Understanding Industrial Equipment and Our Manufacturing Legacy

I'm Sandra Adams, a blogger and enthusiast of many eclectic targets, including pottery and industrial equipment and supplies. I've traced my family tree as far back as I can go and there is not one moment where my family hasn't been involved in manufacturing. My dad worked as a mechanic repairing industrial machinery and if it wasn't for me, he wouldn't have anyone to pass down his knowledge to. I've always wanted to know what my dad was up to, so I'd ask him what he did everyday. I've always been really curious and this has lead me to develop a really strong understanding of industrial equipment. My love for industrial equipment hasn't waned and now I feel like sharing this knowledge with others. I've created this blog for this exact purpose.

Compressor Seals: Three Benefits Bronze Seals Have Over Aluminum Seals

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Working in an industrial setting, there is a good chance you will encounter compressor systems. In order to function properly, these compressor systems need tight-fitting seals that keep the internal pressure constant. Any number of metals and metal alloys are manufactured for this purpose, but some metals and metal alloys have greater benefits over others. Before you reach for the cheapest seals (which are typically aluminum), you should know that bronze seals have three major benefits over aluminum seals.

1. Bronze Is Stronger and Lasts Longer Than Aluminum

Bronze was once used to make hunting and fishing tools and it was prized for its strength during "the Bronze Age". Its strength is still valuable, especially as a plumbing or insulating metal. Inside a compressor, bronze will not flatten out, grind down or disintegrate as quickly as aluminum will. It can handle the pressure while maintaining the internal pressure for both water and air compressors.

2. Bronze Can Slow Down Electrical Energy Surges

Because of its copper base, electricity is drawn to and through bronze. In the event that you have an electrical surge, the electricity would be absorbed by the other metals found in bronze and redirect it in the direction you want and expect it to go. In some types of industrial equipment, this particular feature of bronze is very desirable.

Aluminum is not an alloy, and is more likely to act as a faster conduit, sending the electrical charges straight on through to whichever parts the aluminum seals are connnected. If the purpose of your equipment is to conduct electricity through the seals into the machinery, bronze and aluminum can do it. However, bronze will do it at a slightly slower rate than pure aluminum.

3. Bronze Has a Higher Melting Point Than Aluminum

Bronze is a metal alloy, a combination of several other metals, and as such, it has a much higher melting point than aluminum. What this means for industrial seals is that bronze seals can be used in high, intense heat areas and areas that see a lot of friction and produce heat from that friction. If your plant uses a high heat and compression process to produce a particular product, then you need bronze seals to protect both the product and your equipment from a meltdown disaster.

Purchasing Bronze Seals

Companies like Phoenix Specialty that manufacture industrial seals usually make both aluminum and bronze seals. Regardless of the size of seal you need, you should be able to purchase them from these companies directly. You can even buy the seals in bulk, although you should not need replacements for bronze seals for several years to come.

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30 July 2015