Exhausting problem solved for diesel engine manufacturers
As a result of the Euro IV targets, diesel engines are operating at increasingly hotter temperatures. But, this has resulted in the premature failure of seals and other engine components.
Traditionally the exhaust manifold needs to be cast as two parts and connected via a sliding joint. The dimensional tolerances of the engine assembly and thermal expansion caused by temperature means the use of rigid bolted joints with a gasket, a highly complex and expensive arrangement, is commonly used.
Although this set up works well at both engine start-up and even after hundreds of hours, the new standards are more demanding and cast iron rings are failing due to the increased engine and exhaust temperatures.
As a result, TFC Europe has developed a laminar-sealing ring to prolong engine longevity at higher temperature operations. Its 'Smalley Laminar Sealing Ring' is produced in a variety of metals including A286 stainless steel, Inconel x-750, Elgiloy and 17-7 PH/C among others, making it work extremely well in high temperature environments.
The laminar sealing ring is a metallic labyrinth seal consisting of multiple rings in a groove. The ability to provide laminar rings in materials able to withstand corrosive and high temperature environments has enabled the laminar ring products to be used in a wide range of applications, including compensators in exhaust pipe systems of internal combustion engines, exhaust gas recirculation systems and turbochargers.
TFC's Smalley Laminar sealing rings are generally supplied in single or double turn form and the arrangement of the rings and the specific orientation of the rings are dictated by the application and the severity of the environment. The flexibility means virtually any size of ring can be designed into an application without any additional tooling charges being incurred.
