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What are the key factors in selecting sealing materials for air control valves

Air control valves play an integral role in the fields of industrial automation, fluid control and gas regulation. The choice of sealing material has a direct impact on the performance, efficiency and service life of the valve. Therefore, ensuring the selection of the right sealing material is one of the key factors to ensure the normal operation of the air control valve.

Media compatibility
Media compatibility is the primary consideration in the selection of sealing materials. The sealing material must be able to withstand the chemical properties of the media it comes into contact with, including acids, bases, salts, solvents and other fluids. Different materials have significant differences in their tolerance to different media, so a comprehensive assessment is required when selecting. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is able to withstand most chemicals due to its excellent chemical resistance, and is particularly suitable for handling strong acid and strong base environments. On the other hand, fluororubber (FKM) performs well in high temperature and corrosive environments and is suitable for the sealing needs of the chemical industry. However, natural rubber has poor tolerance to many chemicals and is therefore not suitable for use in chemically corrosive environments.

Operating temperature and pressure
The temperature and pressure resistance of the sealing material are important factors that cannot be ignored in the selection process. Different materials have different tolerances to temperature and pressure, and improper selection may lead to seal failure. In terms of temperature resistance, the temperature adaptability range of the sealing material must be consistent with the working environment of the valve. For example, silicone rubber can usually withstand a temperature range of -60℃ to 200℃, while PTFE can withstand a temperature of up to 260℃. In high-temperature environments, it is crucial to select high-temperature resistant materials to prevent deformation or aging of the material.
In terms of pressure resistance, the sealing material needs to have good pressure resistance, especially in high-pressure environments. Metal seals are usually suitable for extremely high-pressure environments, while polyurethane and certain types of rubber materials can also maintain good sealing performance under high pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right sealing material for specific working conditions.

Sealing performance
Sealing performance is an important criterion for evaluating the quality of sealing materials. The sealing material needs to maintain a good sealing effect during the opening and closing process of the valve to prevent gas leakage. The key factors affecting sealing performance include:
Compressibility: The compressibility of the sealing material directly affects its sealing effect after being compressed. The better the compressibility, the more significant the sealing effect.
Recovery: The ability of the sealing material to return to its original shape after pressure relief is crucial. Good recovery prevents the material from permanent deformation due to long-term pressure, thereby ensuring long-term sealing effect.
Surface finish: The finish of the contact surface between the seal and the valve body also significantly affects the sealing performance. The smoother the contact surface, the better the sealing effect. Therefore, when selecting sealing materials, it is crucial to ensure that its surface treatment process meets the requirements.

Wear resistance
During the operation of the air control valve, friction will occur between the sealing material and the valve body and valve disc, so wear resistance is one of the important characteristics of the sealing material. Materials with strong wear resistance can effectively reduce wear and extend the service life of the seal. Selecting materials with excellent wear resistance can not only reduce maintenance costs, but also improve the overall reliability of the system.