Heat exchanger flange joints—on shell-and-tube, plate, or engine oil coolers—are a dynamic environment. They must absolutely seal two separate media (e.g., oil and coolant, or water and steam) while enduring massive, continuous thermal cycling, high internal pressure, and potential corrosion from the media. A leak in a heat exchanger is catastrophic, leading to media cross-contamination (e.g., oil in the coolant), rapid system failure, and expensive downtime.
Don’t let thermal stress or dissimilar metals break down your critical exchange points.
INCURE HeatGrip™ 508 Flexible Anaerobic Flange Sealant for Aluminum
Heat exchangers frequently feature dissimilar metals (e.g., aluminum housings with steel end caps) that expand and contract at different rates, requiring a flexible seal. While the HeatGrip™ 503 is rigid, the INCURE HeatGrip™ 508 is ideal because it provides the necessary flexibility, is formulated for compatibility with passive metals like aluminum, and accommodates the constant flange movement caused by temperature swings.
| Feature & Benefit | Technical Insight for Heat Exchanger Flanges | Conversion Value |
| Excellent Flexibility | Cures to a tough, elastic seal that absorbs continuous thermal cycling and accommodates the different expansion rates of flange materials. | End the Flex Failure: Get a seal that moves with the heat exchanger, ensuring integrity during warm-up and cool-down cycles. |
| Aluminum Compatibility | Specifically formulated to cure reliably and safely on passive metals like aluminum, common in heat exchanger housings, often without requiring an activator. | Protect the System: Ensure the sealant works safely on all common heat exchanger metals, minimizing the risk of corrosion. |
| Superior Fluid Immunity | High chemical resistance ensures the seal is unaffected by hot engine oil, coolants, glycols, and other industrial heat transfer fluids. | Contamination Control: Trust a barrier that won’t break down or allow cross-contamination between media. |
| Easy Disassembly | Designed for strong, pressure-tight sealing yet allows for non-destructive part separation, simplifying future cleaning or inspection of the core. | Service Smarter: Seals tightly now, and permits easy removal for maintenance without damaging the metal flanges. |
Application Steps: Sealing Heat Exchanger Flanges for Permanent Integrity
Preparation (Critical Cleaning): Thoroughly clean both flange faces—remove all previous gasket material, residue, and traces of fluid (oil, coolant, etc.). Use a degreasing solvent (like acetone or industrial cleaner) and wipe until the metal surfaces are perfectly dry. Cleanliness is vital, especially on dissimilar metals.
Application: Apply a continuous, thin bead of HeatGrip™ 508 onto one flange face, circling all bolt holes. Use a roller or spreader to create a uniform, thin film across the entire mating surface.
Assembly: Immediately mate the two components (within 5 minutes). Torque the bolts incrementally to the manufacturer’s specified pattern and value to ensure even clamping pressure.
Curing Time (Mandatory): Allow a full 24 hours for the sealant to achieve its final strength and full chemical resistance before introducing fluids and subjecting the heat exchanger to operational temperatures and pressure.
Stop risking cross-contamination and maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your heat transfer equipment.