Beverage Filling Machine Silicone Seals

"Willingness and ability to modify a standard design to create a bespoke sealing solution."

the challenge

A global Food and Beverage processing equipment manufacturer was experiencing issues with its sealing gaskets. These seals were installed on their hygienic connections within the PET bottle filling machinery. Performance and reliability are fundamental to the customer due to the fact that they are a supplier of critical processing equipment.

It was discovered that the Silicone seals were failing prematurely throughout the process which meant cleaning cycles were increased to once a week. Consequently, it was affecting the reliability of machinery, increasing the risk of contamination, and consequently impacting maintenance costs.

The acidity of most fruit juice causes issues for the standard elastomer seals, but the biggest issue is in the cleaning and sterilisation of the machinery, in this instance using Peracetic Acid (PAA). PAA is an oxidising substance that attacks both elastomers - natural and synthetic, and will make them brittle and prone to mechanical failure.

the solution

During a thorough analysis and collaboration with the customer's engineers, the best solution was to design a custom-made GYLON BIO-ECO® gaskets profile for the hygienic screw couplings. This modified PTFE material supports the required level of compliance with industry standards and provides compatibility with the installation's mechanical and chemical requirements.

the result

The customer is extremely satisfied with the outcome. Seal reliability had been prolonged from 5 days to 6 months. Additionally, the end-user feedback was so positive that the customer decided to implement the product on other machines in their facility. They are now enjoying the benefits of increased efficiency and safer processes.