INFLATABLE SEAL PROFILE
Precision Dynamic Sealing Solutions by Kriloha Gaskets
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The Next Generation of Dynamic Sealing
In modern industrial processing, static gaskets often fall short when dealing with large tolerances, sliding assemblies, or the need for rapid loading and unloading. Kriloha Ltd. is a premier manufacturer of high-performance Inflatable Seals. Unlike traditional compression seals, inflatable seals are fabric-reinforced elastomeric tubes that expand and retract on demand.
By utilizing controlled fluid pressure (usually air or water), these seals provide a reliable, “live” barrier that conforms to uneven surfaces and bridges variable gaps. Whether you are sealing a cleanroom door, a high-vacuum chamber, or a heavy-duty industrial sterilizer, Kriloha Inflatable Seals offer the mechanical invincibility and operational agility required for mission-critical containment.
How Inflatable Seals Work: The Principle of Expansion
The core of an inflatable seal’s efficiency lies in its geometry and material memory. When air pressure is applied to the internal cavity of the seal, the elastomeric profile expands to meet the striking surface.
Deflated State: The seal sits flush or retracted within a machined groove, allowing for the free movement of doors, covers, or components.
Inflated State: Upon inflation, the seal expands at a regulated pressure (typically 10–30 PSI above the pressure being sealed), creating a uniform, bubble-tight interference fit across the entire perimeter.
Retraction: Once the pressure is released, the inherent memory of the elastomer—often assisted by an internal fabric reinforcement—pulls the seal back to its original shape.
Core Materials & Sub-Categories
At Kriloha Ltd., we match the elastomer chemistry to your specific process environment. Our inflatable seals are available in a variety of high-purity and industrial-grade materials:
Silicone (VMQ): The gold standard for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications. Offers excellent temperature resistance and USP Class VI compliance.
Fluorocarbon (Viton™/FKM): Engineered for aggressive chemical environments and high-heat applications where standard rubbers would degrade.
EPDM: The preferred choice for outdoor use, steam sterilization, and weather-sealing due to its exceptional ozone and UV resistance.
Nitrile (NBR): Ideal for oil-heavy environments and industrial machinery where petroleum resistance is mandatory.
Configuration Styles: Tailored to Your Hardware
Kriloha Inflatable Seals are custom-engineered in three primary expansion directions to suit your specific hardware configuration:
Designed for sealing between concentric cylinders. Outward expansion is used for sealing a shaft inside a housing, while Inward expansion is ideal for gripping a component from the outside, such as in drum filling or robotic grippers.
These seals expand in a direction parallel to the mounting axis. They are the industry standard for large-diameter autoclave doors, environmental test chambers, and bulkhead doors where the sealing face is perpendicular to the groove.
Commonly used in sliding doors or large gate valves, these seals expand across a flat plane to close gaps between parallel surfaces.
Available Profile Configurations
Below is a selection of our most requested inflatable seal profiles. Please refer to the technical team for specific CAD data and pressure ratings for each
The Kriloha Advantage: Engineering Excellence
Why do leading engineers specify Kriloha Inflatable Seals? Because we recognize that an inflatable seal is a pressure vessel, not just a piece of rubber.
Precision Fabric Reinforcement
To prevent “ballooning” and ensure a consistent expansion stroke, Kriloha utilizes internal fabric carcasses (Dacron, Nylon, or Kevlar). This reinforcement allows for higher inflation pressures and significantly extends the cycle life of the seal.
Integrated Valve Technology
We offer a variety of inflation valves, from standard automotive schrader valves to specialized stainless steel NPT fittings, ensuring seamless integration with your pneumatic control systems.
Zero-Leak Fabrication
Every Kriloha seal is manufactured using proprietary vulcanization techniques. We do not rely on cold-gluing for our joins; our “molded-joint” technology ensures that the seal remains a single, continuous, and leak-proof unit.
Installation & Maintenance: The Kriloha Program
To maximize the life of your inflatable seal, Kriloha Gaskets provides a rigorous installation checklist:
Groove Inspection: Ensure the mounting groove is smooth and free of sharp burrs that could puncture the elastomer.
Lubrication: Use only compatible lubricants (usually silicone-based) to aid installation; never use petroleum-based lubricants on EPDM or Silicone seals.
Pressure Regulation: Never exceed the “Maximum Recommended Inflation Pressure” provided in your Kriloha technical data sheet, especially when the seal is not confined by a striking surface.
Cycle Testing: Perform a dry-run inflation test to ensure uniform expansion before introducing process media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: What is the typical life cycle of a Kriloha Inflatable Seal?
A: With proper installation and regulated pressure, a Kriloha seal can withstand tens of thousands of cycles. Life expectancy depends on the frequency of inflation, the “stroke” distance of the expansion, and the chemical environment.
Q: Can an inflatable seal be used to seal against a vacuum?
A: Absolutely. Inflatable seals are excellent for vacuum applications, such as in semiconductor chambers or freeze-dryers. The seal is inflated to bridge the gap, and the resulting interference fit is sufficient to maintain high-vacuum levels.
Q: What happens if the seal is over-inflated?
A: Over-inflation outside of a confined groove can cause “ballooning” or a localized rupture. This is why Kriloha incorporates internal fabric reinforcement to provide structural limits and why we recommend using a pressure regulator during operation.
Q: Can you manufacture custom shapes like rectangles or "U" channels?
A: Yes. While circular seals are common, our CNC-controlled vulcanization process allows us to create rectangular seals with radiused corners, U-shaped seals, and even complex 3D configurations to match your door or hatch geometry.
Q: Are Kriloha Inflatable Seals FDA compliant?
A: Yes, our Silicone (VMQ) and EPDM inflatable seals can be manufactured using FDA-approved and USP Class VI compliant compounds, making them safe for direct contact with food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products.
Contact Kriloha Ltd. Today
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