Diaphragm seal


A diaphragm seal is a flexible membrane that seals and isolates an enclosure. The flexible nature of this seal allows pressure effects to cross the barrier but not the material being contained.
Common uses for diaphragm seals are to protect pressure sensors from the fluid whose pressure is being measured.

Materials

Since diaphragm seals need to be highly flexible, elastomers are commonly used, and include a wide variety of both general purpose and speciality rubbers. Elastomers are limited to low pressure applications and those that are chemically compatible with the various plastics and rubbers used.
Metal diaphragms of stainless steel, Carpenter 20, Hastelloy, Monel, Inconel, tantalum, titanium and several other metals are in common use where high pressure ratings and specific chemical compatibility are required. Flanged assemblies or flush welded versions are available.
Depending on the PSI levels of the sealing application, the diaphragm may require fabric reinforcement. Typically, PSI under 5 does not require fabric reinforcement. A PSI between 5 and 10 is application dependent. Anything above 10 almost always needs fabric reinforcement.

Applications

Diaphragm seals are also used to protect a process fluid from the pressure sensor. Examples of this use are:
Diaphragm seals are susceptible to failure via several mechanisms, including cracking. Ozone cracking can occur in many elastomers for example used in pneumatic systems. If the gas contaminates the air supply, then many rubber diaphragms are at risk from the problem.