Hi-Tech Seals

Name: High-Pressure T-Seal (35,000 PSI)
Brand: Hi-Tech Seals
Availability: InStock

Extending Slurry Pump Service Life with Custom HNBR Rubber & Fabric Reinforced Diaphragms

Client Web3 — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:01:40 +0000

By Josh Kelly, Sales Engineer The diaphragm is a critical component of a diaphragm slurry pump, a type of positive displacement pump used to transport dense and abrasive mixtures of liquids and suspended solid particles, often known as slurry. The diaphragm is a flexible membrane that flexes back and forth to draw slurry into the pump chamber and push it out, while isolating the slurry from the pump’s mechanical components. This case study outlines how Hi-Tech Seals provided specialized HNBR diaphragms to reduce costly downtime and maintenance, all while improving the pump’s service life.

Customer Profile

The customer provides millwright and on-site machining services for industries such as oil and gas, mining, power generation, pulp and paper, plastics, food, and steelmaking.

Application

This diaphragm slurry pump used two flexible diaphragms positioned on either side of a central drive mechanism. The diaphragms flex in opposite directions: one chamber draws slurry through its inlet check valve while the other discharges through its outlet check valve. This isolates the slurry from the pump’s mechanical components.

The pump operates in cobalt and copper leaching, transferring saltwater slurry with abrasive coral particles.

The Challenge

The diaphragms from previous suppliers could not withstand the abrasive nature of coral slurry. The material used was hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), and the reinforced fabric layer was not thick enough, wearing out within only 25 days. This drastically increased their operational costs as replacement diaphragms had to be ordered frequently. The supplier lead time was also a constraint, extending to nearly eleven months.

Hi-Tech Seals Solution

Our engineering team worked closely with the customer to design and engineer diaphragms with a longer service life. The revised design doubled the thickness of the reinforced fabric layer and used an optimized HNBR compound selected to improve durability in the customer’s abrasive slurry conditions.

The Results

The improved diaphragms increased service life from 25 days to 45-60 days, reducing replacement frequency and associated downtime. Hi-Tech Seals was also able to cut lead time by more than half compared to the previous supplier. Together, the extended diaphragm life and shorter lead time reduced slurry pump maintenance, downtime, and operating costs.

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Rockatek Validates T-Seal Performance at 35,000 psi

Client Web3 — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:17:26 +0000

By Brian Benkendorf, Director of Design & Development Customer Profile: Rockatek is a professional engineering consultancy, specializing in design, analysis, and custom testing services across sectors including oil and gas, aerospace, defense, and renewable energy. They are known for rigorously testing components under extreme operating conditions.

Application

The T-Seals were installed in a controlled bench test setup to verify final suitability for operation within oil & gas. The seals were required to perform in both static and dynamic (sliding) conditions across approximately 10mm – 15mm of movement. Testing was conducted using ISO 32 hydraulic oil at +10^oC.

The Challenge

Rockatek required seals capable of withstanding hydraulic pressures up to 35,000 psi while fitting around their existing fixed metalwork dimensions, which ruled out off-the-shelf sealing options. A fast turnaround was also critical to align with their testing timeline.

Hi-Tech Seals Solution

We were able to rapidly design and deliver a batch of custom MH92 + MP89 T-Seals engineered to Rockatek’s existing metalwork specifications and operating requirements, delivered within the lead time required to keep their testing on schedule. MH92 is our high-quality hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) compound used as the primary sealing material; MP89 is our KasPex™ compound, a high-performance virgin PEEK material exclusive to Hi-Tech Seals used as the back-ups.

The Results

The T-Seals were subjected to hydraulic pressures up to 35,000 psi and performed reliably in both static and sliding movements throughout the testing program. “The latest batch of T-Seals we ordered were chosen for the lead time matching our testing timeline and previous stellar results. The seals were designed around our fixed metalwork dimensions. We were very impressed by the performance of these seals… I would highly recommend Hi-Tech Seals for their outstanding products, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to deliver quality products quickly.” — Jim Crowley, CEng, Pet. Eng, Director at Rockatek

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Hydraulic Seals and Pneumatic Seals

Client Web3 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:25:27 +0000

Hydraulic seals and pneumatic seals are precision-engineered components used in cylinder systems in static and dynamic applications. They are designed to prevent leakage, protect internal components, and maintain system pressure. Their role is crucial to maintain the efficiency and performance of the system, while extending the cylinder’s life cycle. Hi-Tech Seals provides an extensive selection of rod seals and piston seals for single-acting and double-acting systems. They are available in numerous materials and lip configurations to suit different pressures, temperatures, media, and application requirements.

