Inflatable Seal Construction

Extruded inflatable profiles are typically used in applications where the inflatable seal or clamp's operating pressure is 15-25 psi and there is little to no pressure differential to seal against (see inflatable sealing gap for further details). An exception to this rule are the high pressure, low gap Type 10 profiles which can be operated at much higher pressures. Seals manufactured using extruded construction can be configured for practically any application, but may involve special forming processes. Most common, however, are seals designed for radial expansion inward/outward or clamps with specially sealed ends.

In applications involving high pressure and/or repeated, continuous use or where safety and reliability are of major importance, a molded fabric-reinforced seal is recommended. The molding process eliminates spliced joints and the fabric reinforcing gives additional structural integrity ensuring better resistance to rupture and tear. Internal testing has shown that fabric reinforcing also provides superior flex life. Molded fabric reinforced seals require special tooling for their manufacture. Beginning the design process with one of our Pneuma-Seal Standard profiles will guarantee that most, if not all, of the tooling required for your seal will be readily available. Most fabric profiles can be manufactured using a number of different materials with EPDM and Silicone being the most popular. Available fabrics (again depending on profile) include Nylon, Dacron®, Nomex®, or Kevlar® (see Available Fabrics). If a custom cross section is required, we can design it but understand a full set of molding tools will be required which can be costly.