodge it and remove it from the wing. The component is currently installed on a large-cabin, long-range business jet and being tested for use on a new mid-size jet.

Because the component is composed of two high-performance solutions (Meldin® 7001 thermoset polyimide materials and Omniseal® spring-energized seals), it is capable of handling extreme service conditions and is ideal for the aviation industry. Recent research and development from the Omniseal Solutions manufacturing team has led to a change in the Omniseal® seal shape from round to oval and optimizing the limited space. Within the same plate size, the oval shape supports a larger surface area, which increases airflow intake.

How did this hybrid solution come about? Find out why combining different functions in the same component is important in our Assembly section.

Description

Other advantages of the Omniseal® gasket solution include:

  • One single component to replace two parts (providing the benefits of an insulating component as well as a sealing solution).

  • Lightweight material provided by a polymer solution compared to traditional metal plates in use.

  • Mechanical properties and structural integrity at elevated temperatures (up to 270°C) are very good, allowing an easy transition from metal.

  • The machining cost of grooves is reduced because the component is installed between two flanges on plain surfaces.

  • Ease of installation, i.e., installation plugs are also provided and made completely of Meldin® 7001 material, which is the same material as the plate ensuring inclusive thermal insulation.

  • Excellent leakage capability, provided by the Omniseal® element.

Meldin® 7001 material was specifically selected for the application due to:

  • Excellent thermal insulative properties

  • Maintaining mechanical properties at elevated temperatures

  • Capability of working well at cycling temperature (-55°C up to 270°C)

  • Low thermal conductivity

  • Excellent ductility is extremely important to ensure long life to the components

  • Low thermal expansion, being close to Aluminum counter surfaces

The Meldin® and Omniseal® solutions also work as separate elements and have been used for different aviation applications, specifically in working conditions where high temperatures or extreme pressure are needed. Some applications include jet engines, auxiliary power units, landing gear, gearboxes, and flight controls.

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