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ToggleComprehensive Guide to High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings: Dimensions, Pricing, Market, and Applications
O-rings are essential components in sealing systems across various industries, especially in high-performance and high-precision environments such as high-vacuum systems, coffee machines, and industrial machinery. In this article, we will explore high-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings used in 12-inch CF (Conflat) flanges, applications in LDS (low-density systems), and O-rings for coffee machines, specifically focusing on keywords such as PX2598 O-ring, O-rings for 12-inch CF, and O-ring replacements for Philips coffee machines.
1. High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings: What Are They?
Fluoroelastomer O-rings are highly specialized sealing components made from synthetic rubber compounds that contain fluorine atoms. These O-rings are known for their exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and a variety of aggressive environments, making them ideal for high-vacuum systems.
- Fluoroelastomer (FKM) materials are typically used in demanding environments where traditional elastomers fail due to high temperatures or exposure to harsh chemicals.
- High-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings are specifically designed for applications where ultra-low pressures are required, such as in vacuum chambers, pumps, and scientific equipment.
Key Properties of High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings:
- Temperature Resistance: Fluoroelastomer O-rings can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°C to 300°C (-4°F to 572°F).
- Chemical Resistance: They offer superior resistance to oils, fuels, solvents, acids, and other harsh chemicals.
- High Vacuum Compatibility: These O-rings are ideal for applications in high-vacuum environments, such as in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and laboratory equipment.
2. O-Rings for 12-Inch CF Flanges
12-inch CF (Conflat) flanges are widely used in vacuum and high-vacuum applications. The CF flange system is known for its excellent sealing capabilities, typically using O-rings to create a vacuum-tight seal between mating surfaces. The O-ring used for this application must be able to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, chemical exposure, and vacuum pressures.
Dimensions of O-Rings for 12-Inch CF Flanges:
- Inner Diameter (ID): 12 inches (304.8 mm)
- Cross Section: Typically ranges from 0.125 inches to 0.25 inches (3.18 mm to 6.35 mm) depending on the flange size and sealing requirements.
- Material: High-vacuum fluoroelastomer (FKM) is the most commonly used material for these O-rings because it can handle the rigorous demands of vacuum systems.
The O-ring is placed between the 12-inch CF flange faces and compressed to form a vacuum-tight seal, preventing air or gas from leaking in or out of the system. The precise size of the O-ring ensures a secure seal that can withstand external pressures without compromising performance.
3. High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings for LDS (Low-Density Systems)
Low-Density Systems (LDS) refer to applications where vacuum or low-pressure environments are used, but not necessarily as extreme as high-vacuum systems. These systems often include applications in scientific instrumentation, semiconductor processing, and medical devices. Fluoroelastomer O-rings are commonly used for sealing in such environments because of their versatility and ability to resist a range of chemicals and temperature variations.
Applications in LDS:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Fluoroelastomer O-rings are used in etching chambers and vacuum deposition systems.
- Medical Equipment: They are often used in sterilization chambers, autoclaves, and blood analyzers, where cleanliness and chemical resistance are critical.
- Aerospace: LDS applications in spacecraft and aircraft require seals that perform under fluctuating pressures, extreme temperatures, and exposure to various gases and chemicals.
The use of high-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings in these applications ensures that seals can withstand both the mechanical and environmental stresses they face.
4. O-Ring Replacement for Philips Coffee Machines: PX2598 O-Ring
O-rings are critical components in coffee machines, ensuring that water, steam, and coffee remain sealed within the system, preventing leaks and optimizing the brewing process. A common issue faced by users of Philips coffee machines is the need to replace worn or damaged O-rings. The PX2598 O-ring is one such O-ring used in some Philips models.
Dimensions of PX2598 O-Ring:
The exact dimensions of the PX2598 O-ring can vary based on the specific model, but the typical cross-section of O-rings used in Philips coffee machines ranges from 1 to 2 mm, with inner diameters of 5 mm to 20 mm depending on the application. This O-ring ensures that water and steam are properly sealed within the coffee machine’s pump and brewing system.
Pricing for Philips Coffee Machine O-Rings:
- PX2598 O-ring for Philips coffee machines: Typically priced at $5 to $15 USD per O-ring, though prices may vary based on the supplier or region.
- Replacement kits that include multiple O-rings for a complete overhaul may range between $10 to $30 USD.
Common O-Ring Applications in Coffee Machines:
- Sealing the water pump: Prevents leaks and ensures that water is directed correctly through the coffee machine.
- Steam pressure seals: Ensures that steam does not escape during operation, allowing for consistent coffee brewing.
- Group head and valve seals: Vital for maintaining pressure in espresso machines, helping maintain the integrity of the brewing system.
Replacement O-rings like the PX2598 are important to ensure that the coffee machine continues to function effectively, providing high-quality performance over time.
5. Pricing and Market for High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings
The pricing of high-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings depends on several factors, including the material, size, and manufacturer. O-rings for specialized applications like 12-inch CF flanges and LDS systems are typically more expensive than standard O-rings used in consumer-grade applications.
Pricing for High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings:
- Standard Fluoroelastomer O-Rings (small sizes): Prices typically range from $5 to $30 USD depending on the diameter and thickness.
- O-Rings for 12-Inch CF Flanges: High-quality fluroelastomer O-rings for 12-inch CF flanges can range from $50 to $150 USD, depending on the material quality, manufacturer, and order quantity.
- Specialized O-Rings for LDS Applications: The prices for O-rings used in LDS systems may range from $10 to $100 USD depending on the application, size, and material resistance properties.
- Philips Coffee Machine O-Rings: The PX2598 O-ring replacement typically costs between $5 to $15 USD, with specialized kits available for $10 to $30 USD.
Market for O-Rings:
- The high-vacuum and fluoroelastomer O-ring market serves a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors.
- Manufacturers of specialized sealing solutions such as Parker Hannifin, Trelleborg, Dixon, and SKF dominate the market for high-performance O-rings.
- Online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba allow customers to purchase both OEM and aftermarket O-rings at competitive prices, while offering a wide variety of sizes and material options.
6. Applications of High-Vacuum Fluoroelastomer O-Rings
High-Vacuum and Semiconductor Applications:
High-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings are critical in semiconductor manufacturing, where systems require ultra-clean environments with minimal contamination. These O-rings are used in vacuum pumps, etching chambers, and vacuum deposition systems to maintain pressure and ensure that the environment remains sealed.
Industrial Machinery:
These O-rings are also widely used in industrial machinery where high-performance sealing is needed to prevent the leakage of oils, gases, and other substances, ensuring that systems run smoothly and efficiently.
Aerospace:
In aerospace applications, fluoroelastomer O-rings are used for fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and pressure seals in spacecraft, ensuring the integrity of systems under extreme pressures and temperatures.
Medical Equipment:
Fluoroelastomer O-rings are crucial in medical devices such as sterilization equipment, autoclaves, and blood analyzers, where leak-proof seals are essential for maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we have explored high-vacuum fluoroelastomer O-rings, particularly focusing on their use in 12-inch CF flanges, LDS applications, and the PX2598 O-ring used in Philips coffee machines. These O-rings are essential in various high-performance applications, including vacuum systems, semiconductor manufacturing, medical equipment, and more. Their superior resistance to chemicals, temperature, and pressure makes them an invaluable component across many industries. With the growing demand for precise, high-quality seals, understanding the dimensions, pricing, and market trends surrounding these O-rings will help ensure that the right product is selected for the job.
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