Main Functions

1.) Prevent Leakage – These sealing components maintain internal pressure and prevent media leakage by creating pressure barriers between moving parts. Piston seals prevent pressurized media from bypassing to the opposite side of the chamber, while rod seals stop internal media from escaping the cylinder as the rod extends and retracts. They can adapt to withstand different pressures demanded in the application. When system pressure presses onto the elastomer, it causes the elastomer to expand, conforming to the surfaces being sealed, providing a tighter seal. Back-up rings can help support the elastomer to withstand high pressures by keeping the elastomer in place and preventing it from entering the clearance gap. 2.) Prevent Contamination – Wipers, in particular, act as a barrier to keep dirt and debris out of the cylinder, preventing external contaminants from entering the system and protecting internal components.

Common Seals for Hydraulic and Pneumatic Cylinders

O-Rings O-Rings grooves allow the O-Ring to be squeezed diametrically out-of-round even before the pressure is applied. The distortion of the O-Rings is a resilient elastic compound that fills the leakage path, thus creating a seal.

Wipers Wipers prohibit contaminants from entering the cylinder and damaging the internal seals and components. They scrape the system’s surface when it moves, eliminating any debris or elements that may have gathered. They can also act as a secondary rod seal.

Loaded U-Cups Loaded U-Cups are primarily used for dynamic reciprocating applications. They are an excellent seal in low pressure piston or rod applications. The loading lip forces increases as the system pressure increases, automatically compensating for the higher pressure while maintaining a positive seal. Unloaded U-Cups and Homogenous U-Cups are available as style options.

Wear Rings Wear rings help keep the piston and rod centered and prevent metal-to-metal contact between components. This allows for even distribution of pressures to limit the chances of damaging the components and seals.

Piston Rings Piston rings’ main function is to form a seal between the cylinder rod and piston, preventing lubricants and gases from leaking. They also support the movement of the piston by maintaining the pressure within the cylinder.

Buffer Seals Buffer Seals are commonly used in combination with another rod or piston seal, typically a U-cup style seal. Buffer seals in rod applications are designed to absorb pressure fluctuations when working under high-load conditions, which increases the lifespan of a rod seal.

Machined Seals Machined seals provide users with custom sealing solutions to precisely fit their specific requirements. Rapid Seal is Hi-Tech Seals’ in-house elastomer and plastic machining service. Our sealing specialists are able to quickly design and manufacture new, replacement, and prototype components. Customers have the option to select from standard pre-programmed profiles or collaborate with our team to design a precision-machined sealing solution.

Seal Kits Seal kits provide customers with seal replacements to help them stay organized, increase installation efficiency, and simplify the ordering process for cylinder maintenance.

Conclusion

These seals play a critical role in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder performance. Proper seal selection, considering environmental exposure and operating conditions, supports improved cylinder integrity, reliability, and long-term performance. Connect with our sealing specialists to find the right solution for a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder application.

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Understanding O-Ring Extrusion Failure

Client Web3 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:20:12 +0000

O-rings are among the most widely used sealing solutions in industrial applications due to their simplicity, cost-efficiency, and ease of installation. However, O-rings can experience failure in various ways. One of the most common O-ring failures is extrusion. What is O-Ring Extrusion Failure? Extrusion occurs when the elastomer is forced into the clearance gap between mating components under high pressure. This causes the material to become visibly nibbled, chipped, or ragged, leaving the O-ring looking tattered, while also negatively affecting the elastomer’s sealing performance. Causes of Extrusion Contributing factors to extrusion include:

Excessive pressure
Excessive clearances
Excessive gland fill
Low modulus or hardness elastomer
Irregular clearance gaps
Sharp gland edges
Improper sizing

The relationship between fluid pressure, clearance, and durometer is expressed visually in the graph below. Common Preventions There are numerous ways to prevent extrusion from occurring. One solution is reducing the clearance gap between the mating components. A reduced clearance gap gives little to no room for the elastomer to extrude. Precision machining can help achieve this tight tolerance. Proper gland dimensions and correct O-ring sizing are critical, with consideration of gland fill. Gland fill is the percentage of the gland (groove) volume occupied by the compressed O-ring. The gland fill of the installed O-ring should not exceed 85% to allow space for compression, volume swell, and thermal expansion of the O-ring. If gland fill is too high, the O-ring occupies excessive space within the groove, leading to over compression and an increased risk of extrusion. If gland fill is too low, the O-ring may not compress adequately, resulting in an ineffective seal. Using elastomer materials with a higher hardness durometer helps minimize the risk of extrusion. Harder elastomers are less malleable under high operating pressures, making them less prone to extrusion. In contrast, softer elastomers deform more easily and are more susceptible to being forced into clearance gaps. Back-Up Rings or sometimes called anti-extrusion rings are an effective way to prevent elastomers from extruding into clearance gaps. These are thin rings made of hard durometer elastomers or hard plastic materials such as KasPex™ PEEK, PTFE, and nylon. Once in place these rings will provide essentially zero clearance. They support the elastomer by increasing its ability to withstand high pressures. A single backup ring is sufficient for one-directional pressure, whereas when pressure is bi-directional, backup rings are recommended on both sides of the O-ring. Conclusion Extrusion is preventable when following the correct measures. By understanding these solutions, it will significantly reduce the probability of encountering an O-ring extrusion failure. If O-Ring extrusion failure occurs, reach out today for support in identifying and preventing this and other O-Ring failures.

