PFAS regulations are changing, quickly. All around the world. For seal manufacturers, this presents a major challenge. It’s not as simple as making a like for like swap to another material. The new material may mean other parts of the seal assembly may also need to be changed to maintain the performance and compliance requirements.
At Clifford Springs we work with many of the world’s major seal manufacturers. We understand that your reputation relies on the efficiency and reliability of your seals, often in challenging conditions. This is why we’re having the conversations now. As well as listening to the implications that the regulations are having on our clients, we are staying informed, so we can be ready to work with you and help you maintain your reputations and share in the marketplace.
Tightening Regulations
PFAS materials have been perfect for sealing applications because of their exception durability, chemical resistance, low friction and thermal stability.
However, concerns about PFAS substances have been growing for many years. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down, and as global understanding of their negative impact on the environment, and human health, has grown, so have the calls to ban them.
Various restrictions are coming in via relevant bodies across the world. They’re expected to be implemented as early as 2026 in the EU, with the US, Canada, Australia and other jurisdictions following suit in their own time.
Seal Performance Challenges
As previously stated, a straight materials swap is unlikely to be an option for most seal manufacturers. Differing mechanical and thermal properties in different materials make it impossible to simply replicate seal performance from one material to another.
Key challenges include:
Maintaining proper contact and load.
The force profile of energising springs may need to be rebalanced to work effectively with softer or more elastic jacket materials.
Chemical Stability and Degradation
Less chemically stable materials may degrade more quickly under pressure. The reliance on the energising spring to maintain seal integrity will increase over time.
Friction. Movement and Thermal Expansion
Changes in coefficient of friction or stiffness may affect how the seal moves, reacts to pressure cycling, or copes with thermal expansion.
The Role of Spring Design
Getting the right energising spring design will become so much more important because it will have an even greater impact on the seal performance.
Rather than becoming obsolete, energising springs will become even more important for effective performance of PFAS free seals in demanding environments.
Whilst the materials landscape might change, the core function of the energising spring will stay the same:
- Apply and maintain a consistent radial or axial force
- Compensate for changes in pressure, temperature or material wear
- Support both static and dynamic sealing applications.
Getting Ready for Change
At Clifford Springs we’re obviously watching the PFAS story unfold whilst helping customers with their own responses.
We’re part of several trade bodies and technical working groups taking part in the PFAS conversations. Like our customers, we’re staying close to emerging trends, research and compliance requirements.
We have decades of experience in designing springs for challenging environments, working with a variety of exotic alloys and PEEK® as well as traditional stainless steels. We understand the interaction between spring properties and seal materials, and how to adapt when materials change, so we continue to advise on best approaches.
We’ve always taken a bespoke approach, so responding to this new challenge will be no different. We will collaborate with you on your designs to help ensure the spring inside your seal performs to maximum efficiency.
For any seal developments, not just PFAS related, we recommend:
- Start early – the more time you have, the opportunity there is to explore different options for tailoring the spring to the new material and sealing profile. Being able to make design tweaks early on will save major performance issues further down the line.
- Test together – we are happy to work with you to develop prototypes for testing and trial runs. The more you can test performance under expected load, pressure or thermal cycles, the more confident you can be.
- Keep communicating – regulations are still evolving. Keeping on top of what’s current, working together and keeping us in the loop around what you need will all help to secure the most successful outcome for you.
When it comes to a major change like this, we know that it’s so much more than a compliance issue. You need to be confident about your seals’ performance and future proofing – you’ve got a reputation to maintain. Your clients are expecting you to deliver sealing systems that work, no matter what’s going on with material regulations. And we’re always here for you to ensure that the energising spring inside will continue to do its job reliably, efficiently and safely.