Machinery that operates in marine environments faces high humidity, corrosion, temperature extremes, and nearly continual motion. Assemblies in this equipment need hardworking seals that keep moisture and minerals out of closed systems or internal components. Master Packing & Rubber Company develops watertight seals that create a reliable barrier in a wide range of temperatures, pressure levels, and harsh environmental conditions. Learn more about the unique hazards facing marine equipment and machines, and how MPRC’s seals for marine industry applications can protect them.
The Relentless Adversary: Challenges of the Marine Environment
Marine environments are rough on machinery. In addition to operating reliably, engines, tanks, hydraulic hoists, and other equipment must be designed to handle some of the most extreme and unrelenting environmental conditions on the planet. Many materials simply can’t withstand constant exposure to brine and temperature changes, especially in sealing applications that require compression resistance or flexibility. At MPRC, we develop specialty seals for marine applications that address challenges like:
- Abrasion. Saltwater is abrasive on its own, but so is dirt and sand from the surrounding environment. Abrasive substances erode material from seal surfaces. Even ice can erode delicate seals over time.
- Biofouling. Saltwater contains a variety of organic material and living organisms. Over time, algae, barnacles, organism waste, and other biomaterials break down seals and may penetrate machinery.
- Corrosion. Corrosive salts and minerals damage both metals and many conventional sealing materials. Corrosion can break down components, contributing to leaks, contamination, and equipment failure.
- Dynamic Seals. Sealing components in machinery that shakes, vibrates, or has moving assemblies can break down from excessive wear and friction.
- High Pressure Levels. Submersible equipment or permanent undersea constructions need to withstand extremely high pressure. Seals in particular need to resist huge amounts of force that would otherwise push seawater inside. Even the smallest gap can be catastrophic.
- Temperature Extremes. Different marine locations see wildly different temperatures, from hot, tropical temperatures to freezing cold in the Arctic. Even the same location can see significant temperature shifts from season to season. Seals made from unsuitable materials will expand and contract in shifting temperatures, crack, or become brittle.
- UV Radiation. Sunlight can break down polymer-based seals by making the material brittle or fragile. Both above-water and partially submerged seals are vulnerable.
MPRC Products: Your Watertight Solution for Marine Challenges
High-quality marine assemblies need long-lasting seals that remain viable in all marine environmental challenges, not just some of them. At Master Packing & Rubber Company, we work with specialty materials to create standard and custom seal solutions that keep equipment safe from seawater and the elements.
We continuously test new materials to find potential improvements and state-of-the-art sealing innovations, including our proprietary Multi-Polymer Rubber Compound (MPRC) material. All of our high-performance polymers stand strong against marine challenges and feature:
- Abrasion and Erosion Resistance. Our high-performance polymer blends can withstand high-velocity water and abrasive particles.
- Corrosion Resistance. Our seals do not react with brine and seawater. The polymer materials can also resist damage from hydrocarbons and other industrial chemicals.
- Wide Temperature Compatibility. We create seals that perform consistently across a range of temperatures for use in different climates and seasons.
- Pressure Resistance. We develop and test our seals for marine environments to guarantee they withstand high hydrostatic pressures for long periods of time. This is key for offshore assemblies, submersibles, subsea equipment, and more.
- Resistance to Damage from Organisms. MPRC Products are not damaged by biofouling, so small organisms and sea growth won’t contribute to seal failure.
- UV Resistance. MPRC Products can withstand continuous exposure to ozone and UV radiation in extreme outdoor environments.
Each of our sealing solutions is developed for resilience and a long service life, which means equipment can perform more reliably without leaks and seal failures. This in turn boosts uptime and operational efficiency.
Our material experts can also develop custom seals that offer properties like increased hardness, specific chemical compatibility, flexibility, resistance across a full pH range of 0-14, or other requirements.
Applications Across the Marine Industry
MPRC serves a variety of marine and maritime industries with hardworking sealing solutions for critical applications. Some examples include:
- Oceangoing Vessels
- Brownwater Vessels (Tug Boats, Tractor)
- Barge Rebuilders (Fuel/Crude Oil)
Marine Seals From MPRC
MPRC is a trusted provider of standard and custom gaskets, rings, and seals for marine environments. Our company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and AAR M-1003 certified. Since 1982, we have continually refined our material options and product solutions to meet the evolving needs of marine and subsea applications. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities, or request a quote to start your order.