A pharmaceutical manufacturer in Hørsholm/Copenhagen producing freeze-dried allergy vaccines required a sealing solution capable of maintaining integrity at –200°C during long-duration static freezing cycles.
Multiple elastomers (FPM, NBR, EPDM, VMQ) had been trialled but consistently failed due to brittleness, loss of elasticity, and inability to hold compression at cryogenic temperatures.
The Solution
Vulcan Seals supplied FEP-encapsulated spring-energised Cryo-Ring™ seals, incorporating:
– A fluoropolymer encapsulation suitable for temperatures down to –250°C for FEP and designed for cryogenic flexibility
– A 302 stainless steel spiral-wound energising spring that maintains sealing load even as materials contract at extreme temperatures
Compared with solid polymer rings, Cryo-Ring™ seals:
– Hold consistent compression due to the internal spring
– Avoid cold-flow deformation, a known issue with solid polymer constructions
– Provide reliable long-term sealing in fully static conditions at ultra-low temperatures
The Result
– Significantly increased sealing reliability versus elastomer and solid-ring alternatives
– Stable sealing force maintained throughout full freezing cycles
– Enhanced assurance in product integrity for vaccine freeze-drying processes
– Performance fully aligned with Cryo-Ring™ temperature capability (–250°C) as detailed in technical literature