Product category:
Couplings, Seals, Gaskets
News Release from: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions | Subject: Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 October 2007
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions keeps it
ultra clean
The unique, newly developed Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions offers the ultimate in cleanliness for a spring-energised PTFE based seal
Maintaining an ultra clean environment is the primary priority in some processing systems such as the manufacture of food, beverage, pharmaceuticals and fabrication of semiconductors The enclosed spring of the Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean eliminates dead space and the consequential risk of contamination
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 3 Dec 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Specifically in semiconductor manufacture, it is proven to solve the problem of ion extractables in wafer processes.
Variseal is commonly used in processing systems.
One of the main reasons for this is that Turcon, the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions proprietary PTFE based material, offers compatibility with virtually all chemical media.
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It also has superior wear resistance, unrivalled friction characteristics and can withstand extreme operating temperatures.
PTFE, though, has no elasticity, which means that Turcon Variseal is energized with a spring fitted into the seal profile.
In most applications the open spring of the standard Turcon Variseal is acceptable.
However, in some industries, where cleanliness is paramount, the area of dead space around the spring where bacteria can potentially be caught can pose a risk of contamination.
Specifically in semiconductor fabrication there is the possibility of metal extractables entering the system.
These can migrate into the wafer and cause short circuits, which alter the optical or electrical properties of a semiconductor.
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions recognized the need to offer an enclosed Turcon Variseal design.
Considerable research and development work has resulted in the Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean.
In this unique design, the spring required to activate the seal is fully enclosed within a Turcon case.
This for manufacturers of food, beverage and pharmaceutical products ensures there is no dead space within the seal, guaranteeing that bacteria cannot accumulate, avoiding the risk of contamination.
Numerous tests were undertaken to establish the best material for the Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean.
This proved to be Turcon MF, a material which has been specially engineered for super clean environments.
Based on ultra clean technology, Turcon MF compounds are produced from high purity PTFE grades and additives.
Their smooth finish, with high gloss and low porosity, avoids the risk of contamination build up and reduces particle shedding.
It also withstands high pressures and has a vacuum capability of 10e-9 mbar x l/s in air.
Specifically to semiconductor manufacture tests show that Turcon MF compounds have extremely low ion extractables.
Test samples of Turcon MF1 were immersed in ultra-pure de-ionised (UPDI) water at a temperature of 85C /185F for a duration of one week.
According to SEMI standard F57-0301 the leach out of 20 of the most hostile cations was measured.
In terms of parts per billion (ppb), Turcon MF1 demonstrated a leach out of 80% less than that of a standard perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) material.
"Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean is a revolutionary seal," says Stuart Moares, Product Manager for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Bridgwater, where the seal was developed.
"We know that it will provide real benefits to processing companies globally.
It offers the ultimate in cleanability and cleanliness for a spring-energized PTFE based seal and solves the problem of ion extractables from seals contaminating wafer processes".
Features and benefits of Turcon Variseal Ultra-Clean:.
* Operates in extreme temperatures from -253C/ -423F to 260C / 500F.
* Withstands high pressures in excess of 100 bar (1450 psi).
* Excellent wear and friction characteristics.
* Compatible with virtually all chemicals such as aggressive CIP fluids and superheated steam up to 260C / 500F.
* Unrivalled cleanability in super clean processing environments.
* Materials available compliant to FDA 21 CFR 177.1550, 3-A, USP Class VI, Cytotoxicity
* Suitable for piston, rod, face, rotary, reciprocating and static situations.
* Fits into standard O-Ring and Variseal grooves for easy retro fitment.
* Can be cleaned and packed to class 100 standards.
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