Sealants for Cryogenic Applications

[RikkiJacobs]

Good morning,

We are looking for a sealant to use with nitrogen at -196 degC for our side channel blowers working at 500mbar. Does anyone know of any such sealant which is suitable? Preferably silicone like to accommodate for expansion.

Thank you

 

[iainuts]

Generally, you want to seal things with gaskets or seals intended for the purpose. However, I have used automotive grade silicone for low pressure cryogenic use where the mating parts are firmly bolted together, such as with metal cases, and it's been fine. I'm guessing that's very similar to what you have. If there is any gap between the parts larger than a few thousandths of an inch however, I'd suggest using a proper gasket material.

I've also tried non-hardening Permatex which I would NOT recommend (it leaked).

 

[jedward]

some silicones remain resilient to about -130C and probably would serve as seals
RTV 566 and some by Nusil will meed this type of application

if the gap is small consider Indium seals, they remain compliant at LN temperatures if designed corectly