Challenge

Arempee Compressors is a manufacturer of air compressors in India. They were using metallic gaskets to seal the valve plate assembly to cylinder head in top block assembly of the compressors. Metallic gaskets are conventionally used in high temperature conditions. However, metallic gaskets do not create 100% sealing between mating surfaces and are expensive. Arempee Compressors were receiving field complaints of air and oil leakage. This required frequent visits by their service engineers to attend to the complaints.

Solution

Loctite 596 is red, high temperature silicone gasketing compound that withstands temperature up to 314 °C.

Applied in liquid form, Loctite silicone gasketing compounds cover surface imperfections and seal potential leak paths; these cure to create 100% sealing between mating flanges.

Loctite silicone gasketing compounds are designed to withstand environmental conditions and common industrial fluids:

• They can be dispensed in desired shape and sizes and reduce the need for keeping high inventories.
• The dispensing operation can be automatic to further reduce application costs and improve process efficiency.
• They typically cost much lower compared to conventionally used pre-formed gaskets.

Results

Arempee Compressors successfully tested the assembly sealed with Loctite 596 at 40 bar pressure at 240 °C - much higher than the maximum operating pressure and temperature expected in field operating conditions. The gasket cost per assembly was reduced by more than 40%. The field complaints of sealing failures were eliminated- creating further savings in servicing costs for Arempee.