Improved high-performance material for gas-lubricated seals

Kyocera is launching StarCeram N3000 P, an optimised high-performance silicon nitride material that delivers clear advantages for use in gas-lubricated mechanical seals and bearing elements. This technical ceramic is developed for applications subject to high mechanical and thermal loads, making it ideal for use in extreme operating conditions.

Thanks to its excellent material composition, the material ensures reliable sealing with even pressure distribution and minimal leakage, even under high stresses. The extremely high wear and thermal shock resistance enables long-lasting, stable operation even under changing temperature conditions.

Gas-lubricated mechanical seals are employed in systems where rotating components need to be sealed permanently and without media – often at high temperatures, pressures and speeds. Typical areas of application include high-performance pumps, compressors, turbines and systems for water treatment, in the chemical industry or oil and gas extraction.

The requirements for materials employed in mechanical seals are correspondingly high: besides high dimensional stability, thermal shock resistance and low abrasion, a low-porosity microstructure is especially important. This is the only way to achieve gas-carrying structures, such as sealing grooves with minimal leakage and maximum running smoothness.

The new material meets these requirements at the highest level and stands for the following properties:

• High bending strength even at high temperatures
• Outstanding fracture toughness and wear resistance
• Low density
• High thermal shock resistance
• Electrical insulation properties – crucial for applications in vacuum technology
• Very fine, almost pore-free structure

The excellent material quality with extremely low porosity allows particularly precise and damage-free laser processing, for example, for the integration of gas-conducting grooves or special surface structures. It is up to the customer to decide whether the gas-conducting structures are incorporated by them or directly by the company. For this purpose, it utilises highly advanced laser systems that allow different microstructures, such as recesses or grooves, for flexible and reproducible implementation.

As an experienced manufacturer of technical ceramics, the company not only supplies the material but also offers comprehensive technical support and the development of customer-specific components.