Proper sealing that protects the environment

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Growing awareness of the potential environmental damage to oceans, lakes and streams due to man-made toxins is driving leaders across multiple industries to ensure that potentially harmful material is securely kept inside the enclosures designed to house them. Those leaders know that even the slightest flaw in their system could cause an environmental accident, and possibly result in big financial and productivity losses.

One of the best ways to protect the environment is to ensure that equipment is properly sealed. Many industrial applications take place in challenging environments where everyday conditions could damage equipment. Those conditions can vary based on the equipment’s location, but they can affect indoor and outdoor machinery, as well as terrestrial and marine devices. Regardless of their location, improperly sealed electrical devices are more likely to degrade in hostile environments and potentially cause a hazard.

When designing products and enclosures for hostile environments, engineers keep these three main causes of equipment failure in mind: obsolescence, accidents and surface degradation. Surface degradation is typically caused by corrosion and mechanical wear and can be particularly challenging.

When unsealed equipment is exposed to water or other fluids, the liquid causes iron surfaces to rust. Additionally, water can increase the oxidation level in oil, changing its pH and ultimately causing critical equipment to develop an acidic setting. This in turn encourages further corrosion that, with time, can result in toxic leaks into sensitive environments.

Figure 1. Boots and bushings like these can help protect the environment from toxins contained in critical equipment. Source: APM Hexseal Corporation

Protective solutions that deter harmful toxins can range from sealed switches to self-sealing hardware to sealing boots. When properly installed and maintained, these solutions safeguard the environment in multiple ways.

Sealing solutions can protect against spills and leaks from oil and chemicals that are commonly used in multiple applications. Keeping water from seeping into equipment and mixing with toxins can be challenging, so sealing products are used in applications as diverse as electrical panels, marine and boating equipment, outdoor construction equipment and railroad steering systems.

With ever-improving technological advances also comes an increased risk of system failures and environmental contamination since these technologies can be highly sensitive to external conditions. And because these technologies are often used 24/7, they are even more susceptible to failure.

APM Hexseal has a variety of reusable products to securely seal toxins inside the enclosures and protect the environment from possible contamination. All of our sealing hardware is reusable, making it a smart economic choice for applications that need frequent maintenance. Some examples include the following:

• Seelskrews™ and Seelbolts™ are self-sealing screws and bolts that offer a reliable seal to safeguard against leaks and contamination.
• Seelnuts have a single-piece, self-sealing design that offers a more consistent and reliable seal.
• Seeloc™ washers are made of molded silicone rubber that bonds to specially formed stainless-steel washers, creating a tight seal to protect the environment.

If one of these products will not get the job done, APM Hexseal can provide a customized solution. From design to finished product, the APM Hexseal team is committed to providing sealing solutions that work in a plethora of applications, across multiple industries.

Since 1947, Hexseal has been the leader in developing and manufacturing sealing solutions that prolong the life of sensitive electronic and mechanical components and systems in hostile environments. Susanna Morse, granddaughter of co-founders Milton and Riva Morse, is the latest family member to guide the company’s direction and development.

To learn more, contact APM Hexseal today and let them find the perfect sealing solution to solve your problem. Seal stuff in, seal stuff out. Ask the experts at APM Hexseal.