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Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum (April 15-16, 2026)

Client Web3 — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:25:27 +0000

Visit us at the Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum and explore our high-performance seals and precision components that enhance equipment life and performance across Saskatchewan’s mining sectors, including potash, uranium, coal, and industrial and critical minerals.

Event Details:

Type: Mining Industry Date: April 15-16, 2026 Location: Prairieland Park, 503 Ruth St W, Saskatoon SK S7M 0G9 Registration: Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum – 2026

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Improved Engine Performance with Double Lip Oil Seals

Client Web3 — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:11:24 +0000

Reviewed by Brian Benkendorf In automotive engineering, every component plays a critical role in ensuring vehicle performance and reliability. This case study outlines how Hi-Tech Seals provided an effective solution to Formule ETS’ issue with elastomer seals that could not withstand the operational demands of their machinery. Customer Profile     The customer is Formule ETS, a team of engineering students from the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal. For over 36 years, Formule ETS has been designing and building racing prototypes with a performance-focused approach. Their prototypes have been recognized internationally as complex and accomplished vehicles, and the team itself as forward-thinking that pushes the limits of performance to a professional standard. They compete internationally every year at FSAE and Formula Student competitions. Application    The sealing ring is located between the rotor and the motor housing of their new electric prototype platform. The seal isolates the lubricant used in the transmission from the internal components of the motor. This vehicle model required a more rigorous design and manufacturing process to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency. The Challenge Formule ETS’ challenge was to look for seals capable of withstanding the high temperatures and speeds that were demanded by their electric race car. Previously used elastomers degraded under these operating conditions. Hi-Tech Seals’ Solution    We collaborated closely with Formule ETS to identify the right sealing solution. During this process, we found that the properties of the elastomer seals they were using did not meet the performance requirements of the vehicle, which led to premature degradation. We supplied them with Double Lip Oil Seals made from specialized materials with properties needed to withstand the vehicle’s high temperatures and speeds. A double lip oil seal is a rotary shaft seal with two sealing lips oriented in opposite directions along a rotating shaft. The primary lip faces inward to retain lubricant within the housing under continuous shaft rotation. The secondary lip faces outward as an excluder, preventing contaminants such as dust, moisture, and debris from reaching the bearing and internal components. In the Formule ETS engine, a double lip oil seal combined with a specialized high‑temperature resistant elastomer retained lubricant and increased sealing integrity under sustained high‑speed rotation and thermal cycling. The Results    Formule ETS received the Double Lip Oil Seals and delivered impressive results. This contributed significantly to the overall increase in speed and the success of the engine’s development.

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CIM Connect (May 3-6, 2026)

Client Web3 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:39:47 +0000

Visit us at CIM Connect and learn how we deliver superior seals and components that enhance equipment life and performance while promoting precision engineering and durability to exceed expectations in the mining sector.

Event Details:

Type: Mining & Exploration Industry Date: May 3-6, 2026 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver BC V6C 0C3 Booth: 504 Registration: CIM Connect – 2026

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Offshore Technology Conference (May 4-7, 2026)

Client Web3 — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:51:26 +0000

We’re back at the Offshore Technology Conference to showcase the latest sealing solutions and high-performance components, including elastomer, carbide, urethane, and ceramic parts, as well as custom oilfield solutions designed to withstand demanding oil and gas environments.

Event Details:

Type: Oil & Gas Industry Date: May 4-7, 2026 Location: NRG Park, Interwood North Pkwy, Houston, TX 77032 Booth: 1610 Registration: Offshore Technology Conference – 2026

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Peace Region Energy Show (May 13-14, 2026)

Client Web3 — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:58:28 +0000

Meet with our team at the Peace Region Energy Show and learn about our innovative seals and components designed for demanding oil and gas applications across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Event Details:

Type: Oil & Gas Date: May 13-14, 2026 Location: Evergreen Park, 55051 Township Road 710, County of Grande Prairie 1 AB T0H Booth: 1005 Registration: Peace Region Energy Show – 2026

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