Critical Point Dryer Bonded Seals

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From left to right:
E3100-049A Large bonded seal for E3100 door
E3000-049B small bonded seal for E3100 and E3000 window
E3000-045 window O ring for E3100 and E3000

231004110 cork end plate seal for E3100
(smaller E3000-044 cork end plate seals needed for E3000)

All models of E3000 and E3100 are fitted with nitrile bonded seals. Nitrile is a good general material in terms of its ability to withstand attack by solvents, such as ethanol. However, if acetone is used as the transition fluid then the E.P.D.M seals have been found to be more resistant to chemical attack by that solvent.

In our experience the main reason for short seal life is insufficient removal of the transition fluid during the critical point drying process (i.e. flushing with liquid carbon dioxide is not aggressive enough or duration of flushing is too short). This can result in residual amounts of transition fluid being left in the chamber, which can attack and break down the plasticizer element of the nitrile compound. This can result in hardening of the seal and subsequent leakage. Generally it is the window seal, rather than the door seal, that is more likely to be effected. This is because the door seal generally has more direct exposure to atmosphere and therefore any residual transition fluid can more readily evaporate.