GUIDE TO SELECTING MATERIALS FOR WATERPROOFING
Sealing is the ability of a system or material to prevent the ingress or egress of fluids, gases or particles. It is significant in sectors such as automotive, medical, electronics, construction, and food, where it ensures safety, efficiency and durability.
Key Applications by Industry
Automotive: Prevents leakage of essential fluids such as oil or fuel.
Medicine: Ensures that medical devices are free of contamination.
Electronics: Protects against moisture and dust, prolonging service life.
Construction: Prevents water seepage, maintaining the integrity of buildings.
Food and Pharmaceuticals: Maintains product quality and safety during storage and transport.
Before choosing materials, it is essential to carry out a leak test. This process detects leaks by applying pressure to systems such as pipes or tanks. It ensures safety and efficiency, and prevents further leakage. fluid losses, environmental damage and health risks.
1 Leak Tests
Common Leak Test Methods:
1.-Test with Water
Fill the system with water and apply pressure. Ideal for leaks in systems containing liquids.
2.-Air Test
Use air for systems where water is problematic, such as those handling gases.
3.-Pressure Test
Measures the pressure inside the system to detect leakage, useful in hard-to-reach places.
Steps to Perform Tightness Tests:
1.-Preparation of the system: Cleaning and tightening of connections.
2.-Selection of the Fluid: Water, air or other suitable fluid.
3.-Fluid introduction: Complete filling and sealing of the system
4.-Application of Pressure: Use of specialised equipment for monitoring.
5.-Pressure Monitoring: Observation of variations in meters.
6.-Evaluation of Results: Identification and repair of leakage.
7.-Documentation: Recording of procedures, results and corrective actions
2 Selection of Sealing Materials: Key Factors
- Climatic conditions: Select materials resistant to local conditions, such as silicone sealants for high UV exposure.
- Operating Conditions: Consider temperature and pressure.
- Chemical compatibility: Avoid reactions with fluids or gases.
- Durability: Assess long-term resistance and need for maintenance.
- Costs: Balancing quality, durability and budget.
3 Choice of Materials: According to type and properties
There are different types of materials and their characteristics. In order to choose the right material, it is necessary to carry out the above steps and to know all the alternatives that exist.
To find out more about these, we offer you a very complete guide with tables that will help you choose the best sealing product.
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