Spring-Energized Seals: Types, Materials, and Selection Guide

Introduction
In industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, and semiconductor manufacturing, standard rubber seals often fail under extreme temperatures, high pressures, or aggressive chemicals. Spring-energized seals are engineered to solve these challenges. By combining a high-performance polymer jacket with a metallic spring, they deliver reliable sealing where conventional elastomers cannot.

What Are Spring-Energized Seals?
A spring-energized seal consists of a U-shaped or V-shaped polymer jacket (usually PTFE, PEEK, or UHMWPE) that encapsulates a metal spring. The jacket provides chemical inertness and low friction, while the spring supplies constant radial force to compensate for wear, thermal expansion, and material cold flow.

How They Work
When installed in a groove, the spring compresses against the jacket, creating an initial sealing force even at low pressure. As system pressure increases, the jacket is energized further, enhancing the seal. This design ensures reliable sealing from vacuum to high pressure, and across a wide temperature range.

Common Types of Spring-Energized Seals

Material Selection

Spring Materials

• 304 / 316 Stainless Steel: General purpose, good corrosion resistance.

• Elgiloy®: High fatigue strength, excellent for dynamic applications.

• Hastelloy®: For extremely corrosive environments.

Key Selection Criteria

• Pressure: Choose jacket material and spring type based on operating pressure (vacuum to 350 MPa).

• Temperature: Verify continuous and peak temperatures. PTFE jackets are ideal for extreme temperatures.

• Media: Ensure compatibility with the fluid or gas being sealed.

• Speed: For rotary applications, consider low-friction materials like PTFE.

• Hardware: Match seal dimensions to groove and bore tolerances.

Why Choose Forever Seals?
At Forever Seals, we manufacture custom spring-energized seals to meet your specific application requirements. With over 17 years of experience, we offer:

• A wide range of jacket materials: PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE.

• Spring options: 304/316 SS, Elgiloy®, Hastelloy®.

• Custom sizes and designs based on your drawings.

• Factory-direct pricing and fast delivery.

Whether you need a single prototype or mass production, our engineering team is ready to support you.

Get a Quote
If you have any requirements, please send us your specifications (size, material, quantity, application). We will provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.