High Load Fully Retained Dynamic Cryogenic Seal

Patent Abstract:
The novelty of this invention is that it allows the Teflon to expand and contract in changing temperatures at rates similar to the parent materials. The seal could be used in any commercial cryogenic fluid system and would work well in both dynamic and static applications. NASAs new technology overcomes many shortcomings of conventional cryogenic seals, such as Teflon-jacketed O-ring seals and bellows, which often have short lifetimes due to mismatches in thermal expansion characteristics and dimensional instability of the Teflon due to repeated strain.
Benefits:
-Durable: Provides longer seal lifetime than conventional cryogenic seals
-Reliable: Delivers superior performance in mission-critical applications due to unique design in which metal rings compress both the inside and outside of annular Teflon ring to hold it in place
-Cost-Effective: Reduces equipment downtime as well as maintenance and replacement costs due to longer seal lifetimeBenefits
applications
Patent Number:
8,550,468 Internal Laboratory Ref #:
MSFC-QL-0050Patent Status:
2032-01-09Patent Issue Date:
January 1, 1970Lab Representatives