Liquid Injection Sealing: A New Sealing Approach

Liquid injection sealing (LIS) is an innovative sealing technique for the formation of static seals. Where hitherto preformed elastomer gaskets or prior to assembly wet applied sealants are used, LIS can contribute interesting advantages: It combines features both of liquid and preformed gaskets and can be applied within an automated process.

Outstanding characteristics are first of all functionality of the sealant and secondly the application process. The sealant itself functions as an expansive sealant. Filling the channel and adapting to all mating surfaces, it forms a seamless seal that fits all assemblies. The seal pressure is generated by thermal expansion and predefined swelling by specific fluids. The second issue is connected to the application methodology: the process allows real-time quality control since injection pressure and volume are monitored. A deviation in sealant volume or in pressure progression reliably indicates faulty components early in the assembly process.

This paper briefly compares LIS with other sealing techniques with the main focus on the outstanding features and properties of LIS. The main aim is to discuss in detail performance and process advantages of LIS. Furthermore, potential application fields will be examined in the course of the discussion.