Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Garlock France Sas

Commissariat &#xc0; L'&#xc9;nergie Atomique Et Aux &#xc9;nergies Alternatives

Philippe Caplain

Christian Rouaud

Patrick Le Gallo

Michel Lefrancois

Jean-François Juliaa

Jean-Marie Gentzbittel

Richard Levoy

Fabienne Le Guyadec

Laurent Mirabel

Laurence Reinert

Damien Hudry

Hervé Fuzellier

A sealing joint comprises, compressed between two parts, a stack of flexible strips separated by offset supports (); an envelop () surrounds this structure () and ensures its sealing. Under compression, the strips distort around the supports becoming very stiff for little distortion. Thus, we can rightly be wary of the consequences regarding the relief of strain on the material, notably at high temperatures.

Sealing joint with laminated internal structure for very high temperatures

The seal can be used at high temperature. It is composed of a central flexible graphite core () maintained in its shape by two metal cups () that do not touch. It is all surrounded by a tight sheath () enabling the flexible core () to be maintained in a neutral atmosphere such as a partial vacuum or a neutral gas.

Flexible graphite sealing joint with metal jacket for high temperature

Elastic metal gasket with offset projecting parts

This invention relates to a sealing O-ring of the composite metallic type with a metallic torus-shaped hollow central body (31), and at least one metallic sheet (32) surrounding this metallic body. The central body (31) is composed of a sequence forming a spiral spring with an overlap and laid out along the circumferences of meridian circles of the torus, forming a spiral spring being side by side but not touching each other.

Composite metallic type seal with spiral springs, and manufacturing

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul Trois Chateaux, France

Philippe Caplain